Music Director

Accepting Applications Until July 31, 2024

The United Methodist Church in Madison is seeking a part time Music Director to help our faith community grow its legacy of growing disciples. The church is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network which affirms and celebrates everyone’s sexual orientation and gender identity. We have close ties to Drew University and its Theological School allowing us to create contextually relevant forms of worship and ministry within the community. We also seek to grow our footprint in Madison and reach people who are looking to do church differently.


We are seeking a dedicated person who has the leadership and musical skills to direct our music program, organize our choirs, and who isn’t afraid to identify and search for musicians within the external community. This position requires the technical skills and interpersonal skills to grow our music ministry. Special attention will be paid to applicants who also play and can lead the congregation in music of all kinds.


The church is blessed to have musicians and singers who have called Madison home for years and a strong connection with Drew University’s student population. Both groups currently share their gifts of music in worship creating a blended style where you would find traditional hymns paired with music from the continent of Africa and other parts of the world. We use our organ, piano, handbells, drums, and other instruments to create a worship environment. As a church, we believe the time is right to create a music program that remembers our past and embraces a creative spirit moving us forward.


Applicants should bring a sense of curiosity and creativity to the position. We are looking to find new ways of connecting and ministering with our communities. The position will allow new forms of music ministry to be created in ways which are thoughtful, and utilize the connections within the church. The goal is that you will be able to help unlock the potential of God within the community as a dynamic leader.


Applicants should provide the search committee with examples of relevant experience and references. 


How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following to church@umcmadison.org:

A Resume

A Cover Letter

2 Professional References

A video record of 5-10 mins for each of the following:

Directing a rehearsal

Directing a choral performance

Playing an instrument


Position Overview

Report to:

Pastor

Staff/Parish Relations Committee


Collaborates with: 

Pastor

Church Staff (Administrative Assistant, Student Associate Pastor,

Student interns)

Musicians (Chancel Choir, Oikos Choir, children, other vocal and instrumentalists, paid and volunteer)


Hours per Week:

20 hours per week average, including rehearsals, Sunday

morning worship, special services (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Holy Week (2 services), Christmas Eve (2 services), weddings and funerals when choir is requested); planning and administrative duties. Right of first refusal for weddings and funerals.  Bench fee if another musician is requested and brought in.


Vacation Time:     4 Weeks    


Annual Compensation: 

 $20,000/year Director only OR $30,000/year Director who plays Organ


$10,000 music budget


Instruments: 

1923 Austin 16 rank organ, with new console and instrument

enhancements by Patrick Murphy of Pottstown, PA in 2015. Steinway

grand piano in the sanctuary, Weber grand piano in Fellowship Hall, Altenburg upright

piano in library, 5-octave set of Schulmerich handbells, Pearl Djembe, Remo Standing Ngoma Drum, assorted percussion instruments


Responsibilities:

Weekly

  • Extends hospitality and assistance to fellow staff, church members, and visitors in an appropriate manner.

  • Works cooperatively with the Senior Pastor to choose hymns and liturgical music for each worship service which reflects the Pastor’s vision/theme for the service.

  • Schedules and conducts weekly choir rehearsals and special rehearsals as needed, including those for soloists, instrumentalists, and ensembles.

  • Recruits, nurtures and supports choir members; instructs and teaches choral technique in a manner that is respectful and which grows the skills of all choir members.

  • Creates a collaborative environment which respects the creative talents and ideas of the organist, pianist, choir and guest musicians.

  • Assures that music equipment is organized, set-up, removed and stored appropriately following use.

  • Assures that choir robes are safely stored


Monthly

  • Works collaboratively with the Senior Pastor to develop and grow the music ministry of the church in support of the Pastor’s vision for worship.

  • Attends and participates in scheduled Church Council, Staff and other meetings as assigned.

  • Plan for–and recruit–guest vocalists and/or instrumentalists, either paid or volunteer, both permanent and as needed for special services and other occasions. Assures paid vocalists and instrumentalists are paid from the music fund and at an appropriate rate.


Seasonally

  • Plans and prepares occasional musical productions for special services (typically Christmas and Easter), including recruitment of guest musicians (paid or volunteer).

  • Plans, coordinates and directs music for special church services (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve, cantatas, etc.) and other special services as requested.

  • Proposes annual budget; operates within approved budget.

  • Assures that the music library is organized and maintained; orders new music within the approved budget and which reflect the Pastor’s vision for worship.

  • Supervises maintenance and tuning of all instruments: organ, pianos, and handbells.

  • Other duties as assigned.