Job Description: Organ Apprenticeship at St John the Divine Church, Kennington (2025/26)
Position: Organ Apprentice (SATB)
Location: St John the Divine Church, Kennington SW9 6JA
Term: September 2025 - July 2026
Duration: 39 weeks (school term time)
● Weekly Hours: 8 hours
o Tuesdays: 3:15–5:15 pm
o Wednesdays: 3:15–6:30 pm
o Sundays: 9:00–11:45 am
Stipend: £4,000/year (paid in termly instalments of £1,333.34)
Application Process: To apply, please submit a CV and any available recordings by midnight on 10th of July. Shortlisting will take place 11th of July, and interviews and auditions will be scheduled the 16th of July.
About Us: St John the Divine Church, Kennington, is pleased to invite applications for Organ Apprenticeship positions for the 2025/2026 academic year. We are seeking a young organist between the ages of 18 and 26 who may be a student, gap year participant, graduate, or early-career musician. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to enhance their liturgical playing, choral leadership, and educational experience in a supportive and enriching environment.
This is an exciting year for the organ at St John the Divine, as we continue our Organ Project and begin to install our first-rate four manual Mander organ from St John’s College, Cambridge, due to be completed next year.
We are a diverse church of many backgrounds that boasts one of the finest church music programmes in London. Alongside the high-quality voluntary Adult Choir of approximately 30 members, the Youth Choirs are attended by over 80 children. They consist of the Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs (ages 6-11), and the Consort (Ages 11-18). Further details can be found on our website.
Responsibilities:
● Regular Commitments:
o Tuesdays: Safeguarding assistance and Boys’ Choir rehearsal from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM
o Wednesdays: Safeguarding assistance, Girls’ Choir & Consort rehearsal from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
o Sundays: Rehearsals and services from 9:00 AM to 11:45AM
o As Scheduled: Occasional safeguarding assistance & chaperoning Tuesday and Wednesday 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM in lieu of practice hours
o As Scheduled: Assistance with leading up to four workshops and recruitment assemblies per term in local schools in consultation with the Director of Music
Leadership Roles:
o Serve as a leading member of the musical community during Sunday services.
o Perform as an organist in accompaniment and voluntaries.
o Assist with rehearsals, lead warm-ups, theory teaching, and assistance in coaching children through our Keyboard Scheme.
o Develop basic conducting skills and direct portions of rehearsals and services.
o Safeguarding assistance duties can include joining the chaperoning team to walk choristers from our partnered schools to the church hall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as overseeing choristers during rehearsals and downtime in the church & church hall.
● Occasional Services and Concerts: Additional services are specified in Appendix A, for which attendance is also expected. For additional services not listed, a surplus fee is provided. One of the most anticipated events of the year is the annual July residential for the Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs at St John’s College, Cambridge. There can be opportunities to participate in and take a leading role in this enriching experience.
● Additional Performance Opportunities: Organ Apprentices may also have the chance to perform at weddings and funerals, with additional fees provided for these events.
Expectations:
● Attendance: This role allows for up to 4 individual absences per term (equivalent to 1 full week per term, covering 3 rehearsals + 1 service)
● Absences: Any planned absences must be agreed upon in advance with the Director of Music and registered with the Music Department Coordinator.
Qualifications:
● A passion for music and a desire to contribute to the church’s Youth Music
Mission.
● Strong technical ability as an early-career organist.
● An enthusiasm for accompanying choirs in a liturgical context.
● Willingness to engage in educational activities and to develop teaching skills.
Contact Information: For further details or to submit your application, please contact the Director of Music, Joe Tobin directorofmusic@sjdk.org, or the Music Department Coordinator, Anna Cooper, music@sjdk.org.
St John the Divine Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to a successful enhanced DBS check.
