Louis Moss has received a scholarship to play at Jesus College, becoming the youngest ever Oxford organist.

A 12-year-old schoolboy has become the youngest person ever to play the organ for an Oxford University college. Louis Moss first began playing the piano at the age of six, and only recently tried his hand at the organ. He has now been awarded a scholarship to play at Jesus College, where he will perform hymns for services in the spring. Moss is believed to be one of only 750 young people learning to play the organ in the United Kingdom.

“It is great to play such an amazing instrument,” Moss said. “I am looking forward to improving further through my scholarship at Jesus College.”

Organ players occupy an important role in Oxford’s musical community – in some colleges, they direct the music in chapel, and in others assist professional directors. Players develop skills in choral accompanying, direction, and administration, and many have gone on to become celebrated musicians.

“We are delighted to have Louis with us,” said Jesus College principal, Sir Nigel Shadbolt. “By starting a young music scholarship scheme here – the first of its kind in an Oxford or Cambridge college – we are creating more opportunities to connect local state schools with Jesus College through music”.

Run in conjunction with the Young Organ Scholars’ Trust, the scholarship scheme hopes to encourage more young people in the UK to learn the organ.