A Musician or Singer performs instrumental music or sings. Participates in rehearsals and performances, records music, writes musical compositions or arrangements, promotes performances, and teaches students. May specialize in classical music, jazz, popular, folk, electronic or other musical forms.
First United Methodist Church of Elgin is seeking a skilled, dependable, and collaborative Pianist/Accompanist to support the musical life of our congregation. Our accompanist works in partnership with the Director of Music, Lead Pastor, choir, and other musicians to provide musical accompaniment for worship and rehearsals.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide piano accompaniment for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service. Participate in Sunday morning preparation and rehearsal, generally beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Accompany the choir and other ensembles during rehearsals and worship. Support congregational singing, special music, soloists, and other musicians as needed. Provide accompaniment for designated special worship services, including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter, and other services scheduled in advance. Communicate promptly regarding scheduling, music needs, or instrument concerns. Work collaboratively with the Director of Music, Lead Pastor, and other members of the worship team.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will: Demonstrate strong piano proficiency and sight-reading/accompaniment skills. Have experience accompanying congregational singing, choirs, ensembles, or comparable musical groups. Be comfortable playing a variety of traditional and contemporary sacred music. Be dependable, flexible, prepared, and able to work collaboratively. Understand and respect the role of music in supporting the worship life and mission of the congregation. Organ proficiency is welcomed but is not required. First UMC Elgin is intentionally open to hiring an excellent pianist who does not play organ. Church-music experience is helpful but not necessarily required for a musician with strong accompaniment skills and an openness to learning the rhythms of worship. Schedule The regular Sunday schedule is approximately 8:30-11:30 a.m., including rehearsal/preparation and the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Additional choir rehearsals and special services are scheduled in advance.
Compensation:
Competitive compensation commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the successful candidate's experience. About First UMC Elgin First United Methodist Church has served the Elgin community from the heart of downtown for nearly 190 years. We are a welcoming congregation seeking to know, love, and serve God while making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors and our community.
