Church Organist / Music Director – Stable Weekend Role

About the Company

First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh has been a beacon of faith, fellowship, and service in downtown Pittsburgh for over two centuries. We are a vibrant and inclusive community committed to spiritual growth, engaging worship, and impactful outreach. Our historic sanctuary, known for its beautiful architecture and exceptional acoustics, houses a magnificent pipe organ central to our worship experience. We value the transformative power of music in ministry and seek a dedicated professional to lead our musical programs.

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and devoted Church Organist and Music Director to enrich our worship services and community life. This stable weekend role is pivotal to our spiritual offerings, primarily focusing on leading music for Sunday services and coordinating special liturgical events. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organ proficiency, strong leadership skills for choral direction, and a deep understanding of Reformed worship traditions. You will be responsible for providing organ accompaniment, directing our adult choir, and collaborating with our pastoral team to select appropriate musical repertoire that enhances our liturgical themes.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal organist for all regular Sunday worship services and special services (e.g., Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter).
• Direct and rehearse the adult choir weekly, preparing them for Sunday worship and other performances.
• Select and prepare anthems, hymns, and other musical pieces in consultation with the Senior Pastor, ensuring alignment with liturgical themes.
• Oversee the maintenance and tuning of the church organ and other musical instruments, coordinating with qualified technicians as needed.
• Recruit, train, and nurture choir members, fostering a positive and encouraging musical environment.
• Manage the music budget, including purchasing music, supplies, and coordinating with guest musicians when appropriate.
• Provide musical leadership for funerals, weddings, and other special occasions held at the church, as available.
• Collaborate effectively with pastoral staff, administrative team, and other church volunteers to integrate music seamlessly into church life.
• Attend regular staff meetings and participate in worship planning sessions.

Required Skills

• Exceptional proficiency in organ playing, including improvisation and hymn accompaniment.
• Proven experience in directing church choirs and vocal ensembles.
• Strong knowledge of sacred music repertoire across various periods and styles.
• Excellent sight-reading and transposition skills.
• Familiarity with the Reformed tradition of worship and liturgy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music, Organ Performance, Choral Conducting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Church Organist or Music Director in a Protestant church setting.
• Experience with diverse musical styles and instruments.
• Certification from a recognized professional music organization.

Perks & Benefits

• A supportive and spiritual work environment.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the musical ministry of a historic church.
• Access to a magnificent pipe organ.
• Part-time hours focused on weekend services, offering work-life balance.
• Contribution to a vibrant community.
• Professional development opportunities.

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