Job Description: Church Organist / Pianist

Position Summary:

Knox United Church, in Vancouver, BC seeks a talented Church Organist / Pianist with an interest in helping 
to deepen our worship experience and broaden our musical offerings. Working closely with Knox’s Music 
Director and Minister(s), the incumbent will participate in weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship services, 
support creativity in worship planning, and assist with administrative work related to Knox’s music life.

Hours: 10 hours per week – permanent part-time role

Salary: According to Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) Salary Guidelines

Reports to: Music Director

Accountable to: Knox Board 

Direct Reports: None

Works closest with: Ministers, Music Director, Choir members, Church Administrator

Working Conditions:

• Work beyond 10 hours weekly is approved in advance by the Music Director.
• Consistent on-site presence is needed on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings for rehearsals and 
worship services.
• Presence is preferred for significant church seasons, including Advent, Lent, and church High 
Holidays. Prior arrangements may be made with the Music Director for coverage as needed.
• The position includes July and August off, unless the Organist / Pianist wishes to participate in 
Summer Spirit (collaborative summer worship services involving Knox and other neighbouring 
United Churches).
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed for weddings, memorials, and other significant 
events. 
• Practice time in the church will be scheduled on a shared basis around other scheduled activities.
• The organ is a Cassavant, and the piano is a Kawaii.
• Note that the majority of services at Knox are live streamed. 

About Knox:

Knox United Church is a welcoming, family-sized congregation located in Vancouver’s west side. In a city 
where social isolation is a growing challenge, Knox provides a place where people can form meaningful 
connections, explore faith, and participate in a vibrant community. Our Vision calls us to engage neighbours 
through worship, hospitality, and programming—especially through the Arts as a bridge to community life.

Music at Knox:

Music is a deeply meaningful part of Knox’s worship experience. While we lean towards traditional forms 
and instruments, variety and vibrancy are welcomed. Music leadership is provided primarily by organ, 
choir, and piano, but also through regular guest vocal and instrumental soloists and small ensembles. Knox 
invests in its music life and musicians and supports local emerging musicians whenever possible.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the planning of worship services; seek and present ways to enhance musical 
experience during worship
• Accompany the choir with organ &/or piano during rehearsals and worship services
• Play organ &/or piano during Sunday worship services or other designated services, including 
Advent, Lent, and Church High holidays. Regular worship services include prelude, hymns, choir 
anthem or special musical offerings, meditative and postlude
• Arrange for vocal &/or instrumental soloists as required
• Play organ &/or piano at weddings and memorials based on family’s preferences (or arrange for 
alternative musicians as needed)
• Research, prepare, and forward copyright information for music played in worship services / events 
to the Music Director and Church Administrator
• Maintain the organ by booking tuners / technicians as required, and working with them as needed.
Relay piano-related technical needs to the Music Director and support arranging tuners / technicians
as needed
• Occasionally, conduct the choir at rehearsals or during worship

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 2+ years of organ experience in a church setting
• A degree or diploma in music or equivalent is preferred 
• Able to understand and follow the Music Director while accompanying choir and/or soloists on piano 
or organ. 
• Experience in choir direction is an asset 
• Interest and ability in a variety of music styles 
• Willing to appear in live-streamed worship services
• Familiar with copyright regulations and procedures, or willing to learn
• Able to arrange/transpose for accompanying instruments is an asset
• Collaborative, adaptive, seeks feedback, and is focused on continuous improvement
• A strong personal alignment to Knox’s Vision and Mission

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resumé to organist@knoxvan.com outlining your related experience. 
Include references (3). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. An audition will form part of the 
interview process. (see https://knoxvan.com/ for further information about Knox United Church, 5590 
Balaclava St. Vancouver)