Job Purpose

To serve as the principal keyboard musician for the University, responsible for all aspects of organ playing, providing world-class organ accompaniment for chapel services, graduation ceremonies, and public recitals. The post-holder accompanies the Chapel Choir, and acts as a custodian of the university's pipe organs and a mentor to student organ scholars. The Organist would also provide occasional support for the Director of Chapel Music, as the need arises and upon reasonable notice.

The University Organist must apply flexibility in relation to working patterns, within the contracted hours for the role, recognising that events may not be evenly distributed across the academic year.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Play for a range of regular and ad-hoc services and ceremonial events including but not limited to Chapel Services, Choral Recitals, Graduations, Commemoration Day and University Memorial Services.

2. Act as the primary accompanist for the University Chapel Choir, working closely with the Director of Chapel Music to prepare complex choral repertoire.

3. Organise, promote and perform in a regular series of public organ recitals to further civic engagement and promote the university’s musical profile.

4. Assist with the promotion of the organ and choral scholarships, and with the Director of Chapel Music, support the recruitment and audition processes.

5. Supervise and tutor the University Organ Scholars, providing tuition and guidance and coordinating their playing schedule.

6. Occasionally assist academic subject areas with demonstrations relating to organ history, construction and repertoire. This includes an annual workshop with composition students.

7. Report issues relating to the tuning and mechanical condition of the university organs to Estates and Student & Academic Services Leadership Team, to ensure the engagement of external organ contractors and support routine maintenance processes.

8. Work flexibly and proactively with the Chaplaincy Team and Director of Chapel Music to ensure the delivery and promotion of an annual calendar of services and events.

9. Contribute to the university’s musical tradition through professional engagement with students, staff, alumni, donors, and the local community. Occasional external engagement may be required., including domestic and international touring with the Chapel Choir.

10. Ensure strict adherence to university safeguarding policies and observance of copyright laws e.g. for sheet music and live streaming.

11. To liaise with Commercial Services in relation to wedding services taking place in the University Chapel (with these services subject to a separate fee).

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications  

Essential: 

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4) in Music, or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 A diploma in organ performance (e.g. RCO) or equivalent demonstrable experience.

A3 Proven record as a skilled soloist and choral accompanist with proficiency in solo organ literature from Baroque to contemporary commissions.

A4 Knowledge of organ mechanics and pipe maintenance with the ability to identify and troubleshoot minor issues.

Desirable:

B1 Further relevant professional qualification e.g. Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists or postgraduate study.

B2 An active interest in the study, interpretation, and continued relevance of organ and church music within a historic academic institution.

B3 An interest in pursuing academic projects (e.g. research or composition, or in reconstituting forgotten repertories in performance).

Skills 

Essential: 

C1 High level of proficiency in improvisation, sight-reading, score-reading and transposition.

C2 Demonstrable skill in writing and arranging for organ.

C3 Strong organisation and events management skills.

C4 Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build relationships across teams, influence and negotiate effectively.

Experience 

Essential: 

E1 Significant liturgical organ-playing experience.

E2 Demonstrable experience of programming diverse, high quality and engaging organ recitals.

E3 Experience of providing tuition and guiding professional development for early career musicians.

E4 Experience of concert programming or outreach work.

E5 Experience of working collaboratively in a complex setting.

Desirable:

F1 Experience working within a Higher Education/Chaplaincy setting.

F2 Experience of taking choir rehearsals/choral conducting, writing and arranging for organ and choir, and an understanding of good vocal practice.

F3 Experience of working with historic instruments.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum pro rata.

This post is part-time (28 hours per week), and open ended.

Closing date: 23:45 3rd August 2026

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.