Become a Chorister
“I owe my entire career to my experience as a chorister. It was where I learnt to perform, where I learnt to use the full range of my voice; where I learnt to listen, where I learnt to write comedy, where I learnt to carry a pencil at all times – but most importantly it was where I learnt the wonderful truth that something exceptional, something as beautiful as anything anywhere, can be created just by you and your friends.”
Alexander Armstrong, presenter and comedian
​The choristers are the children (boys and girls P5-S2) who sing the top part in the choir's music, and generally perform up to five times per week during term-time with the adults of the choir, the choral scholars and lay clerks, plus rehearsals.
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Choristers attend St Mary's Music School - which is very near to the Cathedral - where they have the opportunity to learn up to two instruments in addition to their singing, and receive expert musical tuition alongside their peers.
Becoming a chorister is a unique and life-changing experience for any child who loves music and singing.​​ Choristers not only learn how to sing, listen, and read music; from a young age, they develop a sense of teamwork, improve their confidence, work on their language skills, and learn to produce results to deadlines.
Choristers have the chance to sing in one of Scotland's great cathedrals, at world-famous concert venues on international tours, live on radio and television broadcasts, and on CDs and film projects (such as The Lost King).​
What it's like & How to contact us
"I love being a chorister. The feeling when you walk into the Cathedral is incredible and everyone is so friendly. It’s a great experience."
Jake, chorister
St Mary’s Cathedral encourages children with an interest in singing to apply for a chorister place.
We are looking for children with potential, not perfection. Boys and girls typically audition for the Choir during their P3 or P4 year at school (Years 3 or 4 in the English system). We look for a clear voice, good ear, and an enthusiasm for singing.
If successful, a chorister place is offered at St Mary’s Music School, with the Cathedral paying 33% of the school fees, with further discretionary help provided if necessary. Choristerships are offered purely on musical grounds, to children of all backgrounds. In particular, financial means should not be a barrier to any successful application being taken forward. In some instances, more substantial support in the form of an Aided Place may also be available. Attendance at St Mary's School is a necessary part of being a Cathedral Chorister.​
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​For more details about the chorister programme, please email music@cathedral.net. Or for a prospectus and application form for St Mary’s Music School, please visit www.st-marys-music-school.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)131 538 7766. We also hold regular Be a Chorister Afternoons, which give children and parents a sample of what is involved. Have a look on our Events page for any upcoming afternoons, or contact St Mary's Music School to be put on the mailing list for these.