Organ Scholarships
The Down, Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Scheme helps provide and equip organists for public worship. It was established in 1990 when an anonymous benefactor, recognising the importance of the ministry of music in parish life and worship, provided a very generous endowment to train organists in these dioceses. A trust was set up and administered by Church of Ireland Trustees Board of Management.
The Dioceses of Down & Dromore and Connor Organ Scholarship Scheme 2026 will open for applications on a date to be announced.
The aims of any Organ Scholarship scheme are to provide training in organ playing, choir accompaniment, choral direction and vocal techniques and secondly experience a wide variety of liturgical music.
The study of music fosters concentration, discipline and confidence. Music-making promotes good mental health, feelings of self-esteem and the knowledge that we are contributing something of beauty and value to society.
Among the benefits of the scheme are free fortnightly lessons for the three-year duration of the scheme along with the development of practical skills including hymn playing, choral training and performance of organ repertoire.
Organ Scholarships
If you would like further information about the scholarship scheme and future events, please email the Honorary Secretary at: downdromoreconnororganinfo@gmail.com
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Event
The Dioceses of Down and Dromore and Connor will celebrate their Organ Scholars at the Annual Awards Service of Choral Evensong on Sunday 28 September at 6.30pm in St John’s Malone.
The occasion is an opportunity to mark the achievements of those leaving the scheme after three years of study and to welcome new scholars to the scheme.
The guest preacher will be Canon Ronnie Nesbitt, Rector of Bangor Abbey. The choir of St John’s Malone will sing the service directed by Richard Campbell.
You are warmly invited to attend.