4th Bass and 4th Tenor Lay Clerks at Westminster Cathedral
Key information
Closing date: 12pm, Monday 2 June 2025
£9,619.83 per year
Part-time, 4.9 hours per week average (regular Sunday work takes up 3.75 hours per week)
Permanent Contract
Based in London, SW1P
First Round Interviews: In person, w/c 16 June 2025
Second Round Interviews: In person, w/c 23 June 2025
Now Recruiting: 4th Tenor and 4th Bass Lay Clerks
4th Tenor Job Description 2025
Westminster Cathedral is seeking to appoint two outstanding singers to the roles of 4th Tenor and 4th Bass Lay Clerks. These part-time roles offer the opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most highly regarded cathedral choirs, singing alongside the professional Lay Clerks and the boy choristers of Westminster Cathedral Choir School.
Please specify whether you are applying for the 4th Tenor or 4th Bass position at the beginning of your supporting statement on the application form.
If you are a Bass, please specify whether you would like to be considered for the regular Bass Lay Clerk position in your supporting statement.
About the Role
Westminster Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales and the seat of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. Its choir is internationally recognised for musical excellence and is one of only three professional choral foundations in London, alongside Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Cathedral Choir sings daily liturgies and is known for its concerts, recordings, and broadcasts. Eight full-time Lay Clerks (two countertenors, three tenors, and three basses) sing alongside the choristers. The 4th Tenor and 4th Bass Lay Clerks support this team for Sunday Masses, obligatory and semi-obligatory services, and are also invited to sing at special services, concerts, and recordings, which are paid additionally. Deputising arrangements are supported by a substantial approved deputy list.
What You’ll Bring
We are looking for exceptional choral singers who will uphold and enrich the Cathedral’s distinctive musical tradition. You should have:
- Excellent vocal technique and sight-reading ability
- A high level of professionalism and reliability
- Experience singing in a comparable liturgical or choral setting
- Respect for the mission and values of Westminster Cathedral
While it is not a requirement to be a practising Roman Catholic, all members of our music department are expected to uphold the values of dignity, respect, and service that are central to the life and worship of the Cathedral. We welcome applications from individuals of all faith backgrounds who are committed to contributing positively to our shared mission.
Additional details
The salary for this role is currently £9,619.83, which is reviewed annually. Special services, broadcasts, concerts, tours and recordings are subject to additional fees. The salary and terms permit for certain services to be livestreamed.
The 4th Tenor and 4th Bass also have first refusal on all deputising work that becomes available from the Tenor and Bass Lay Clerks, for which there is a separate fee schedule. This extra work can be quite substantial if it is desired.
Overtime accrues in blocks of 15 minutes wherever a service, event or session needs to be extended.
Holiday is taken outside of term-times. Term-times are as follows:
- The first Sunday of September until Christmas Day, with a six-day break in October
- The vigil of Epiphany* until Easter Day
- The Thursday following Low Sunday until the Sunday after the final Sunday of the chorister term (usually the 2nd or 3rd Sunday in July)
*when Epiphany or its transferal falls on a Sunday, then term begins on the Sunday.
It is accepted that you will undertake additional paid work or employment for other employers or organisations.
In the case of a national event taking place in Westminster Cathedral at short notice, you may be asked to return from overseas venues and, if necessary, curtail other work engagements. In the event of travel expenses being incurred, these will be reimbursed.
Our Values
At the Diocese of Westminster, we are guided by the principles of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love. We aim to be a place where people flourish, and where music, ministry, and community service go hand in hand.
Application details
Our people are incredibly important to us, and we value and respect diversity in all its forms (seen and unseen). We particularly welcome applications from those from Black and Asian backgrounds, as well as candidates with disabilities and from the communities in which we work. We would like to increase representation of these groups among our staff as we know greater diversity will lead to an even greater impact for our work.
To be considered for the role, please complete an online application. CVs will NOT be considered, therefore, please do not send them. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please note that you will need to be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position. You must provide proof of Right to Work in the UK. We reserve the right to remove the vacancy before closing date.
Anyone wishing to discuss the post with the Master of Music, Simon Johnson, should contact the Music Administrator, William Waine: musicadmin@rcdow.org.uk