What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Music Director / Pianist position at First Universalist Church in Rockland?
Bring Your Musical Talents to the Beautiful Maine Coast At First Universalist Church in Rockland, we believe that music is the thread that weaves the fabric of our services together to create a more meaningful experience for all. Established in 1820, we are a historic, progressive, and multigenerational liberal religious community that centers love, justice, equity, and pluralism. We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Music Director to ground our weekly worship services in inspiring music and support our congregation's spiritual growth.
Because we highly value flexibility and collaboration, we are eager to shape the choral responsibilities of this role around your specific strengths and interests. If you are an accomplished pianist, you can choose the path that best fits your skill set: step onto the podium to directly lead our choir, OR focus your talents on the keys and utilize our built-in stipend budget to coordinate guest conductors for a "pick-up" choir!
Why You’ll Thrive in This Role:
- Focus on Your Instrument: Provide high-quality music that centers and inspires our multigenerational congregation.
- Collaborative Partnership: You will actively partner and co-create worship experiences hand-in-hand with our Minister and Worship Team, exploring innovative ways to deepen our spiritual lives.
- Tailored Choral Leadership: Love choral conducting? The choir is yours to develop! Prefer focusing strictly on your instrumental gifts? You can handle the logistics of bringing in guest artists to direct choral music.
- A Rich Repertoire: We welcome and encourage the exploration of diverse musical genres—from classical and contemporary to sacred and secular styles from various cultures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary pianist/instrumentalist for weekly Sunday services, both in-person and online.
- Plan and co-create inspiring, justice-centered worship services alongside the minister.
- Lead or Coordinate the Choir: Either direct our choir rehearsals and performances directly, OR handle the logistics of scheduling guest choral leaders.
- Maintain the music library and sanctuary piano.
Qualifications We Are Seeking:
- Instrumental Proficiency: Strong piano skills with solid sight-reading and collaborative accompaniment abilities.
- Choral Versatility: Skills, training, or enthusiasm for choral conducting OR the administrative skills required to network, hire, and schedule guest clinicians. (Significant experience as a choral singer with an eagerness to develop conducting skills will be fully considered).
- A Collaborative Spirit: A proven willingness to innovate, explore, and experiment within a team-oriented worship environment.
- Alignment with Our Values: While familiarity with Unitarian Universalist principles is a plus, a sincere willingness to learn, embrace, and live our love-centered values is essential.
- Physical Requirement: Ability to navigate 3 steps to access our sanctuary piano.
Compensation Package Includes:
- Hourly Pay Range: $20 to $25 an hour, approximately 15 hours a week
- Professional Development funds ($450) paid AUUMM dues
- Sheet music/supplies budget ($600)
- Honoraria funds for guest musicians/choir leaders ($1,290)
Ready to weave your music into our community? Apply today by emailing the Music Director Search Committee your resume and a brief cover letter telling us why you’re excited to join our thriving church family! Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $25