Five Year Programme
Choristers follow a rewarding five year programme. The Probationary year (see below) is entirely optional, but is a great introduction to the routines and disciplines of singing in a world-class Choir.
Singing and Instrumental Lessons, together with Theory lessons and a certain amount of practice, all happen during the school day. Click here to learn more about a typical weekly timetable.
Probationer Choristers |
Optional year for Primary 4 (age 7-8) pupils |
As an introduction to Chorister life, Probationers attend their local Primary/Prep School but come to the Cathedral for Tuesday Singing Club and sing at Thursday’s Choral Eucharist. |
Year 1 |
Primary 5 (age 8-9) |
From P5 all Choristers attend St Mary’s Music School (see Weekly Routine). In the first term a P5 pupil has a fairly light singing timetable. There is additional support with sight-singing, aural and theory. |
Year 2 |
Primary 6 (age 9-10) |
The second year brings new challenges and plenty of new repertoire. |
Year 3 |
Primary 7 (age 10-11) |
Transition week in May allows a taster of what’s in store for Choristers moving into the Senior School. |
Year 4 |
Senior 1 (age 11-12) |
A Chorister’s Senior years are the most rewarding part of their time with us. Chorister pupils usually take up an additional instrument and/or piano. |
Year 5 |
Senior 2 (age 12-13) |
Our most senior singers, S2 Choristers are given important responsibilities and roles. This year is a wonderful culmination of five years of hard work. See also ‘Moving on’. |