Music Director Job at First Parish of Westwood in Westwood

MUSIC DIRECTOR – FIRST PARISH OF WESTWOOD

First Parish of Westwood – Growing Faith, Sharing Love, Grounding Lives

The congregation of First Parish of Westwood seeks to learn, live, and love in covenant with one another and with the United Church of Christ.

First Parish of Westwood, an open and affirming church, affirms the dignity and worth of every person regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental ability, family structure, education level, economic circumstance and faith or religious tradition.

We open our hearts in love and extend our hands in welcoming and including all who seek participation in the sacraments and rites of the Christian faith, leadership, fellowship, and mission work of our congregation.

The Opportunity

First Parish of Westwood is looking for a Music Director to lead our Church music program.  The program includes music for worship services, both choral and instrumental, as well as opportunities to offer occasional concert events throughout the year.  The Music Director serves as both choir director and instrumentalist/accompanist, primarily piano and organ.  The Music Director is as a leader in the congregation and a coach, expected to encourage and support congregation members in music program participation.  The Music Director is also creative, working with the pastor and church leadership to provide traditional program experiences as well as new program opportunities.

Hours - This is a part-time position expected to require on average 15 hours per week from September through June.  In addition to regular worship on Sunday mornings, there are special worship services throughout the year, particularly around holidays.  Hours for preparation are flexible, with choir rehearsal time selected in collaboration with the choir.

Compensation - $15,000 to $18,000, depending on experience; no benefits

Supervisor - The Music Director is accountable to the Church Council and under the general, day to day, supervision of the Pastor.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Worship Music Coordination & Performance

·         Work with Pastor to choose music / hymns for worship each Sunday.

·         Provide music for the 10 am worship service on Sunday mornings, usually organ and piano.

·         Provide musical organ and piano accompaniment, augmented with outside musicians (trumpeter, flutist, harpist), for special services throughout the year – Christmas services, Holy Week and Easter services, and other special services from time to time, including Music Sunday.

·         Arrange for and plan for absences so that worship service music is always covered.

·         Occasionally play at funerals, weddings, or other one-time services.  These are separately paid.

Music Leadership within the Church

·         Lead the adult choir.  

·         Weekday evening rehearsals three to four times a month.  

·         Pre-worship rehearsals most Sundays.  

·         Choir anthems three to four times a month. 

·         Coach and encourage choir members and other singers to help them develop their abilities and talents; recruit parish members who like to sing to join the choir.

·         Create other opportunities for music participation.  We have had a family choir once a month.  We would love a youth choir.  Support pageants.  

Concert Coordination

·         Plan and coordinate occasional concert events using Church designated financial resources.  Work with Pastor to assess what would be most impactful. 

Administration

·         Understand what is already available in the extensive music library at First Parish.  Arrange to order new music as needed.

·         Work with the Pastor and Church Administrator to develop music schedules, calendars, and details for the weekly worship bulletins.

·         Oversee the maintenance of Church instruments – pianos and organ.

·         Ensure that copyright laws are followed. 

Minimum Qualifications

·         Proficiency on organ and piano for all service music requirements

·         Choral directing experience  

·         Ability to establish a good relationship with the choir(s) while providing effective leadership

·         Patient, good natured, good with people, friendly

·         Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work

·         Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·         Strong organizational and planning skills

How to apply:
Send cover letter, resume, and the names and contact details for three references (we will contact your references only with your permission): 

Music Director Search Committee
First Parish of Westwood

252 Nahatan Street

Westwood, MA 02090

or via e-mail to office@firstparishwestwood.org