INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARENTS

Founded in 1970, the Schola Cantorum is a national institution which takes students each year from all corners of the country. To date, the Schola Cantorum has a marvellous record of success in competition such as the Dublin Feis Ceoil. Associated Board examinations are pursued with excellent results up to and including Diploma standard. Students from outside the Mullingar catchment area are accommodated Monday to Friday with host families who live in close proximity to the college and who also have sons/daughters attending school here. This arrangement has worked very well over the past twelve years since the closure of the Boarding school here.

We are looking for natural musical talent in the prospective candidate: a good ear, an aptitude for keyboard if possible, general flair and a love of music as manifested in playing or singing. Please note that student’s age or date of birth is not taken into account for entry to The Schola Cantorum.

At the Schola Cantorum we offer two types of scholarship as is outlined below.

1. Full Schola Cantorum Church Music Scholarships

A full scholarship is offered to students who display excellent musicianship at their audition, with a particularly high level of competence at the keyboard. A substantial accommodation grant (currently €3,000 per annum), together with all aspects of music tuition are entirely covered in the full music scholarship. Students will receive individual tuition in piano and organ, together with specialised training in theory, choral work and liturgical music. Schola students are exempt from taking History and Geography for the Junior Cycle; this allows for individual music tuition and specialist music training to take place during the school day. Students are expected to practice regularly on their chosen instruments (at least one hour per instrument per day). Students of The Schola Cantorum are expected to participate fully in concerts and liturgical celebrations as outlined by the Director. Students should also participate in a broader musical education by attending concerts, recitals, workshops etc. The scholarship will be renewed each year subject to the following conditions:

- that the financial support given by The Irish Hierarchy continues

- that the Department of Education and Skills continue to support this project as heretofore

- that the Director is happy that sufficient progress has been made in his/her musical studies during the course of the year

2. Associate Schola Places

Associate places are awarded to local candidates who display considerable musical potential at audition. Associate students will automatically receive a place in the mainstream school. These candidates will be monitored closely in the mainstream school and may qualify for a Schola scholarship place at a future stage. Associated Schola students will be expected to pursue music as a subject to Junior and Leaving Certificate and will also be expected to fully participate in our school choirs, orchestra and instrumental ensembles, as appropriate. Associate places do not include any bursary or financial assistance in terms of instrumental tuition.

Online Preliminary Auditions will take place over the coming weeks. Final auditions for Full Scholarship places will take place in May 2023.

Please feel free to contact the Director, Mr Lillis, at any stage if you require any further details.

More information on The Schola Cantorum is available on the school website, www.scholacantorum.ie

How to apply for a Church Music Scholarship for September 2023

Any candidates interested in applying for a Music scholarship should apply directly online or contact the Director of Schola Cantorum for further information.

Interested students for September 2023 are invited to attend St. Finian's College Open Weekend which takes place on 7th/8th October 2022.

1. Complete an online Schola Cantorum student application form, currently available from www.scholacantorum.ie (closing date for receipt of application is Friday 4th November 2022).

Remember, you must also complete an Application for 1^st year which is returned to the school office.

2. Submit digital recordings of two pieces, at least one piece being on the piano, together with a recording of a song. These must be sent as attachments and emailed to schola@stfinianscollege.ie by 4pm Friday 4th November 2022.