Position Opening: Pianist

Submitted byJay C. Treat onTue, 07/16/2019 - 4:35 pm

The Position:

Marple Christian Church is seeking to hire a part-time pianist to serve January through June (and optionally into the next twelve months). The part-time pianist is responsible for musical leadership of the congregation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Provide piano (or organ) musical accompaniment during regular Sunday morning services and other special services (evenings of Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday) throughout the year; including accompanying hymns, and playing preludes, service music, offertories, music during communion and transitions, and postludes on piano or organ.
  2. Work collaboratively with the pastor in the selection of music.
  3. Provide other musical leadership and accompaniment as needed.

Qualifications:

  1. Extensive piano (or organ) skill, including the ability to sight-read simple hymns in four-part harmony and make simple improvisations during transitions in worship.
  2. Ability to lead the congregation in hymns and to accompany solo musicians and vocalists.
  3. Familiarity with Christian hymns and instrumental music in a variety of styles.
  4. Formal training in music (or equivalent experience and knowledge).
  5. Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with the pastor.
  6. Ability to select music that complements the liturgical season and the style of worship.
  7. Effective interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
  8. Solid planning and organizational skills.
  9. Flexibility

Hours and Salary:

The accompanist can expect to spend up to 1½ hours a week in accompanying, plus time for planning and practice. Compensation is $200 for each week and includes one week of paid time off. Additional compensation is given for special services (Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday).

For students at Temple University, this position can serve as an internship, supervised by music faculty at Temple University.

Supervision:

The accompanist is under the direct supervision of our pastor and works closely with her to plan and provide music for the congregation’s worship services.

About us:

Marple Christian Church is a small congregation in Broomall, Pennsylvania. We are part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a mainline ecumenical Protestant denomination. Our Sunday worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. from September through May and at 10:00 a.m. during the summer. Once a month, our worship takes a somewhat contemporary format; on other Sundays, it follows a more traditional style.

Inquiries and Applications:

Contact Jay Treat (jayctreat@gmail.com or 610-800-3276).