Director of Music (East Hartland, CT)

Date Posted: 
April 1, 2019
Organization Name: 
The First Church in Hartland
Job Description: 

First Church in Hartland

Job Description – Director of Music

Updated February 15, 2019

Summary of Responsibilities

Develops, coordinates and implements a diverse music program for the congregation.  Responsible for directing the choir, working with the Pastor to plan music programs for each service, and working in advisory capacity with other music programs such as youth choir. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

  • Jointly with the Pastor, selects, plans and directs music programs for each Sunday service, including appropriate music for the organ, piano, choir and soloists when appropriate.
  • Plans and leads weekly choir rehearsals.  Recruits, trains and organizes choir members for the weekly and special music programs.
  • Leads and is accompanist to the choir employing piano and organ and other instruments if in the Director’s repertoire. Coordinates with guest musicians and/or soloists.
  • Oversees the maintenance of the congregation’s piano and organ.  Communicates with Pastor when service is needed to upkeep these instruments.
  • Communicates with Church Office Administrator in a timely manner to include musical selections in the weekly bulletin and to maintain licenses.
  • Maintains and updates the congregation’s music library within the bounds of the Music Committee’s budget.  Responsible for obtaining publisher’s permission for use of copyrighted materials.
  • Submits, in conjunction with the Deacons, an annual budget and annual report.
  • Attends Deacons meetings and other church meetings as necessary or as requested.
  • Special situations – The Director of Music may participate or decline to participate in events such as weddings and funerals.  If participating, preparation for and working the event will not be included in the normal workweek schedule.  Fees will be paid separately and based on the average going rate for such services.

Reporting Relationship

This position is under the immediate direction of the Pastor.

Typical Skills and Qualifications Required

  • Excellent piano skills required. Organ proficiency a plus. Proven leadership ability in providing music direction and coordination of choir members, instrumentalists and soloists.
  • Experience in researching and selecting appropriate music to coincide with the Christian calendar.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Administrative skills in maintenance and organization of the music library, purchasing new music, and keeping financial records.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is frequently required to walk up a short flight of stairs, sit, talk/sing and hear.  The employee is required to use the keyboard and computer on occasion. 

Work Hours

The work week will consist of leading an evening choir practice, participating in Sunday morning service, and meeting with Pastor regarding music selections. Estimated time 10 hours per week.