Posting for Music Leader

St. Giles Presbyterian Church

Music Leader

Main Goal:  oversee a music program that supports and enriches worship at St. Giles

General Summary:  Lead choir, guiding vocal technique and music literacy, and perform contemporary and traditional hymns and music for worship services.

Roles, Responsibilities and Tasks:  (list the expectations of this position)

  • Choose weekly anthem for Sunday worship to correlate with theme of service and/or sermon, ensuring it is appropriate for the size and skills of the choir; proof-read service PowerPoint slides for hymn lyrics; check copyright licenses for chosen music
  • Select hymns for Sunday worship to correlate with theme of service and/or sermon, in consultation with Minister
  • Accompany on the organ or piano, as applicable, the music to be sung by the choir, soloists and congregation at all regular and special services of worship
  • Prepare/rehearse/conduct and accompany on the organ or piano as applicable, weekly choir rehearsals at times mutually agreeable to this position and the choir; email music summary to choir members following the weekly rehearsal
  • Select and play, on the organ or piano as applicable, appropriate prelude, offertory/choir anthem and postlude music at all services of worship
  • Arrange for and communicate with additional musicians for regular and special services
  • Ensure the maintenance of the piano and organ (i.e., piano tuning) in conjunction with the Music Committee and Building Officer
  • First right of refusal to provide music, if required, for all weddings and funerals in the Church; if the incumbent is unable to be present for any such wedding or funeral, assist in locating a substitute
  • Develop music literacy, vocal skills and all aspects of musicianship with choir
  • Choose, order and pick up music as part of overseeing music budget
  • Prepare report on the choir for the Annual Report
  • Support the St. Giles’ Music Committee

Equipment Operated:

  • Piano, organ
  • Sound system
  • Security system

Gifts, Skills, Experience and Qualities: 

  • Experience and/or training in piano and organ such as aBachelor of Music, ARCT, music education diploma or degree
  • Musical leadership including knowledge of choral repertoire
  • Sightreading skills, playing by ear, improvising accompanying chords for hymns and choral arrangements for original compositions is an asset
  • Ability to generate sheet music using music notation software an asset
  • Have experience working in a worship setting

Support, Supervision and Evaluation:

  • Minister
  • Human Resources Committee
  • Session and congregation
  • Music Committee

Schedule:  (total hours of work per week; start and end times)

  • Weekly Commitment:  choir rehearsal approximately 2 hours/week; Sunday Service 9:30 – 11AM; preparation time 3 – 5 hours/week for a total of approximately 7-8 hours/week
  • Special services, events and performances:  approximately 20 hours/year
  • Vacation – 3 weeks
  • Sick Leave – paid for 3 weeks/year

Salary dependent upon experience and education as per the Royal Canadian College of Organists salary table.

Please send your letter and resume to stgileshrc@gmail.com .