Job Title – Music Director

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Accountability – To Session and the Pastor

 

We require a background check and two references that speak to character, church involvement, and musical ability. All employees are also required to receive training on our policies on sexual misconduct prevention and child/vulnerable adult safety.

 

Purpose – The purpose of the Music Director is to develop and lead the worship music ministry for our church, in consultation with the Pastor and other team members, in a way that is consistent with our mission, values, and theology.

 

Inclusivity –  Canton Presbyterian Church does not discriminate based on age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

 

About Canton Presbyterian

 

Canton Presbyterian Church is a small, friendly church with a love of and high standard for meaningful, beautiful music. With a fine organ and grand piano in the sanctuary, our worship music is rich and varied. We value not only traditional Reformed hymns and service music, using the Glory to God hymnal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but also the canon of spirituals and traditional religious songs beloved in Appalachia.

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During worship services, in addition to providing service music, our Music Director will accompany our hymn singing on the organ and piano or other instrumentation as appropriate. When possible, the Director of Music in consultation with the Pastor and Session may invite other musicians to participate in special worship services. Working with the Pastor to lead funeral and wedding services in addition to Sunday morning worship is an understood part of the job, in addition to special services, such as Christmas Eve.

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While we have had choirs in the past, that has not been possible for several years because of our small numbers, participants’ ages and disabilities, and difficulty with scheduling. If and when possible, the Music Director should encourage the formation of a new choir and/or any other groups to lead worship with music, possibly with the full set of hand chimes at the church, for example. The Music Director will be expected to encourage and, where appropriate, instruct congregational singing.

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As a vital part of our ministry leadership, the Music Director will work with the Pastor and Session in a close partnership to constantly improve and deepen the worship life of the congregation.​

 

Job Requirements:

 

• Strong ability to play organ and piano

• Strong ability to lead congregational singing through hymns

• Strong ability to direct and teach a choir (when applicable), with the understanding of a small church’s particular needs

• Good references from 2 former church-related colleagues, students and/or employers, and a clear background check

• Understanding of and comfort with Reformed worship styles and traditions

• Clear communication and leadership skills, including an ability to text and email with the Pastor and Session

• Schedule and oversee the regular tuning, care, and maintenance of the organ and pianos

• Organize and maintain the sheet music at the church, and purchase more as needed (budget provided annually)

• Respect for all people

• A love for the job

 

Benefits

 

• Salary as determined by the Session

• Three weeks of vacation (three Sundays)

• Two weeks study leave (two Sundays)

• Use of appropriate church facilities and equipment for private teaching