Director of Music

Position: Director of Music

Deadline: December 6, 2026

Supervisor: Rector

General Responsibilities

The Director of Music is responsible for helping to lead and support worship at St. Matthew’s through selecting, conducting, playing, and accompanying the music.

Roles and Responsibilities

A.)  Program

1.     Develop a parish-based music program:

a.     Lead and support the Parish Choir.

b.    Support congregational singing at services, holidays, and planned special events.

c.     Facilitate preparation of hymns and service music for inclusion in the bulletin and secure proper clearance thereof. Original compositions, choir anthems, or anthem arrangements will be welcomed in consultation with the Rector.

d.    Teach new hymns and service music to the congregation

e.     Identify and encourage participation in parish music from the congregation.

f.       Work with the Director of Family and Youth Ministries, to develop children’s appreciation for and participation in music of the parish. 

g.     In consultation with the Rector, identify and commission paid guest instrumentalists for special services such Christmas and Easter as the budget allows.

h.     Support parish ministry, especially in cooperation with Heaven Practice held quarterly with other Hillsborough churches.

i.       Oversee a volunteer who will maintain choral library.

2.     Lead and organize worship through music for Sunday services, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and holy week services that incorporates music and additional services as needed. 

3.     Assist the Rector in liturgical planning for all services involving music.

B. Administrative

Assist clergy in developing long and short-range goals for the music programAttend staff and worship committee meetings. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Faith and the Arts Committee.Confer with program staff to ensure cohesive and mutually-supportive parish programs in education and music.Develop the music budget and oversee expenditures for the music programSchedule tuning and maintenance of the organ and piano.Oversee ordering and maintenance of choir vestments.

C. Communication

Give bulletin information to the parish office in a timely manner.Provide articles for the newsletter.Be available for on-site hours during the program year.Engage in professional development activities as deemed appropriate by the Rector.Exhibit a spirit of cooperation with the staff and an active concern for the life and mission of St. Matthew’s.D. Organizational

Prepare and lead adult choir rehearsals during the program year.Prepare and lead choral opportunities for all ages for occasional service during the program year.Engage and rehearse guest instrumentalists and soloists for occasional servicesSecure and prepare a substitute when absent.Maintain the libraries of choral music.Available to provide music or obtain a substitute for funerals as requested. This will be compensated separately.Contract privately with engaged couples to provide music for weddings in accordance with a fee schedule agreed upon by the Rector and/or identify other musicians who may be available.Be open to providing a program under the Faith & the Arts banner as schedule permits, such as recitals or fundraisers.  

Requirements

-         Accomplished organist and pianist

-         Skills in choral conducting

-         Familiarity with Episcopal hymnals and music

-         Ability to lead our adult choir and grow their ministry

-         Ability to encourage youth and children participation in music

-         Willingness to participate in St. Matthew’s events

-         Active contributions to the parish as member of St. Matthew’s staff

-         Advanced degrees in music performance, music education, divinity, and/or related fields are a plus

Required application materials. Email to: [email protected]

-         Resume/CV

-         Cover letter

-         2-3 professional references

-         Video or audio recordings, 1 organ and 1 choral (rehearsal recordings are welcome, but optional)