Caius normally has two Organ Scholars who play a vital role in the flourishing activities of Caius Choir, accompanying and playing solo pieces for the regular services, broadcasts, concerts and recordings. As with Choral Awards, Organ Awards can only be held in conjunction with an academic place at the College.

For more information about Organ Awards at Caius please view our 2025 Organ Awards brochure.

Eben Eyres- Peter Walker Organ Scholar (playing the organ) and Jack van den Heuvel - Wilfird Holland Organ Scholar

The Organ Scholars take a leading role in the college music society (GCMS), often conducting a large scale choral and orchestral work at the termly concerts. They also get the opportunity to conduct the college choir from time to time. In addition to accompanying the choir, Organ Scholars are encouraged to develop their solo playing to the highest standards. To that end, they are given free regular tuition in both repertoire and improvisation.

Facilities and Finances

The Chapel organ is a modern tracker instrument built in 1981 by Johannes Klais of Bonn. It is a versatile three–manual instrument, containing a few ranks from the previous Walker organ. The College has a new model B Steinway concert grand, and a two–manual harpsichord by Mackinnon & Waitzman, after Danzelague of 1711. We have recently signed a contract for a new instrument by Frobenius to replace our current organ, this will be constructed during 2027/8.

The Organ Scholars at Caius live rent free in the central part of College for three years, they are both provided with a piano in their room. In addition to the £450 scholarship, Organ Scholars receive free organ and singing lessons, and a financial subsidy is available for the purchase of organ music. Tutorial grants are available to those wishing to undertake organ courses both in the UK and abroad, and financial assistance is also given to those taking external qualifications (e.g. RCO diplomas).

Some background

Organ Scholarships at Gonville & Caius College were established at the end of the nineteenth century, following the arrival of Charles Wood as ‘Organist Scholar’ in 1889. Since then a large number of cathedral and church organists have learnt their trade at the College, including John Sanders (formerly at Gloucester Cathedral), Martin Neary (formerly at Winchester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey), and James Thomas (formerly at St Edmundsbury Cathedral), and most have proceeded to pursue a musical career in one field or another. Amongst recent graduates, all have found professional work as musicians, in jobs such as working as a repetiteur, conducting an early–music group, school teaching, and freelance organ and continuo playing.

Some organ scholars spend a gap year in a Cathedral environment before coming up. Others have preferred to take up a Cathedral scholarship after graduating. The Director of Studies in Music is Jeremy Summerly and the composer Professor Robin Holloway is also a Fellow.

Appointments can be made at any time of the year to visit Caius and talk to Director of Music, Matthew Martin