Director of Music Job Description
Ministry Position Title: Director of Music.
Church: St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle - 525 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON M4W 1J1
Our Context:
The Anglican Church of St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle in the heart of downtown Toronto has a strong tradition of liturgical excellence with music as an essential part of our mission and ministry. We seek a Music Director who is creative, collaborative, passionate about teaching, and upholds music as an integral part of worship and parish life.
SPSS is a diverse, inclusive community of faith, rooted in the classical Anglican tradition. Skill and experience as an organist and choral director well-versed in the traditional Anglican form of worship and improvisation are essential.
Music at SPSS is supported by a three-manual Cassavant pipe organ, a Heintzman grand piano, an extensive music library and a large rehearsal room. Opportunities exist to include different instruments and genres in worship which affirm tradition while being open to new ideas and styles.
The SPSS choir sings at the 10.30 am Sunday service and regularly scheduled Evensong and other services throughout the year. The choir includes professional section leads who provide assistance to the Director for choir development in achieving musical and liturgical excellence.
The Director will report to and work closely with the Incumbent in the planning of music for worship. Remuneration is commensurate with the guidelines of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.
Music Director Position:
• This is a part-time position, 15-20 hours per week. The parish shall assess the performance, skills and other attributes and characteristics of the successful applicant during a probation period of 3 months.
• The successful applicant shall have the opportunity to learn about both SPSS and the position during the probationary period.
• The position will be formalised either as a contract for services of an independent contractor, or as part-time employment. Documentation will be based on the standard terms of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto.
• Either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time during the initial three-month probationary period without notice, in which case there will be no continuing obligations of the parties to each other, financial or otherwise.
• After a successful probation, 90 days notice of termination is requested.
Reports to: Incumbent, Church Wardens
Requirements of the Position:
• To ensure worship services are led and supported at a high standard through instrumental and choral music in a way that the congregation is encouraged in dignified worship and focussed on faith formation.
• Provide leadership in the ministry of music which is sensitive to the Anglican tradition, goals and practices of the parish, and the seasons of the liturgical year.
• To build and nurture the parish choir.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Keen attention to the liturgical life of the parish to plan and lead the music for Sunday services, Holy Days, and occasional services - these may include Evensong, mid-week services, weddings, funerals, and ecumenical events held at the church.
• Assess the needs of the music ministry to direct, nurture and train the parish choir.
• Lead the weekly Thursday choir rehearsal and one Sunday morning rehearsal (September to June).
• Develop musical techniques to encourage fuller congregational participation in worship.
• Coordinate maintenance of instruments.
• Manage and maintain the music library, purchase choir music, vestments and engage supplemental musicians.
• Ensure all copyright laws are followed.
• Be responsible for submitting an annual budget to the Church Wardens for approval by the Vestry.
• Track and submit monthly choir section lead fee payment to the Church office.
• Arrange for guest musicians, vocalists, or organists for special services or events.
• Participate in diocesan musical activities, and attend conferences, workshop and seminars for continuing education for professional growth and the benefit of the congregation
• Maintain a safe environment for all participants with the requirement to ascribe to the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese and participate in the Responsible Ministry/ Screening in Faith Policy and programme.
• Participate in an annual performance review of the position.
• Participate in meetings as arranged with the Incumbent/or his or her designate and reporting any concerns in a timely manner
Skills, Experience and Qualities Required:
• Accomplished organist with a high proficiency as an accompanist and teacher. Music education/training, e.g., A.R.C.T., B.Mus., B.F.A., R.C.C.O. Certification or the equivalent.
• Understanding of the Anglican tradition and liturgy with the knowledge of the traditional liturgical repertoire including Anglican Chant, Plainchant, liturgical settings and other service music repertoire.
• Adept at improvisation.
• Experience teaching choral technique to train and lead a choir.
• Ability to foster and teach congregational singing.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Support, Supervision and Evaluation:
• The Incumbent and Wardens will conduct an annual performance review.
• Support is provided by the parish particularly the Clergy, Wardens and Choristers.
Limits of the Position:
• Have at least one screened leader present when working with children or youth.
• Comply with the Diocesan Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith Policy which includes a Police Records Check.
Terms of Work/Service: 15-20 hours per week estimated.
• The Director shall have a vacation of one month with pay to be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the parties, but which cannot be scheduled during festival seasons of the Church.
Training Provided:
• Position-specific training (pre-requisite).
• In-service training (on-going as needed).
• Diocesan Responsible Ministry/Sexual Misconduct training.
Position Risk Assessment: High
Benefits & Opportunities:
• To make a significant contribution to the faith formation of the parish through the music ministry.
• Potential to develop a music programme for children and youth.
• The Director of Music has the first option to play at weddings and funerals. He/she will receive an honorarium.
• The Director of Music may give private music instruction on the church premises with the use of church instruments provided it does not interfere with normal church activities.
• A designated parking space for one automobile.
Remuneration:
Paid in accordance with the guidelines of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.
Please submit your cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to:
The Church of St Peter St Simon-the-Apostle
Organist and Choir Director Search Committee
525 Bloor Street East
Toronto ON M4W IJ1
Telephone: 416.923.8714
Email: office@stpeterstsimon.ca (Please include “Director of Music” in the subject line).
Deadline to apply is June 20, 2025
Applications will be reviewed as received.