Application

SCHOLA CANTORUM APPLICATIONS

The Schola Cantorum operates as a miniature music conservatoire within St. Finian’s College, Mullingar, the diocesan college of Meath. Instituted in 1970 by the Irish Hierarchy, its purpose is to provide a specialised music education for girls and boys in conjunction with their normal secondary school studies.

Each year candidates from all over Ireland compete for one of the four new places available. Students taken in the Schola Cantorum receive full secondary education with special training in Organ, Piano, Choral work, Composition and a second instrument. Each year the school timetable is so arranged that all these musical activities can be pursued without prejudice to the regular school subjects. At the end of their secondary school course, scholarship students are therefore free to choose whatever career they wish.

Scholarships to the Schola Cantorum are very valuable prizes and entitle recipients to 5 years free specialised music tuition. The award also entitles girls and boys from outside of the Mullingar catchment area to accommodation grants where the student will reside with a host family (Monday-Friday) beside the college. Normally, 5-year scholarships are awarded to students commencing secondary education, though older students are also sometimes accepted.

To date the Schola Cantorum has a marvellous record of success in competitions such as the Dublin Feis Ceoil and the RTÉ Young Musician of the Future. Associated Board examinations are pursued with excellent results up to and including Diploma standard. Past students continue to distinguish themselves in the music world, many achieving honours music degrees at University, several combining careers in teaching/lecturing and church music, others pursuing advanced instrumental studies in Europe.

APPLICATION FORM

Download the Application form Schola Application Form or complete the Online Application Form .

Any candidates interested in applying for a Music scholarship should apply directly online or contact the Director for further information. See information on the Auditions menu.

Online Preliminary Auditions for 2023/24 academic year will take place in late October 2022.   Digital recordings of Pieces/Songs should be emailed to the Director by 4pm on Friday 4th November.  Recordings should be emailed to: schola@stfinianscollege.ie.   Final Auditions will take place in May 2023.

Interested students for September 2023 are invited to attend the St Finian’s College Open Weekend which takes place on 7th/8th October; more information is available on our website www.stfinianscollege.ie.  Applications received after this date can make an appointment to visit the College through contacting the Director.