Church Musician

Job Title: Church Musician Reports to: Pastor and Staff-Parish Relations Committee
FLSA Status: 8 hours/week
Church: First United Methodist Church of Mt. Clemens, MI

Position Summary:

The Church Musician supports and enhances the worship experience of First United Methodist Church of Mt. Clemens, MI by providing appropriate musical leadership and accompaniment. This role involves working collaboratively with the pastor, worship leaders, ensemble director, and congregation to uphold the theological and liturgical traditions through music.

Responsibilities:

• Provide instrumental accompaniment (piano and/or organ) for Sunday worship services, including hymns, preludes, postludes, offertories, and other varied musical selections, as music except for hymns requested by the pastoral team for specific occasions.

• Accompany the chancel, bell, and children’s choirs, praise band, or other musical ensembles as needed. Attend all rehearsals as directed.

• Recruit and encourage participation in special music from the congregation. Organize special music for services where there is none scheduled.

• Collaborate with the Ensemble Director on music that reflects the liturgical season, scripture readings, and worship themes in coordination with the pastor.

• Attend and participate in regular worship planning meetings in person or on a digital platform such as Zoom, Teams, etc.

• Organize summer special music and provide musical accompaniment as needed.

• Provide music for special services (e.g.,Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter). The Church Musician has the right of first refusal for all funerals and weddings.

• Maintain and care for the organ and all pianos in the church, coordinating tuning and repairs as needed.

• Ensure all music used in worship complies with appropriate copyright licenses.

Qualifications

Proficiency in Piano and/or Organ Performance

• Strong technical skill and musicality on a pipe or digital organ

• Ability to play hymns, liturgical music, and service music confidently

• Sight-reading skills and ability to adapt quickly

Knowledge of Church Music

• Familiarity with hymnody, liturgical settings, and seasonal church music

Ability to Accompany Choir and Congregation

• Experience accompanying vocalists, various instrumentalists, and vocal and handbell choirs

• Sensitivity to leading congregational singing

Preferred or Additional Qualifications:

• Degree or formal training in music

• Improvisation skills for preludes, offertories, or communion music

• Good interpersonal and communication skills (working with clergy, staff, choir, and congregants)

Professionalism:The Church Musician is expected to conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and professionalism at all times, recognizing their role as a spiritual and public representative of First United Methodist Church of Mt. Clemens. This includes the following:

• Demonstrating punctuality, preparedness, and reliability in all musical duties and rehearsals

• Maintaining open, respectful communication with staff, congregants, and volunteers

• Fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity in line with the mission and values of the United Methodist Church

• Adhering to the church’s policies regarding confidentiality, conduct, and dress code

• Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment through music and personal interactions

Work Schedule:

• Weekly worship service and choir rehearsal(s)

• Occasional services or events (weddings, funerals, holidays)

• Planning meetings as necessary

Compensation:

• Salary: Is over 52 weeks based on experience. It is expected that the Church Musician will work 8 hours per week in preparation and performance.

• Three (3) paid weeks of vacation off per calendar year, with at least one month’s written notice submitted to the Pastor and/or Staff-Parish Relations Committee. A week is defined as one rehearsal and the following Sunday. The musician is responsible for securing a qualified substitute.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $10,200.00 per year

Expected hours: 8 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $10,200