Music Director

St. Michael Lutheran Church is seeking a skilled Director of Music/Organist to serve our congregation in the Kennett Square, PA area. The ideal candidate will be a gifted musician committed to fostering spiritual growth through music. St. Michael is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with a strong musical tradition and history in support of music ministry. Currently, our Chancel choir consists of 14-16 members, our bell choir includes 11 ringers. We also want to restart our Children’s music program. Our primary worship resources are as well as . Our musical life is rooted in the Lutheran tradition, but with openness to and appreciation of musical styles from other traditions and all time periods. You may view examples of our worship at: youtube.com/@stmichaelpa.

Compensation:

This is a part-time salaried position which includes three weeks paid vacation. An allowance for continuing education /professional development is provided. Salary in the range of $35,000 to $45,000 to be negotiated depending on education, experience, and ability/willingness to lead all three choirs. Participation in special services (e.g., funerals, weddings, etc.) will be paid for separately.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and candidates should be available to start by March of 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Musical Leadership: Provide instrumental music for all worship services, playing both organ and piano. This includes two (2) regular Sunday services (except during the summer) and holiday observances, including Christmas Eve, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Reformation Sunday. Continue our tradition of Good Friday and Christmas cantatas.
• Chancel Choir: Conduct weekly choir rehearsals (Sept to June), nurturing the musical talents of the choir members and selecting appropriate choral music for worship services.
• Handbell Choir: Conduct weekly handbell choir rehearsals (Sept to June), develop the skills of handbell ringers and incorporate handbell music into worship services periodically throughout the September - June season.
• Children’s Choir: Conduct regular choir rehearsals (Sep to June), selecting appropriate music, introducing, teaching and developing the children’s love of music.
• Guest Musicians: Hire and schedule guest instrumentalists for special cantatas and services, as needed, enriching the musical offerings of the church (within budget).
• Administration: Manage the music ministry budget, including purchasing music, maintaining instruments, hiring guests, and tracking expenses.
• Collaboration: Participate in regular Worship & Music Committee meetings, collaborating with the Pastor and other members to plan and coordinate worship services.
• Other Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned by the Pastor or church council.

Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency in organ and piano performance.
• Experience in conducting choirs and handbell choirs.
• Knowledge of sacred music literature within a liturgical tradition
• Experience in directing children’s music ensembles (choral and bells)
• Excellent communication; organizational; and administrative skills, including budget management and copyright compliance.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and church leadership.
• A caring, energetic, and enthusiastic person who acts in accordance with our faith beliefs (see About St. Michael).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate/Graduate Degree in Music Performance and/or Music Education
• Microsoft Office & Google Drive proficiency.

List of Resources:

• Rodgers 950 3 Manual Organ (sanctuary)
• Yamaha C5 Grand Piano (sanctuary)
• Yamaha U3 Upright Piano (choir room)
• Two (2) Kawai Electronic Pianos
• Five (5) Octave Handbell Choir Set & Bell Tree
• Orff Instruments
• Extensive music library

About St. Michael:

St. Michael Lutheran Church is a community of Christians grounded in Lutheran theology and history, and, consistent with the position of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is committed to inclusivity—welcoming all irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religious background, sexual orientation (LGBTQIA ), or marital status. We hold as means of grace the two sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Baptism joins us to Christ and to the Body of Christ which is the Church. We believe in the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. At St Michael, we welcome to receive communion all, regardless of denomination, who truly seek to follow Jesus Christ in their lives. Our mission statement at St Michael is "Sharing Christ's Love, Welcoming All, Strengthening Each Other, and Serving the Community." ​ Regardless of your faith tradition, who you love, or your journey to this point, you are welcome here. This is God's house, and you are God's child; therefore, this is your home too. Discover more here: www.stmichaelpa.org

Pay: $35,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,000 - $45,000