Children choirs that pay music scholarship and more

[Londonbabyland]

By accident, discovered that in our local children choir (kids from Y3, London) once the child is accepted as a full choir member (after audition and trial sessions) they receive a few £k/term. Of course it's a large commitment with regular attendance and participation over holidays and it seems the financial reward is common. Also heard a school in South East paying 70k to choristers (11+, don't know the details). How does one search for those children choirs, especially those so financially rewarding? DD wants to join one and we are flexible location wise long term.

Sounds entirely unlikely to me. You get Choral Scholars who get a small stipend at University to sing in the local Cathedral, but your average choir is not a money making organisation. The idea that they could spaff £70k on a singer sounds preposterous.

I'm willing to be corrected though...

https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/uk-schools/advice/choir-schools-explained

Mostly it's a discount. A few are full rides like Chets, but I think that's through the Music and Dance Scheme https://www.gov.uk/music-dance-scheme

It's very competitive.

@TheStickWaver Apparently it exists (hence, wanting to find out more) though as Lanva mentioned it's likely after a very rigorous selection. Our local one pays £ because not all kids go to independent school (and choir is a church-run one as opposed to a school run).

@Lanva thank you for the links. It's amazing that such options are available through schools/CAT's. I wonder if theres a separate program for independent choirs i.e. if the choir isn't associated with a school but is, say part of a church or a group of institutions (in which case it's possibly well funded).

I don't know, but it doesn't seem very likely. What would the financial model be?

If she's interested in singing at a competitive standard, take her to a National Youth Choir big sing and get advice. https://www.nationalyouthchoir.org.uk/listing/category/national-youth-choir-sing

@Lanva perhaps if they are funded by a corporation/foundation/trust and also receive funding from productions/events? (speculating on business model here)
Thank you for the recommendation, will sign up.

There are many churches and cathedrals that take young choristers. Some are affiliated to the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music). I'm not sure if this is what you're referring to?
The choristers receive free singing lessons, vocal technique, and music theory lessons, note reading, basic harmony. If affiliated to RSCM they may use the 'Voice for Life' scheme, progressing through bronze, silver and gold awards; or perhaps the ABRSM music theory grades. Often they receive a termly payment (though, in my experience it's usually well below £1K a year), as well as going on tour with their choir - often abroad.

For the young person, this can open up a number of opportunities - there are many scholarships available to progress, including scholarships to cathedral schools offering a large discount on fees and additional bursaries.

If your DD is keen to join an auditioned choir, I would advise arranging some individual lessons first to build confidence.

https://www.rscm.org.uk/

www.rscm.org.uk/our-resources/guidance-information/choral-scholarships/

Our son had a discount/busery in school fees at a cathedral independent school as a choirister. No way near £70 though.

It was lots of work! Lots!