Organist in Residence

Organist in Residence

September 2023

Radley College is a prestigious all boys, all boarding school situated 5 miles south of Oxford and only a 45-minute train journey from London. Music is at the heart of the school and the practical experience of music, both as performer and audience, is central. 

We are looking for an excellent graduate organist to join our thriving music department. As well as sharing the accompaniment of Chapel services with the Succentor and Organ Scholar, this role provides the opportunity to play a key role in further developing the College’s ambitious organ programme for students at Radley and the local area, in collaboration with the Royal College of Organists. It is expected that the Organist in Residence will also be actively involved in the choristership scheme, as well as more broadly in choral music at Radley. There is significant further scope to take on responsibility in the wider life of the busy music department, whether conducting, coaching chamber ensembles, accompanying, or support of academic music lessons.

A new three-manual mechanical action organ was installed by Nicholson & Co. in Spring/Summer 2021. Following this, the College has developed an ambitious organ programme for students at Radley and from an increasingly wide area, in collaboration with the Royal College of Organists; the successful candidate would be expected to play a significant part in these developments.

The successful applicant will be a first-rate organist (of at least ARCO standard or equivalent), with experience of working with choirs and (ideally) choristers. Whilst this is a full-time role, working hours will be flexible, and will include evenings and weekends. Previous post-holders have particularly taken advantage of the proximity of a busy musical life in Oxford to continue to develop their performance and conducting experience, whilst others are now leading school music departments.

The current salary is £17,500 pa with accommodation and free meals during term time. This does not take into account the annual salary review taking place over the summer. 

Further details, including an application form, are on the school’s website: www.radley.org.uk. Closing date for applications is 12 noon, Friday 14 April.   

Radley College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.