ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in a music-related field; DMA/FAGO-level organ playing, with commensurate choral training skills and experience.
HIERARCHY: Reports to the Director of Music; ultimately reports to the Pastor.
SALARY: $60,000-80,000, commensurate with experience; generous benefit package including health insurance, dental insurance, group life insurance, and retirement fund contribution.

SUMMARY

Located in the heart of bustling Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA, Saint Paul’s church has been a beacon of traditional Catholic liturgy and worship for over a century. Renowned for its superb acoustics, the church frequently  hosts concerts by such famed groups as the Tallis Scholars, Stile Antico, and the Vienna Boys Choir. The parish is home to Saint  Paul’s Choir School, a day school educating boys in grades 3 to 8 and the only all-boys Catholic choir  school in the USA. SPCS provides world-class academic and musical education to the 20 boy Choristers  who sing in the Saint Paul’s Choir, the premier Catholic choir of men and boys in the country, as well as Pre-Choristers (Choristers in training), and Music Scholars (boys with changing voices). The choirs sing daily Masses and undertake regular concert performances, recordings, broadcasts, and tours.  

Repertoire is drawn from the finest Catholic liturgical traditions including Gregorian chant, hymnody,  Renaissance Masses and motets, and from the Anglican choral tradition. The Choir has recently produced  three highly successful commercial recordings, distributed via Universal, Sony Classical, and Sophia, with the goal of further projects. St. Paul’s Catholic Community (which includes the parish, the Choir School, and the Harvard Catholic Center) recently launched a multi million dollar capital campaign, a portion of which will be devoted to the significant needs of the main organ in the church and to our choral foundation. The community is home to other fine instruments, including an 1855 George Stevens chamber organ in the  church and several practice organs and a Steinway grand piano in the Choir School. The Boston area also possesses some of the finest instruments in the country, and Saint Paul’s enjoys a close  working relationship with Harvard University.

The position of Associate Director of Music, with responsibilities divided between the Parish and the  Choir School, requires an exceptional organist and choral director who can provide outstanding liturgical  organ playing (including choral and congregational accompaniment, organ works, and improvisations);  train the Pre-Choristers and Music Scholars; recruit, train, and direct the Parish Choir (formed of excellent adult volunteers with four paid section leaders), teach music theory, share in the  administrative workload of the department, and teach private organ lessons to certain pupils. The Associate Director of Music will also collaborate with the Director of Music and private piano and voice instructors to develop and implement a world-class music curriculum. Ample time is set aside for organ practice. Some flexibility can be granted to accommodate a recital career and other complementary performance activities.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

●    Accompany the Choristers in choral Mass at Noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and  Fridays, at Choral Vespers on Thursdays.
●    Accompany the full Choir on Sundays at 11:00 AM, and for all concerts, broadcasts, tours, special  services, and recordings.
●    Rehearse and/or direct the Choir in the absence of the Director of Music.
●    Recruit, train, and direct the Parish Choir at Mass on Sunday at 9:30 AM (accompanied by the  Organ Scholar(s)) and at occasional special services like Advent Lessons & Carols.
●    Train the Pre-Choristers daily; attend and assist with Chorister and Schola rehearsals as needed.
●    Teach select music history, composition, and theory classes (using the Associated Board of the  Royal Schools of Music syllabus).
●    Manage the production of worship materials, the choir library, and other administrative tasks, in  collaboration with the Music Administrator and under the direction of the Director of Music.
●    Play for weddings and funerals; contract substitute organists as necessary.
●    Serve as manager and mentor to the Organ Scholar(s).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

●    DMA/FAGO-level organ playing, with commensurate choral training skills and experience.
●    Knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgical traditions and customs.
●    Well organized, able to multitask and work effectively in a busy, dynamic environment.
●    Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
●    Ability to handle confidential, sensitive, timely and critical matters requiring good judgment,  tact, respect, and discretion.
●    Ability to anticipate needs and establish priorities.
●    Willingness to support the mission of the Catholic Church.

REMUNERATION & HOLIDAYS

●    Annual salary of $60,000-80,000, commensurate with experience; generous benefit package  including health insurance, dental insurance, group life insurance, and retirement contribution.
●    Four weeks of vacation are provided during the summer, two weeks after Christmas, and a week  after Easter.
●    Weddings, funerals, organ lessons, and certain concert activities are remunerated separately.
●    Mondays are usually completely free from Parish and School duties; candidates will appreciate that their work life will be considerably more busy during term time than during school holidays.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please apply by email to music@saintpaulschoirschool.us with an application letter addressed to Brandon Straub, Director of Music, that explains your rationale in applying for this position, a CV/resumé,  three references, and links to recordings (video preferable) that demonstrate your organ skills as a soloist, accompanist, and liturgical player (if possible). All appointments are subject to CORI clearance, and Virtus training in Child Protection. Any questions may also be sent to this email address. International candidates will be actively considered. 

Closing date: May 6, 2024, with in-person interviews to follow in May.
Starting date: summer 2024 (negotiable).

THORNHILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - ORGANIST AND CHOIR DIRECTOR

Thornhill Presbyterian Church (TPC), in Thornhill, Ontario, is seeking a part-time (15-20 hours per week) Organist and Choir Director.. The successful candidate will take leadership of the music ministry, playing a 33 stop, 2 manual Allen digital organ (installed in 2011) and a Yamaha upright piano and directing the choral program. Currently there is an adult mixed voice (SATB) choir with 12-15 members, including 4 remunerated leads. Prior to the Covid pandemic TPC also had a single –voice children’s choir that sang weekly during the school term. The successful candidate will be expected to grow the adult choir and re-start the junior youth choir. A passion for sacred music, solid leadership, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills are essential. The candidate will work collaboratively with the Minister and all other individuals and groups involved in worship, including a contemporary Praise Band led by volunteers from within the congregation. Stipend/salary shall be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applications will be treated with confidentiality. Applications are to be submitted to, and further details are available from, the convener of the search committee, Garth Low, at garth.low@garthlow.com. Application deadline is May 24, 2024.

Director of Music Ministry Position Description

OVERVIEW

· Position: Director of Music Ministry

· Reports to: Incumbent
· Accountable to: Incumbent and Church Wardens (The Corporation) and in adherence to the Music Ministry Guiding Principles (listed below)

· Target Start Date: June 1, 2024 (a later start date could be negotiated)

· Term of Employment: part-time (~10-12 hours per week, including selection of music, choir practice, Sunday service), 2-year renewable contract

· Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications


QUALIFICATIONS

· A strong commitment to Christ, and to the vision and mission of the Anglican Parish of St. Peter.

· Strong leadership skills:

· Ability to work in a cordial and cooperative manner.

· Ability to perceive the needs, desires, strengths, limitations, and potential of church musicians.

· Ability to constructively receive suggestions and ideas, and to evaluate their merits, and communicate plans/decisions with gentleness and clarity.

· Effective communication skills:

· Ability to articulate musical plans and directions clearly, including in rehearsals or when conveying plans for upcoming services.

· Active listening skills, with ability to receive input, feedback, and ideas.

· Ability to work with groups and individual musicians in achieving a blended music experience incorporating a variety of musical styles and expressions.

· Demonstrated ability to direct vocal leaders and congregation in singing, including choir and cantors.

· Commitment to high standards of musical offering and musicianship. Piano competency is required. Organ competency is considered an asset. (Piano and organ are main instruments in use, average choir size: 10 parishioners).

· Strong organizational skills with ability to effectively manage time and resources, and to plan ahead.

· Willingness to join in congregational worship.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan worship music including hymns and psalms, according to the Revised Common Lectionary (https://lectionary.anglican.ca/ ), in consultation with the Incumbent (or designate).

2. Ensure that music resources are managed in full accordance with Canadian and international copyright law by administering required copyright licensing programs, including using the OneLicense online portal to report any music used that is not in the hymnal.

3. Coordinate the scheduling of cantors for the psalms.

4. Ensure that musical accompaniment is provided for worship including weddings, funerals, and other special worship occasions; arrange alternate musicians as required.

5. Lead regular weekly choir rehearsals from September through May.

6. Collaborate closely and in a timely manner with the Parish Administrative Assistant, including communicating necessary music information for the preparation of service bulletins.

7. Actively participate as a member of the Worship Planning Team.

8. Identify and implement opportunities for music ministry as they arise from within the congregation and wider community.

9. Recruit, coach, and direct vocal and instrumental leadership, including choir, cantors, and other instrumentalists (i.e. guitarists, percussion players, etc.).

10. Oversee the care and maintenance of music instruments and materials.

11. Submit a budget request to Finance Committee by end of November for the following year, to include all expenses related to music.

12. Purchase music and music supplies within approved budget, and submit requests for payment in a timely manner.

13. Participate in workshops and training which support our commitment to blended music (funding available upon request and approval).

The successful candidate must complete relevant Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to employment, and comply with the Diocese of Rupert’s Land Respectful Workplace Policy, Child Protection Policy, and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

MUSIC MINISTRY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

"Music is praise, music is proclamation of the Word, and music is prayer..." (Raquel Gutiérrez-Achón)

Music – as praise, proclamation, and prayer - is an essential part of, and critical to, the atmosphere of worship, and:

· Reinforces a Scriptural focus;

· Connects us to God in meaningful and various ways; and

· Becomes an expression of God’s steadfast love.

With this in mind, the Anglican Parish of St. Peter is committed to developing its music ministry guided by the following principles:

· Music and the presentation of music will work to develop congregational singing and participation.

· Music will enhance the sense of the holy in worship.

· Music will reflect the themes of the lectionary, the seasons of the year, and specific celebrations within those seasons.

· Music will support the mission of the church by bringing the outside concerns of the world into worship.

· Music resources will include a variety of instruments and styles to facilitate a blended, musical experience as appropriate.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a resume (including a list of credentials, and contact details for three references), and a cover letter outlining how their interests and relevant experience align with this position.

Please submit applications with “Application: Director of Music Ministry” in the subject line by 5 PM CST on April 29th, 2024 by email to the Incumbent, The Rev. R. Susan Smandych (priest@stpetersanglican.ca) cc., Deputy Incumbent’s Warden, Laurie Bellay (labellay@shaw.ca). Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged. Short-listed candidates will be notified by May 3rd and invited to an interview and audition, which will be conducted between May 6th and 17th.

PART-TIME MUSIC DIRECTOR

St. Andrew Anglican Church, Alliston

St Andrew Anglican Church, a small but vibrant church in the heart of downtown Alliston, is seeking a part-time Music Director.

The primary role is to accompany the congregational singing at the 10 a.m. Sunday morning services and at special services, such as Christmas and Easter.   There will also be opportunities to organize and lead musical performances for special events.

The Music Director should be accomplished in contemporary Christian music as well as traditional Anglican music.  He or she will be preferably classically trained, with skills at the keyboard and in choir direction.

This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic, joyful and committed Christian to help us fill this architectural jewel of a building with songs of praise and worship to our Lord.

The building has excellent acoustics and is equipped with a high-end Kawai Digital Stage piano which has organ and orchestral sounds, and a professional grade digital board and PA system.

The role will take around 4-5 hours per week, including practice times.  Fee is $150 per Sunday Service,  and same for additional church services such as weddings and funerals.

To discuss, contact Bronwen Parsons at  647-378-2829, or email cw-standrewalliston@toronto.anglican.ca

Director of Music – Position Description

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Sarnia, Ontario, is actively seeking a talented organist for the role of Director of Music. The Director of Music will work closely with the minister and choir to offer music that will enrich and enliven the worshipping life of the congregation.

The successful candidate will:

•           Be able to sight read music and play traditional-style Christian worship music on a pipe organ to accompany congregational singing
•           Demonstrate or be willing to acquire skills in directing and guiding a choir of volunteer singers, as well as working with other musicians or groups as required
•           Be comfortable performing for a televised worship service
•           Have strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and the willingness to work with singers and musicians of all ages

This position is available on a part-time permanent basis as an employee of the church or as a self-employed contractor, at the incumbent’s discretion. Salary will be commensurate with experience and education following RCCO guidelines within the range of $12,500 to $17,500. A typical working week of 8-10 hours will include Sunday morning worship and choir practice during the week, preparation time for same, and meeting with the minister to coordinate weekly and seasonal worship and music. Accompaniment for additional worship services (i.e., Christmas Eve and Good Friday) is also expected. The incumbent would also have the opportunity to accompany weddings and funerals held at the church, and to set their own fee for those services. We offer four weeks’ paid vacation and one week paid leave for study or professional development annually, as well as teaching studio privileges. Our instruments are a four-manual pipe organ with an antiphonal division and en chamade trumpet, and a Model A Steinway grand piano.      

Please send a resume with covering letter to St. Andrew’s by email (sapc.sarnia@bellnet.ca) or at the address below. Additional application materials (e.g., audio or video of recorded performances or church services) would be welcomed, but are not required. For more information, please call 519-332-2662. Learn more about our church on our Facebook page (facebook.com/StAndrewsSarnia) or YouTube channel (youtube.com/@st.andrews_sarnia). Our mailing address is 261 Christina St. N., Sarnia, ON, N7T 5V4; please mark correspondence to the attention of the “Director of Music Search Committee.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and received until April 30, 2024 or the position is filled. 

ORGANIST / MUSIC DIRECTOR VACANCY

This amazing instrument needs an Organist and Music Director to play at regular Sunday and special services, and to rehearse our choir once a week and before services.

The organ is a two-manual baroque-style (with Swell) tracker-action instrument by Orgues Létourneau (opus 28, 1991) of Ste. Hycinthe, Quebec, and as well we have a Yamaha digital grand piano (CLP-695GP) available in the Sanctuary. We offer the successful applicant the opportunity of giving private organ and piano lessons at the church.

St. George & St. Andrew's is an Affirming Congregation. We have a strong music programme, with choral anthems as a regular part of every service; and many other musical events take place in our sanctuary due to its excellent acoustics.

Annapolis Royal is a small but very active town with its own theatre, arts centre, and notable National Historic Sites. Salary will be based on RCCO scale, experience and qualifications. This position is for 6 hours per week, starting as soon as practicable. Resumé with references should be submitted to Andrea Boulding (andrea.boulding@gmail.com).

Trinity-St. Paul’s (TSP) United Church, in downtown Toronto, is seeking a skilled and technically competent individual to assume a part-time position as Interim Director of Music.  This position will ideally start April 1st, 2024 and last until December 31st, 2024, with the possibility of renewal.  

Trinity-St. Paul’s is an inclusive and affirming faith community, celebrating God's presence, seeking justice and peace, strengthening faith and nurturing the creative spirit.  Currently, TSP enjoys an enthusiastic and capable 25-voice SATB volunteer choir, including four paid soloists/section leads.  In addition, the sanctuary houses a grand piano and a well-maintained 1946 Cassavant console organ.

The successful candidate will direct the well-established congregational music program. They will collaborate with pastoral staff and the worship planning group to plan and deliver choral and keyboard leadership during Sunday services, conduct the choir, provide instrumental preludes, postludes and special musical events. 

This is a part-time position of 15 - 20 hours per week and will follow the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) salary scale to a maximum of $2 570.00 per month, plus benefits, commensurate with experience. We welcome interested candidates with a variety of musical backgrounds, with the understanding that hours and compensation may be adjusted to accommodate team leadership with other musicians (i.e. an organist). Choir rehearsals are currently Thursday evenings and Sundays before our 10:30 a.m. service.

To view the full job description, please see the link below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VfFZ5atIKixIzzprcXdx9R-OS4pS3-cg3wGiNVLWNok/edit

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to the Director of Music Search Committee at tspdirectorofmusicsearchteam@gmail.com.  Applications will be received until March 15, 2024 or until the post is filled.

Trinity St. Paul’s United church is an affirming congregation and an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from members of equity-seeking groups. If you require accommodation for a disability in the application process, please add this information to your cover letter.

Our small church in northeast Scarborough is looking for a creative and competent person to serve as our next organist and choir director, to start as soon as is mutually convenient. Music during services is important to our congregation. Our church has a Roland Europe electric organ and a Niemeyer piano. We are hoping to rebuild our choir once we have a new organist. With one service at 10am on Sunday, it is anticipated that this part-time position would begin at 4 hours per week, increasing to 6 - 7 hours a week once the choir is active again. The appointee will be expected to meet annually with the Wardens to evaluate past achievements and explore a vision for the future. Remuneration is subject to negotiation, and vacation is provided. Applications, which will be held in confidence, may be sent to stmichael@rogers.com

PART-TIME ORGANIST POSITION AVAILABLE AT RICHVIEW UNITED CHURCH, ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO

Richview United Church, a friendly, community based congregation in central Etobicoke, Ontario, is currently seeking an Organist to play both our Kantor organ and grand piano. The Organist will take direction from the Choir Director, and collaborate with the Assistant Organist, the Church Choir, and the Worship Committee to further enhance the musical ministry within our church.

The Organist's time commitment involves 6 hours per week, for 11 months per year. This commitment includes the Sunday worship service as well as special services during the year, and providing musical accompaniment at weekly Choir rehearsals. Salary based on RCCO pay guidelines for those currently in levels 1 or 2.

Resumes to be forwarded by email to richviewunited@yahoo.ca

Kingsway-Lambton United Church, Toronto, Ontario, seeks a creative and technically competent accompanist to support the musical life of the church. In collaboration with the Music Director and the Music Committee, the accompanist provides piano and organ accompaniment for weekly service on Sunday morning, and for Thursday evening rehearsals of the Chancel Choir (SATB with Section Leads). The sanctuary has a well-maintained Casavant pipe organ (3-manuals) and a Yamaha grand piano.

The successful candidate will be an individual with proven proficiency in piano and organ, and experience in choral worship music. Willingness and ability to support a variety of music styles is also an asset.

This is a part-time position, requiring 10 hours per week (4 hours per week during June to August). Salary range will be $14,000 to $16,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Vacation is paid at 4%.

Ideal start date is April 4, 2024; this date is flexible.

Applications will be received until Feb 15, 2024. Please email your resume to music@kingswaylambton.ca .

For more details, see the Position Description and our congregation’s profile at www.kingswaylambton.ca .