After the war Bernard's chief appointment was Fellow and Organist of Magdalen College, Oxford where he is remembered as a colourful, single-minded choirmaster who achieved unrivalled standards: his first organ scholar was comedian Dudley Moore. It is said that he turned the college choir into a first class fighting machine, becoming one of Britain's outstanding choir trainers. During his time there, he achieved the distinction of being the President of the Royal College of Organists. He composed "Rose's Responses", part of the service of Evensong and inspired by the sound of Magdalen's bells chiming the hour. He also rewrote the regimental march “The Sharpshooter”.
Dr Bernard Rose died on 21 November 1986; the eve of St Cecilia’s Day.