Church Music Director

Music Director Job Description

Position Overview

Central United Church is a welcoming, well-established church that has been located on historic Main Street Unionville (part of Markham) for over 180 years. In 2023, our church established a renewed mission, vision, and statement of values focused on becoming a thriving and welcoming community church that encourages all people to accept and grow in the Christian faith. A critical element of the new strategic direction is the enhancement and growth of our music ministry, to be enthusiastically led by the successful applicant for the redefined role of Music Director.

The primary focus of the Music Director is to develop, coordinate and administer an effective and well-rounded music program and to assist the congregation in experiencing a deeper sense of God’s presence in our daily lives through the Ministry of Music. The Music Director, working closely with the Senior Minister, will cultivate a vibrant worship environment by coordinating both contemporary and classical music elements. The ideal individual for this role will foster musical excellence to engage worshippers and enhance the spiritual life of the church in a way that will build our Church membership.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and coordination of a blended music program, incorporating the best of old and new musical expressions
• Plan and conduct weekly practices in preparation for choral anthems, small ensembles or soloists
• Lead the planning, implementation and delivery of the musical components of:
  • the weekly Sunday morning Church service, including playing of organ/piano and directing the choir
  • worship for special events outside of Sunday worship services (Comfort Service, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday)
• Provide strong organ and piano accompaniment to congregational song, choral music, soloists and instrumentalists
• Organize summer music offerings with small ensembles or soloists
• Schedule and promote a regular series of music concerts, recitals, and/or lectures on sacred music to invite community engagement
• Regularly seek out, encourage and develop the musical gifts within our congregation and community
• Foster the interest of the wider community in Central United Church’s music program
• Maintain a friendly environment of fellowship and camaraderie throughout the rehearsal process and the choral season.
• Provide appropriate music when required for weddings and funerals (on a fee-for-service basis) or make arrangements for supply musicians
• Manage music budget in consultation with Worship and Finance committees. Provide guidance in the preparation of the annual music budget and select, acquire, organize and maintain musical supplies and hire occasional paid musicians, as required, within the budget
• Oversee the condition and maintenance of instruments, including organ, piano, keyboard etc.

Professional Qualifications and Competencies

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in music, Sacred Music, or related field or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
• Enrollment in or completion of a music program with a focus on choral conducting would be an asset
• Demonstrated proficiency as an organist (including ability to play foot pedals), choral conductor, and music teacher
• Experience and proficiency leading/directing a variety of musicians including vocalists and instrumentalists
• Experience teaching and encouraging/motivating volunteer musicians and choristers with a wide range of musical competency and training
• Past experience with church music program leadership will be considered an asset
• Understanding of licensing and copyright requirements
• Competence with office and communication technology (email, file sharing, virtual meetings)

Personal competencies and characteristics

• A solid commitment to Christ and the Church, and a growing personal faith
• Familiarity with the Christian tradition and Scriptures
• An energetic and inspirational leader
• Problem-solving, decision-making, planning, organization and communication (verbal and written) skills
• Motivated and flexible
• A strong team player with organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and an enthusiastic presence for leading the congregation in worship
• Ability to motivate musicians at all levels of proficiency
• Ability to encourage and develop the creative gifts, talents, and abilities of volunteers to enhance worship
• Commitment to building inclusivity and diversity, and to lifelong learning

Staffing & Time Commitment

• Part-time position (20 hours per week), with potential for growth
• The intent is for this position to develop and participate in a music school for Central United Church, potentially in the year 2027. At such time, the position may increase up to 30 hours per week
• Attend Sunday services plus weekly rehearsals and occasional evenings/weekends
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Flexible schedule to accommodate seasonal church calendar and special events
• Attend worship committee meetings throughout the year (approx. 6 per year)

Accountability

Reports to the Worship Committee, with a dotted line responsibility to the Minister of Worship, Pastoral Care and Spiritual Development.

Hours of work:

Part-time 20 hours per week, with the potential to increase hours as the role and Music Program develops

Hybrid options can be explored

Compensation:

Based on experience and professional qualifications, and with reference to RCCO guidelines

Benefits:

An attractive and comprehensive United Church of Canada group benefits program is provided, including but not limited to a Pension Plan, Dental, and Extended Health Care

Application Process

Submit a resume highlighting music leadership experience and relevant education, and a cover letter.

Please send the application to https://www.fitzii.com/apply/98867