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St. Paul's UMC
Part-Time Church Organist and Choir Director
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What they do
A Music Director leads music ensembles in a variety of different settings. Conducts orchestras or choral groups, church choirs, or pit orchestras in a music theatre production. Chooses music for performances, or composes or arranges music for ensembles to perform; runs rehearsals and directs soloists or guest performers.
$62,608 / year median in Pennsylvania
+14% projected growth
Job Description
Job Overview St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Mountville, Pennsylvania, is seeking one musical leader to serve as our part-time Church Organist and Choir Director. The successful candidate will begin with an interim appointment during September and October 2026, with the opportunity to continue permanently beginning in November. This role combines the artistry of organ and piano performance with the spiritual guidance necessary to cultivate a vibrant, uplifting worship environment. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of musical liturgical traditions, excellent teaching and mentoring skills, and the ability to manage choirs effectively. As a key religious leader, you will shape the musical experience of our congregation, fostering spiritual growth through praise, worship music, and choral leadership. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to blend musical excellence with spiritual service in a supportive faith-based organization. Responsibilities Lead and coordinate all church musical activities, including praise and worship sessions, choir rehearsals, and special musical events. Select appropriate music for services, ensuring alignment with liturgical themes and congregational participation. Conduct church choirs and vocal ensembles, providing vocal training and mentorship to enhance their musical skills. Play the organ and piano during services, ensuring seamless musical performance that elevates worship experiences. Manage the church's musical instruments, maintaining their condition and scheduling necessary repairs or tuning. Collaborate with pastor to integrate music with sermons, and ceremonies. Provide guidance on musical liturgical knowledge, ensuring adherence to tradition while encouraging creative expression. Manage multiple musical productions for seasonal celebrations or special occasions with professionalism and enthusiasm. Mentor emerging musicians within the congregation, nurturing their talents in both vocal music and instrumental performance. Skills Proven experience in church service musical performance, including playing organ and piano at worship services. Strong knowledge of religious liturgical practices and music selection suited for various worship settings. Excellent teaching abilities with experience in vocal training and mentoring musicians of all ages. Skilled in conducting church choirs and praise teams with leadership that inspires confidence and unity. Ability to read sheet music fluently across multiple instruments; proficiency in piano is essential. Experience managing musical productions from planning through execution with attention to detail. Effective communication skills for collaborating with clergy, staff, volunteers, and congregation members. Demonstrated leadership in managing music teams within nonprofit faith-based organizations or similar settings. Familiarity with various musical instruments used in worship environments beyond organ and piano. Passion for spiritual leadership through music that fosters community engagement and spiritual upliftment. Play organ for one traditional Sunday worship service at 9:45 a.m.; choir warm-up begins at 9:15 a.m.
- Direct and accompany a capable Chancel Choir of approximately 12 singers performing SATB and SAB repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary traditional.
- Direct a small Handbell Choir of seven ringers.
- Lead Thursday rehearsals: Handbells at 6:30 p.m.; Chancel Choir from 7:30 to approximately 8:30 p.m.
- Collaborate with the pastor in selecting music that supports Scripture, the liturgical season, and the worship theme.
- Coordinate the summer music series using an established budget and roster of guest musicians. (Additional Musicians are encouraged and welcomed)
- Provide music for Christmas Music Sunday, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Music Sunday, and other special services.