Lincoln Cathedral Choir Association

How to Become a Chorister

There has been a choir singing in Lincoln Cathedral for over 900 years, and this long tradition is carried on today by the new boys and girls who join the choir. Children wishing to be considered for choristerships at Lincoln are given an assessment of their musical potential and vocal qualities at the regular Voice Trials that are scheduled each year.

Once accepted, they become "probationers" and begin their training programme. This involves both individual singing lessons and choir practices most days both before and after school. Probationers attend most Cathedral services as part of the choir, although they do not initially join in with the singing until the Director of Music deems they have reached the appropriate standard.

It usually takes about three school terms for a probationer to be ready to be admitted as a full chorister, which happens at a special ceremony during Saturday Evensong. All choristers at Lincoln Cathedral also attend Lincoln Minster School, and they automatically receive bursaries which cover a substantial part of the school fees. Additional financial assistance is also available from the Choir Schools Association which operates a means tested bursary scheme.

Some choristers are boarders, others are day pupils. The Choir Matron is on hand to look after the choristers when they are in the Cathedral.

The School and Cathedral are essentially part of the same complex of interconnected buildings, and choristers enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of a friendly, close-knit community in which they work hard, and have great fun.

If you would like to find out more about attending a Voice Trial, please contact the headmistress of Lincoln Minster Preparatory School, Mrs Karen Maltby

Telephone 01522  523769

The Girls singing during the Lincoln Christmas Market