Lay Clerk and Choir Librarian

Clare College invites applications for the role of Lay Clerk and Choir Librarian. This will on a 12 month fixed term basis commencing in late September 2026.

Open to all voice parts, the Clare College Lay Clerkship involves singing in the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge (directed by Graham Ross, Director of Music) for 3 services per week during full term (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday), with a rehearsal on Wednesday evening and occasional additional services when required. These include two or three Compline services per term, plus special services such as Ash Wednesday Vigil, Vigil for All Souls' Day, Advent Carol Services etc (on average 8 hours of rehearsals and liturgical services each week during full term). Responsibilities of the Choir Librarian include distributing individual copies of music on a regular basis to Choir pigeonholes and returning music after services to the Chapel library.

Clare College is the second oldest of the 31 Colleges in the University of Cambridge. Regarded as one of the most progressive and informal, Clare is renowned as a College that achieves academically at the highest levels, whilst also being welcoming, forward thinking, and inclusive.

Located in the heart of Cambridge city centre, the College is extraordinarily beautiful and famed for its gardens on "the Backs" (the famous backs of the Colleges that overlook the River Cam). Our gardens are widely renowned as some of the best in Cambridge and are valued by all members of the College, as well as our guests. Clare's Old Court, a Grade I listed building, is the centre of the College and is unique among the ancient Cambridge Colleges in having maintained its architectural integrity over the course of its history.

Salary and Benefits

The Lay Clerk annual salary will be £4,000 with an additional £1,000 p.a. for the Choir Librarian element. Please note, the Choir Librarian payment may be divided equally if the role is shared by two people.

The post holder will receive all the benefits of a Choral Scholarship at Clare, including free singing lessons with one of the College's singing teachers; free travel for concerts, recordings, broadcasts and foreign tours; and free Dinner in Hall on Sundays after Evensong.

The Application Process

Please find attached below the job description, which contains further details and information potential applicants need to read before applying.

Candidates must submit the following to before 9 am on Thursday 30th April 2026:

• covering letter
• details of two referees
• CV

In addition, candidates must submit to (Mr Graham Ross, Director of Music, Clare College) before 9am on Thursday 30th April 2026:

• a recent recorded video performance of a piece of the candidate's choice that lasts no longer than 5 minutes. This piece should be for voice and piano, or unaccompanied voice, and need not be recorded on specialist video equipment - a phone camera would suffice so long as audio quality is high. The recording should be sent in the highest possible resolution, using either a WeTransfer or Dropbox link.

Auditions for short listed candidates will take place in person in Clare College on Thursday 14th May 2026 with the Director of Music, Graham Ross. Short listed candidates will be given the opportunity to perform a second piece of their choice lasting no longer than 5 minutes (an accompanist will be provided - candidates should bring a score for them to perform from), and will be given aural and sight reading tests.