For children with a love of singing, there can be few more rewarding experiences than being a Chorister at Canterbury Cathedral.

For more information about this unique and life-changing experience, you can read our Chorister Information booklet (PDF), see our Join the Choir page and contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme.

The Cathedral Choir includes 12 adult singers who sing the alto, tenor and bass voice parts. These positions are held by a mixture of permanent professional singers (Lay Clerks), and early career singers (Choral Scholars).  

Lay Clerk positions are advertised from time to time on our Vacancies page.

The Cathedral maintains a list of Deputy Lay Clerks who are available to sing in the Choir in the event that a Lay Clerk or Choral Scholar is absent. Deputy Lay Clerks are generally singers with extensive professional experience. If you are interested in joining the list as an alto, tenor or bass, please contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme.

Our Choral Scholars ordinarily spend a year living together in shared accommodation within the Precincts and working at the Cathedral, during which time they hone their vocal and musical skills and experience.

Positions are advertised annually in the Spring Term and are open to altos, tenors and basses. Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme.

The Cathedral offers an opportunity each year to an organist who is at an early stage in their career. The Organ Scholar lives in shared accommodation with the Choral Scholars (see above), plays the organ at services on a regular basis, and gains invaluable experience of all aspects of the Cathedral’s musical life.

The Organ Scholar position is advertised annually in September. Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme, for an informal discussion about the role.