Vocal and choral music
Our department is renowned for the strength of its singing culture, with teaching and ensembles run by leading professionals in the field.
There are opportunities for performance and coaching in styles from Renaissance consort music through to contemporary musical theatre, and many York graduates have gone on to careers as professional singers at the highest level.
You will receive a comprehensive programme of support during your performance studies, including individual lessons, performance classes and masterclasses from visiting professionals, as well as workshops covering topics such as stagecraft and performance anxiety.
There are many choirs and ensembles at the University and you will have further opportunities to sing at churches and non-church choirs in the town. You can also join the Opera Society, Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Central Hall Music Society, each of which put on performances throughout the year. The University choirs include:
- The 24: Advanced choral singing with intriguing programming – collaborations with I Fagiolini
- University Choir: 250-strong ensemble for large-scale works with orchestra
- Vox: Student-run close harmony ensemble
- Zamar Gospel Choir
What is going on chorally at York is having a real impact on the business. The University of York is turning out wonderful singers, both as soloists and consort members.
David Clegg, Choral Manager, The Gabreli Consort/ORA Choir
Student vocalists are supported throughout their undergraduate study by Robert Hollingworth, a professional singer and conductor with over 30 years of international experience.
Postgraduate taught students are supported by Robert Hollingworth and Susan Young. Susan is a professional singer with a wealth of knowledge and experience teaching in a variety of settings.
Scholarships
There are several opportunities for paid singing work in York including York Minster’s well-paid Minster Scholarships for altos, tenors and basses, and St Wilfrid Church's scholarships for female and male undergraduate and postgraduate students. Leeds Cathedral Choir choral scholarships are open to students too.
The School has its own choral scholarships for two awards of £1,000 per undergraduate student year (six in all), available to Music students only.