Music Director (Somerville, MA)

First Church Somerville UCC is a thriving community in the heart of Davis Square, Somerville, MA. We are seeking a dynamic and creative music leader who will work with our pastors, choir, musicians, and congregation to create inspiring and beautiful music for worship each Sunday, on holy days, and on special occasions.

As the congregation grows, so do our opportunities to make music. In addition to our adult and children’s choirs, we have several amateur, volunteer-led ensembles, including a bell choir and soul/jazz and marching bands. You should plan to cultivate continued volunteer leadership for groups that you don’t feel called to direct. A number of congregants are acoustic musicians and come together in various configurations to serve as musical guests during worship services and play folk-oriented music at Annual Retreat. We love a wide variety of music in our services, and we welcome experiments, surprises, and challenges.

You will meet regularly with the Worship Team to plan worship services together. You will select and prepare worship service music, including hymns, anthems, offertories, preludes, and postludes. You will rehearse many of the aforementioned musical ensembles and conduct them during worship.

You will discover new music for us to sing and play; if you compose music, we would love to bring it to life! You will lead the congregation in song for our hymns and service music. You will act as a teacher and facilitator, helping to bring new people into the music program, teach and guide those who participate to make music together, and facilitate congregants sharing their musical gifts. You will bring us to tears and to our feet.

You have a spiritual calling to make music for worship, experience leading musical ensembles, and strong keyboard experience. Preexisting organ skills a plus but not required. You will have a strong worship presence and an infectious love of music.

Position is part-time (20 hours/week); pay commensurate with experience and education.

We are an Open & Affirming congregation committed to racial justice. People of color, women, and LGBTQ people are particularly encouraged to apply.

To be considered for the position, please email your résumé and cover letter to: musicsearch@firstchurchsomerville.org