Minister of Music, Part-Time, Episcopal: Needham, MA
The Minister of Music will be the principal musician, and will work collegially with the Rector, staff, parish leadership, and parish musicians to lead the musical aspects of our overall mission to love God and neighbor as Jesus teaches. We seek someone who is skilled, comfortable, and happy playing both the organ and piano, as well as teaching and directing a choir of mixed professional and parish singers. Familiarity with and sensitivity to church liturgies are very important, as is a passion for excellence.
This person will have a degree in music or equivalent proficiency, and demonstrated joy, flexibility, dependability, and creativity in the making of music in a sacred setting. We desire a person with a deep conviction in the power of music to lift the human spirit and to inspire each of us to be our best selves in a world in need of hope and healing. The Music Minister will work with the Rector to attract and retain section leaders with a similar conviction. A desire to grow in familiarity with the Anglican musical tradition at its widest view—77 million Anglicans on 6 continents—is helpful. We also desire an interest in programming compositions by female composers as well as composers of color.
This person believes that everyone can sing, values the musical gifts of those called to sing alongside paid section leaders, as well as those who are “singers in the pews.” This person also has the flexibility to gather ad hoc groups of singers to offer musical pieces that are accessible to all regardless of age or ability. This person will also encourage the visibility, gifts and talents of younger members of the congregation; and would welcome the opportunity to recruit, teach, and direct a Children’s/Youth Choir.
Essential Functions
+Work with the Rector (and periodically with an ad hoc Worship and Arts Committee) on liturgy design and planning
+Serve as director, organist, and pianist for the parish choir
+short (usually weekly) meetings with Rector and staff (sometimes by Zoom).
+ Seasonally longer meeting with the Rector to sketch out seasonal music plans.
+Plan and select hymnody and service music in a timely fashion for the liturgies of the congregation in consultation and partnership with the Rector using as a basis Hymnal 1982, Wonder, Love and Praise (WLP), Lift Every Voice and Sing (LEVAS) as well other sources; program anthems. Service music is done seasonally. Hymns a month or so ahead.
+With the support of the Rector and other lay leaders, recruit, train, and rehearse the choir, vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles
+Provide or arrange for the provision of music at funerals and weddings
+Manage the music budget in consultation with Rector and Treasurer’s Office
+Submit monthly payroll for section leaders
+Manage music-related communications and worship bulletin in consultation with the Director of Parish Operations, including on-line streaming permissions for music
+Manage the choir library and maintain the musical instruments of the parish
+Hire musicians as may be required to meet the musical needs of the parish, including but not limited to substitute organists and /or conductors, instrumentalists, and singers (for example, Easter trumpets)
+Interest in the opportunity to program and manage parish-sponsored concerts and music events for the wider community
+Consult with non-parish music event sponsors requesting to use the facilities and music instruments (a very small part of the job)
+An annual review is part of the oversight function of the Rector.
Salary and Terms Summary
+Part-time, year ‘round salaried position, averaging about 15 hours per week
+salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and education in concert with the 2023 salary survey of the Association of Anglican Musicians
+4 weeks of paid vacation, 4 Sundays off.
+Music Budget provide funds for professional memberships in the AGO
+Right of first refusal for funerals and weddings for additional fees
+After 1 year, Christ Church will offer a retirement plan to the Minister of Music. Christ Church will contribute 5% of salary to a Fidelity plan of the Music Minister’s choice. Christ Church will match up to 4% of employee contribution.
+Use of facilities for private teaching
Additional Information
Availability: negotiable, but preferably before Christmas, 2024
To apply: please submit a cover letter; a CV; the names and contact information for 3 references (including a clergy supervisor) and a link to a performance or rehearsal.
Please be in touch with Nick Morris-Kliment, Rector, at needhamrector@gmail.com to learn more. We look forward to meeting you.
Christ Episcopal Church 1132 Highland Avenue Needham MA 02494, www.ccneedham.org, 781-444-1469