There exist significant opportunities for personal and musical development for an organ scholar at St Mary's, in terms of solo performance, accompanying, choir training and direction, within a traditional Anglican Church music environment.

Martin Shaw was organist at St Mary's from 1909 to 1920, before moving to St Martin-in-the-Fields; his brother Geoffrey succeeded him, occupying the post at St Mary's until 1930. The Shaws' contribution to the furtherance of church music stretched beyond St Mary's into the wider Anglican Communion through their scholarship, compositions and teaching.

With Percy Dearmer they were central figures in the development The English Hymnal, The Oxford Book of Carols and Songs of Praise - and both composed fine hymn tunes still widely used to this day. In commemorating them through this organ scholarship it is hoped that the spirit and quality of their pioneering work in church music at St Mary's during the beginning of the last century may live on in our own century.

Purpose of Job

The Parish of St Mary's, Primrose Hill, intends to appoint an Organ Scholar for two years (including a 6 month probationary period) from 1 September 2006. The appointment may be renewed at the discretion of the Vicar and PCC, upon the recommendation of the Organist and Choirmaster, for a further year, but not beyond that. The scholar is to participate in, and further develop, its musical life in accordance with the traditions of St Mary's and under the direction of the Organist and Choirmaster.

Focus of Work

The duties of the Scholar will be agreed each year with the Vicar, Churchwardens, Organist and Choirmaster, and Assistant Organist & Choirmaster. These may vary according to the age, gifts and musical talents of the scholar. In general, the scholar is to:

1. be a third member of the Music Team, sharing in the planning and organisation of the musical life of the church;
2. attend planning meetings and choir practices (some of which may take place on midweek evenings) as the Organist shall determine;
3. accompany the Choir at rehearsals and services as directed by the Organist;
4. be involved in the training and direction of the Junior Choir, which currently rehearses before the Sunday Parish Eucharist, and midweek after school;
5. develop our existing strong links with St Paul's CE Primary School and with other local schools, in partnership with our clergy and fulltime Youth worker.

In addition, the scholar may act as music librarian, and sing in the choir when not required to play the organ.