Director of Musical Worship
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral
Victoria, BC


BACKGROUND:

St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Victoria, BC, has had a proud history of musical excellence under of the leadership of many highly gifted and competent organists and choral directors.  Our primary objective going forward is to continue this tradition by seeking a Director of Musical Worship who is committed to this legacy by building a music program to meet the needs of a diverse and growing congregation.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral was dedicated in 1892 and is blessed to have a 1907 three-manual Casavant Frères Organ (two divisions operational) in the rear gallery and a Yamaha grand piano in the sanctuary.  The acoustics in the Cathedral are considered to be some of the finest in Western Canada.  

The Director of Musical Worship (DoMW) is responsible for the planning, coordination, and fulfillment of all liturgical music ministries at the Cathedral.  The applicant will work collaboratively with the Rector and the Parish Council and would preferably be a member of the Roman Catholic community.

Interested candidates should submit a resume with the names and contact information of at least two references to standrewscathedral@gmail.com or by mail to St. Andrew’s Cathedral 740 View Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1J8.  Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2025, or until the position is filled.  The preferred start date is July 4, 2025.  All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.  Applications and enquiries should be directed to Father Dean Henderson, Rector.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Title:  Director of Musical Worship (DoMW)

Reports to:  the Rector


PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1    Recruits and leads weekly rehearsals of two choirs and builds a music program which provides leadership and training in liturgical music, with consideration of the skills and abilities of the choirs.

2    Plans, coordinates and directs music for the liturgical year for four weekend masses (e.g. Christmas, Easter), as well as other special services (such as i.e. Chrism, Divine Mercy Sunday prayer, Christian Unity Week service and Prayer in the Style of Taize), by encouraging congregational singing and full participation of the assembly in worship. 

Currently the musical direction provided for the weekend masses is:
•    Saturday 5 pm Mass, led by a Leader of Song, with piano accompaniment by the DoMW;
•    Sunday 9 am Mass, led by a choir, with piano accompaniment by the DoMW;
•    Sunday11 am Mass, led by a choir, with organ accompaniment by the DoMW;
•    Sunday 5 pm Mass, led by a Filipino ensemble, with piano accompaniment.

3    Explores new directions for the Cathedral’s music program under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES 

1.    Prepares and manages an annual music budget;
2.    Writes reports for Rector, as required;
3.    Purchases all music, supplies, and equipment;
4.    Manages the ongoing maintenance of all musical instruments;
5.    Organizes and maintains a music library and music resources for the parish;
6.    Manages contracts with instrumentalists for major liturgical events and ensures timely payment to musicians and singers in coordination with the office staff;
7.    Prepares music resource booklets for different liturgical seasons/special feast days for the assembly in coordination with office staff;
8.    Maintains accurate records and timely reporting for music copyright and licensing for livestream and in person masses;
9.    Acts as a liaison, in coordination with the Rector and Office Manager, for visiting choirs or groups who wish to participate in parish liturgies or use the Cathedral for concerts.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS 

1.    Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills with people of all ages, including the ability to work collaboratively with priests and Cathedral staff;
2.    Demonstrates good written and verbal communication skills;
3.    Provides training to the choirs in weekly rehearsals in a professional manner;
4.    Participates in weekly staff meetings;
5.    Consults with parishioners in planning music for funerals, weddings and baptisms; and recruits musicians, as required.


MUSICAL AND LITURGICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.    Demonstrated excellent proficiency on the organ and piano;
2.    Educational requirements:  an organ diploma from the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) or the American Guild of Organists (AGO); or diploma from a recognized Conservatory of Music and/or a Bachelor Degree in Music; an advanced degree is preferred;
3.    Demonstrated experience in choral direction and choral conducting;
4.    Experience instructing accompanists and cantors in liturgical music;
5.    At least a minimum of five years’ experience as a Catholic Church Musician and Catholic Worship Leader;
6.    Knowledge of vocal pedagogy, and experience in motivating and encouraging singers of various proficiencies.
7.    Strong knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy, theology and church music and how the music fits the liturgical requirements (i.e. General Instruction for the Roman Missal, CCCB Guidelines for Liturgical Music (2015),Vatican II documents and principles).
8.    An understanding of the Lectionary, Liturgical year, Sacramentary and Sacramental Rites.
9.    An understanding the place of various musical elements used in liturgy including litanies, acclamations, psalmody, and contemporary song form.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1.    Offer of employment conditional on successfully passing a Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check;
2.    Diocese of Victoria (DOV) Responsible Ministry Policy;
3.    Applicants will need to indicate their status in terms of being legally entitled to work in Canada. Basic information on obtaining permission to work in Canada will be provided on request, but potential candidates will need to seek their own legal advice, at their own expense. 


COMPENSATION 

Without affecting the nature or scope of services to be provided under the contract, and for purposes of general illustration only, it is estimated the Director of Musical Worship position requires an average time commitment of approximately 25 hours per week.  

The salary is commensurate with experience and in line with the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) Salary of Recommended Salaries (The Royal Canadian College of Organists - Table of Recommended Salaries (rcco.ca).  

In addition to the above salary, services rendered outside the scope of this position description (ie. music at weddings, funerals, and private instruction) are and remain the purview of the DoMW, and as such, are to be remunerated separately and by the other respective parties.  Regardless of whether an outside musician is brought in for the event, the DoMW shall be entitled to their fee.

St. Anne’s Anglican Church is seeking a part-time Director of Music (approx. 15 hours per week) to continue and enhance its long-standing reputation as a centre of musical excellence. We are currently inviting expressions of interest from those who wish to be considered for the position.

St. Anne’s is an inclusive Christian community, seeking to worship God in the beauty of holiness. 

Since the devastating fire that destroyed our National Historical Site church in June of 2024, the congregation has been worshipping in the Parish Hall. The Music Ministry has been instrumental in keeping the parish together. We lost our wonderful organ in last year’s fire however we do have a Maeri baby grand piano to accompany our services.

Our choir is a comprised primarily of excellent volunteer musicians, who sing for the weekly Sunday service, occasional Choral Evensongs, and other high holidays. The Parish may organize additional musical events throughout the year. 

The position is remunerated according to RCCO salary scale guidelines. The anticipated start date is September 1 2025. The initial deadline for applications is August 4, 2025 although the position will remain open until filled.

Experience with Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Lutheran liturgies and a music diploma or degree are desirable.

Position Responsibilities

Works with the Rector to maintain and enhance Music Ministry, including but not limited to:

• Meeting with the Rector (or Clergy) weekly to select music for regular worship and special services (including festivals, weddings, and funerals/memorials);;

• Supporting the philosophy of the parish’s music program which is primarily traditional and includes modern Canadian composers

• Playing the piano at services.

• Coaching and directing the choir in rehearsals and performances; recruiting new members into the choir.

• Managing the annual music program budget.

• Overseeing the music library and arranging new music orders.

This position averages approx. 15 hours per week which includes Sunday pre-rehearsal and service, weekly choir rehearsal and administrative time, with the additional hours during certain seasons of the church year (e.g., leading up to Advent Lessons and Carols, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. 

Please contact Shari Ellis, Rector’s Warden at shari.ellis@stanne.ca to request a copy of the approved position description or for additional information.

St. James Presbyterian – Director of Music

Introduction to our Church:

St. James Presbyterian Church in Stouffville, Ontario is an inclusive congregation looking for a part time Organist and Choir Director. The Role is described as Director of Music.

The congregation of St. James has been praising God and serving the community of Stouffville faithfully for 164 years. We continue to be a family filled with faith, love, and missionary purpose.

“The church lives to praise God. We have no higher calling than to offer the worship that belongs to God, day by day, Sunday by Sunday” “Living Faith 7.3.1”: Our services also seek to strengthen both our relationships with God and with each other, through Christ. Lay people participate in services regularly and sometimes lead worship in the minister’s absence.

At St. James, music is more than just an accompaniment to worship—it's a vital expression of our faith and community. Our minister and choir director collaborate closely, selecting music that deeply resonates with the scriptures and themes of each service. The heart of our music ministry is our enthusiastic choir, made up of adult parishioners who are passionate about sharing the beauty of sacred music. Beyond the sanctuary, St. James is a hub for musical events, from student concerts to Sacred Music Nights, fostering a vibrant connection with the community through the arts. 

Job Description:
Director of Music
Part Time of 6-8 hours weekly salaried or contract position, pay commensurate with RCCO pay scale.

Reporting Relationship: Reports directly to the Session of the Church with communication with the Personnel Committee. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Work closely with the Minister to select liturgically appropriate music then rehearse, and direct all music for Sunday worship, namely; hymns, anthems, preludes, postludes, and other service music

- Lead the congregation in the singing of the hymns and other service music by providing musical accompaniment of the piano and organ

- Be open to both traditional and contemporary musical styles

- Be available for all Sunday 10am services, as well as additional seasonal services around Holy Week and Christmas (Good Friday morning, Christmas Eve 7:00pm)

- Train, develop, and grow the SATB by conducting a 1–2-hour weekly rehearsal at a mutually agreeable time

- Oversee the care of the organ and piano and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities regarding maintenance and repair.

- Work with various church committees, and attend a monthly Worship Team Meeting at a mutually agreeable time

- Maintain up-to-date licensing and reporting for music usage with such companies as One-license and/or CCLI

- Prepare and maintain an annual music budget

- The Director of Music shall have right-of-first-refusal for all weddings and funerals in the Church. It is the responsibility of the Church to provide an alternate if the Director of Music is not available. 

Vacation Allotment:
A starting minimum vacation of two (2) weeks, up to 4 weeks on negotiation, at a time agreed to in consultation with the Minister. The congregation is responsible for finding a supply organist during vacation periods.

Suggested Qualifications:
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Music
- Proficiency and Training on Piano
- Experience in Organ Playing
- Experience directing and accompanying choral ensembles
- Strong Communication and Organizational skills
- Working knowledge of Audio/Visual equipment an asset

Application Process:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Jenna Holloway the Church Administrator, email secretary.st.james.stouffville@gmail.com no later than August 31, 2025. Selected applicants will be called for an in-person interview and subsequent audition with the choir in August.
The desired start time is September 2025; however, applicants may be accepted until the position is filled.
Alternate contact Bernice Field, phone 905-642-5233 

St. James’ Anglican Church in Vancouver, BC is seeking a half-time Director of Music to continue and enhance its long-standing reputation as a centre of musical excellence.  We are currently inviting expressions of interest from those who wish to be considered for the position.

St. James’ is an inclusive Christian community, seeking to worship God in the beauty of holiness. Our sacramental life is rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, and we are an affirming catholic parish.

The building is located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side while the Parish contains the much wider Strathcona Neighbourhood.  We are both a neighbourhood and a destination church. 

Our choir is a mix of volunteer and paid musicians, who sing for the weekly High Mass, occasional Choral Evensongs, and other special liturgies. The Parish also organizes several non-liturgical musical events throughout the year.  Our three-manual Casavant organ was installed in 1938 and most recently overhauled in 2003.  St. James Music Academy, a separate institution housed in the building, is a non-profit music school providing free classical music education to children and youth in our community.

The position is remunerated according to RCCO salary scale guidelines.  The anticipated start date is early in 2026.  The initial deadline for applications is August 15, 2025 although the position will remain open until filled.

Please contact the parish at: office@stjames.bc.ca to request a complete application package.

The Ecumenical Shared Ministry [ESM] of St. Paul's United Church and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Bowmanville, is looking for a Music Director.

GENERAL DETAILS:  Music is an integral element of worship. The Music Director’s primary responsibility, in collaboration with the Minister and the Worship Committee, is to lead our Affirming Communities of Faith of ESM, in meaningful musical worship, via strong musical accompaniment on pipe organ and piano, and leadership of our 20+ voice SATB volunteer choir. This includes supporting and growing the musical skills and talents within our Communities of Faith.

We expect that this will be an average commitment of 10 hour per week through out the year.

If interested, and to receive a full job description, then before August 15, 2025, please send your resume and reason for applying to mandp@stpaulsunited.com. Alternately, send or drop off your resume and reason for applying in an envelope marked ATTN: M&P to the church office at 178 Church Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C1T9. 

ORGANIST/DIRECTOR OF MUSIC (3/4 time)

Church:    St. Mary’s Kerrisdale Anglican Church
Location:    Vancouver, BC
Start Date:    September 2025 (or earlier, if available)

Application Deadline:    Open until filled

POSITION OVERVIEW
St. Mary's Kerrisdale, a vibrant Anglican parish in Vancouver, seeks a 3/4-time Organist/Director of Music to lead and grow our diverse music ministry. This is a central liturgical leadership and pastoral role involving collaboration with clergy, staff, volunteer and professional musicians, and the broader community. The successful candidate will be rooted in Anglican liturgical tradition while also welcoming a variety of musical styles

We are open to flexible staffing possibilities, including a job share between Organist and Music Director.

CURRENT MUSIC PROGRAM & CAPACITY FOR GROWTH
St. Mary’s has a long history of offering multiple worship services, each with its own distinct liturgical style. Our volunteer choir is supported by paid section leads, allowing us to maintain a high standard of music. In recent years, we have offered Evensong or another seasonally appropriate liturgical or musical service at 4:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month, complementing our more intergenerational and casual Spirit Sunday service at 10am. The third Sunday of the month worship has leaned "higher church" offering a choral mass setting and additional choral anthems. This approach reflects our ongoing efforts to honour the diverse liturgical sensibilities within our community.

The music ministry is supported by:

• A 3-manual 1964 Casavant organ (well-maintained)
• A baby grand piano in the sanctuary
• A full set of handbells
• Newly renovated choir room

We are hoping to have a new Organist/Director of Music in place by the beginning of the program year in September, to provide a smooth transition for our music program and worship.

CHARACTER TRAITS

• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills, desire and ability to build community.
• Team player
• Attention to detail

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Worship
2. Staff/Community Life
3. Development
4. Administrative
5. Funerals/Weddings

1. WORSHIP
   
   • Select music for Sunday worship services and additional services as appropriate, in consultation with the Clergy
   • Schedule and lead weekly rehearsals of the choirs (adult, children, bell, other)
   • Put in an appropriate amount of rehearsal time to provide high quality organ experience for worship
   • Arrange instrumentalists for Holy Days as budgeted for, organize rehearsals for and provide timely payment to musicians and singers through office procedures
   • Arrange for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed.
   • When absent, arrange for qualified substitute organist for church services and notify the Rector/Priest in Charge in advance.
   • Facilitate congregational singing and worship through the excellent execution of hymns and liturgy.
   • Encourage the musical talents and participation of members of the congregation through organizing and coordinating special musical offerings, including soloists, instrumentalists, and small ensembles, this may include bell or cherub choirs, depending on the applicants' gifts and interests.
   • Update bulletins, prepare bulletins for special music offerings. Demonstrated competency in Microsoft word necessary
   
   
2. STAFF/COMMUNITY LIFE
   
   • Participate in regular (currently weekly) staff meetings and staff development/social gatherings (approximately four annually).
   • Participate in the life of the parish as discussed with the Rector; this may include events such as Neighbourhood Halloween, Parish Cleanup Day, Open House and Parish Picnic.
   • Foster and encourage the social life of the choir, including choir parties and other such events.
   • Provide appropriate pastoral care to members of the choir and share with the clergy as needed.
   
   
3. DEVELOPMENT
   
   • Ability to professional network and collaborate with colleagues.
   • Familiarity with marketing and sales
   • Desire and motivation to work with Clergy and volunteers to build a financially sustainable music program
   • Cultivate a music/performance series or similar community offering to develop the music program at St. Mary's.
   • Explore the feasibility and development of RCSM or similar program for young choristers
   
   
4. ADMINISTRATIVE
   
   • Purchase all music, supplies, equipment, and supervise instrument maintenance
   • Oversee filing and maintenance of music library
   • Oversee the care of choir robes
   • Attend staff meetings (weekly) and worship committee meetings (as they occur)
   • Develop and monitor the annual budget
   • Contribute articles for publicity/communication purposes
   • Write annual report for Vestry meeting
   • Plan a calendar of music activities and coordinate promotions accordingly
   
   
5. FUNERALS/WEDDINGS
   
   
   • The Organist/Director of Music shall provide music, if required, for all weddings and funerals in the Church and is entitled to be paid a minimum fee (outside their salary and work hours). The Organist shall be entitled to their fee regardless of whether an outside organist is brought in for the event. St. Mary's is a family parish for many, and on average we have between 30-40 funerals annualy requiring musical support. (1)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• A deep understanding of, enthusiasm for, and experience with intergenerational choirs - excelling in music from the Anglican and English choral traditions, while embracing diverse cultural and contemporary styles.
• Demonstrated professional-level musical talent, supported by formal training and experience.
• Theological sensitivity and the ability to integrate music meaningfully into worship, including familiarity with Anglican liturgy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage warmly and effectively with clergy, staff, choir members, guests, and the wider congregation.
• Skilled in teaching music theory and vocal technique, and in selecting appropriate service music, hymns, and anthems (in consultation with clergy).
• Passionate about working with both volunteer and professional singers, with energy for recruitment, inclusion, and community outreach.
• Willing to collaborate closely with clergy for choral service preparation and offer vocal coaching and support as needed.
• Mastery or organ performance and choral direction, with experience in:
  - Developing youth choirs and integrating them into parish music life
  - Promoting the music ministry in the broader community
  - Collaborating with external choirs and planning joint or off-site concerts
  - Organizing potential choir trips locally or abroad
• Comfortable working in collaboration with a Music Committee to support and achieve strategic goals.
• Willingness to assist our team with grant writing to fund music-related initiatives.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Organist/Director of Music is responsible to the Rector (or other Priest in charge), indirectly to the Church Wardens and Treasurer.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position is year-round 3/4 time position, 30 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours as arranged.

Salary range is commensurate with experience and in line with Royal Canadian College of Organists pay guidelines. Relocation reimbursement may be discussed.

3 weeks of vacation in addition to statutory holidays (required-to-work Stat holidays will be transferred to the following week).

The employee may join the Diocesan Lay Workers Benefits Plan (includes MSP, Dental, Extended Health, and pension benefits)

TIMELINE

July 11, 2025                   Position Closed
July 18, 2025                  Applicants notified of next steps
September 14, 2025     Start date (negotiable)

APPLICATION
Email of interest, resume, and additional credentials to the Rector, Lindsay Hills at lindsay@stmaryskerrisdale.ca with "Organist/Director of Music" in the subject line.

Please CC office@stmaryskerrisdale.ca with materials.

Because of the tight turnaround candidates are encouraged to submit three recordings with their application, for committee's preliminary consideration:

1. Organ Prelude/Postlude
2. Piano Piece
3. Choice Piece

(1) The minimum fee for funerals/weddings is $150 and the maximum is presently $250, depending on the services needed. This may be reevaluated with the Rector at any time.

Port Elgin United Church Music Director

Work Location:  840 Bruce St., Box 486, Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada  N0H 2C0
Contact Name:  Susan Brown, Ministry and Personnel Committee Chair
Contact Phone Number & Email:  519-832-9540 or by email at peunitedchurch@bmts.com

Job Description
Hours:  14 hours per week for 3 weeks per month (including 3 Sundays)
Wage:  $30-$35/hr
Benefits and Pension:  Yes

Position Overview:
Port Elgin United Church’s Music Director must be passionate about bringing meaningful music experiences to PEUC’s diverse congregation. The Music Director will play a pivotal role in enhancing the worship experience by providing a variety of well-prepared musical selections from the vast range of Christian music resources available. The creation of a meaningful and engaging worship environment through music requires the Music Director to hold strong to PEUC’s Christian principles, while enhancing our Mission and Vision.

Primary Duties:
•    Lead music during Sunday Worship Services 3 Sundays per month
•    Provide piano or organ accompaniment for musical selections
•    Work closely with the Minister to select appropriate music for 3 Sunday services per month, as well as for special services such as Christmas Eve
•    Embrace diversity in musical worship opportunities by exploring options from traditional hymns to contemporary pieces
•    Input the lyrics of songs to be sung in the weekly service’s PowerPoint presentation via Google Docs by a weekly deadline agreed upon with the Office Administrator
•    Understand and maintain up-to-date licensing and reporting for music usage (including duplication, distribution and broadcast), following the guidelines of the United Church of Canada, i.e., CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International)
•    Attend monthly Council Meetings (second Sunday of month, 7-9 pm)

•    Direct a choir, coordinating weekly practice sessions at a time that is satisfactory for most of the choir members
•    Direct a “Summer Choir” that only meets to practice prior to Sunday service
•    Engage, coordinate and rehearse with musical volunteers who wish to contribute their talents to worship services
•    Develop music opportunities for children 
•    Develop a solid understanding of PEUC’s audio/visual technology while working closely with the AV Booth Team to ensure optimal sound balance for in-person and online worship
•    Assist with setup and testing of sound equipment before each service
•    Work with members of various Church Committees, e.g., Worship Committee, Continuing Education Committee, when needed, to coordinate a variety of musical opportunities during services
•    Develop a yearly music budget to be presented to Church Council and the Congregation 

Other Possible Duties:
•    Direct a Bell Choir and/or Chime Bar Choir (PEUC has sets of both)
•    Direct a Children’s Choir 
•    Provide music for funerals and weddings. Payment for such services will follow the Fees for Service Policy of Port Elgin United Church.

Required Skills:     
•    Demonstrated proficiency in piano accompaniment 
•    Strong organizational skills
•    Strong communication skills
•    Ability to work cooperatively with church staff, volunteer Committee members and congregants

Preferred Skills:
•    Demonstrated proficiency in organ accompaniment
•    Experience in choral conducting
•    Familiarity with traditional hymns and contemporary Christian music 
•    Familiarity with the hymnals Voices United and More Voices, as well as the United Church of Canada’s new online Let’s Sing resource (coming soon) 
•    Strong sound technology skills
•    Computer skills, i.e., working knowledge of Google Docs

To apply, please email your resume to Susan Brown at peunitedchurch@bmts.com

MUSIC DIRECTOR VACANCY


Knox Presbyterian Church Kincardine Ontario is seeking an organist and choir director effective September 1, 2025. Duties would include the following:

– playing the organ and piano and conducting the 16 person choir for 10:30 Sunday morning worship services as well as extra services such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Remembrance Day, Christmas Eve. The choir does not do an anthem at services in July and August.

– meeting once a week with the minister to plan the music for the Sunday morning service

– lead choir practice Thursday afternoons from 1:30 – 3 from September to June

– rehearse the choir Sunday morning from approximately 9:45 – 10:15

– hire tuners for organ and piano

The organ is a 2 manual Karn-Warren pipe organ which was rebuilt and enlarged in 1949. In 2019, it was refurbished and digitized. The organ has 823 pipes encompassing five octaves on both manuals with a 2 and a half octave pedalboard. The grand piano is a Petroff dating from the early 1900s.

This position is for 10 hours a week. Remuneration is to be negotiated depending on qualifications and experience.

Applicants should contact Leslie Ray at lesliewelwood@hotmail.com 519-955-1731 or Mike Chreptyk at chreptyk@gmail.com 226-974-5166 

Fort Garry United Church, an urban congregation in south Winnipeg seeks a church musician to start work mid-August or September 2025. Music is an important element of worship for our congregation, with an adult choir and strong appreciation for music. This is a part-time, term position, lasting 10-12 months, with the possibility of renewal or future permanent position. Approximately 8-10 hours per week including weekly Sunday services and choir rehearsals.

We prefer candidates with experience in piano, choral direction, and organ. However, we are open to the possibility of hiring two individuals with different skill sets or one person who possesses both piano and choral direction experience.

Responsibilities include one choir rehearsal weekly (Thursday evenings) for 9 months of the year (September-May), along with piano and/or organ leadership for Sunday and special services, and music selection in consultation with the Minister. The musician will also provide music for funerals and weddings for an additional set fee. During July and August, we often share services with other churches, with Fort Garry United Church providing music leadership for 2-3 Sundays.

A Yamaha Grand Piano and an Allen Organ are provided. Remuneration follows RCCO guidelines, or as negotiated. Application deadline is June 23, 2025.

If you have questions about the position email fortgarryunitedpersonnel@gmail.com.

To apply please submit a cover letter, resume and references to fortgarryunitedpersonnel@gmail.com

Find out more about our congregation at fortgarryunitedchurch.ca

Director of Music Job Description

Ministry Position Title: Director of Music.

Church: St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle - 525 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON M4W 1J1

Our Context:
The Anglican Church of St Peter and St Simon-the-Apostle in the heart of downtown Toronto has a strong tradition of liturgical excellence with music as an essential part of our mission and ministry. We seek a Music Director who is creative, collaborative, passionate about teaching, and upholds music as an integral part of worship and parish life.

SPSS is a diverse, inclusive community of faith, rooted in the classical Anglican tradition. Skill and experience as an organist and choral director well-versed in the traditional Anglican form of worship and improvisation are essential.

Music at SPSS is supported by a three-manual Cassavant pipe organ, a Heintzman grand piano, an extensive music library and a large rehearsal room. Opportunities exist to include different instruments and genres in worship which affirm tradition while being open to new ideas and styles.

The SPSS choir sings at the 10.30 am Sunday service and regularly scheduled Evensong and other services throughout the year. The choir includes professional section leads who provide assistance to the Director for choir development in achieving musical and liturgical excellence.

The Director will report to and work closely with the Incumbent in the planning of music for worship. Remuneration is commensurate with the guidelines of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Music Director Position:

• This is a part-time position, 15-20 hours per week. The parish shall assess the performance, skills and other attributes and characteristics of the successful applicant during a probation period of 3 months.

• The successful applicant shall have the opportunity to learn about both SPSS and the position during the probationary period.

• The position will be formalised either as a contract for services of an independent contractor, or as part-time employment. Documentation will be based on the standard terms of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto.

• Either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time during the initial three-month probationary period without notice, in which case there will be no continuing obligations of the parties to each other, financial or otherwise.

• After a successful probation, 90 days notice of termination is requested.

Reports to: Incumbent, Church Wardens

Requirements of the Position:

• To ensure worship services are led and supported at a high standard through instrumental and choral music in a way that the congregation is encouraged in dignified worship and focussed on faith formation.

• Provide leadership in the ministry of music which is sensitive to the Anglican tradition, goals and practices of the parish, and the seasons of the liturgical year.

• To build and nurture the parish choir.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Keen attention to the liturgical life of the parish to plan and lead the music for Sunday services, Holy Days, and occasional services - these may include Evensong, mid-week services, weddings, funerals, and ecumenical events held at the church.

• Assess the needs of the music ministry to direct, nurture and train the parish choir.

• Lead the weekly Thursday choir rehearsal and one Sunday morning rehearsal (September to June).

• Develop musical techniques to encourage fuller congregational participation in worship.

• Coordinate maintenance of instruments.

• Manage and maintain the music library, purchase choir music, vestments and engage supplemental musicians.

• Ensure all copyright laws are followed.

• Be responsible for submitting an annual budget to the Church Wardens for approval by the Vestry.

• Track and submit monthly choir section lead fee payment to the Church office.

• Arrange for guest musicians, vocalists, or organists for special services or events.

• Participate in diocesan musical activities, and attend conferences, workshop and seminars for continuing education for professional growth and the benefit of the congregation

• Maintain a safe environment for all participants with the requirement to ascribe to the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese and participate in the Responsible Ministry/ Screening in Faith Policy and programme.

• Participate in an annual performance review of the position.

• Participate in meetings as arranged with the Incumbent/or his or her designate and reporting any concerns in a timely manner

Skills, Experience and Qualities Required:

• Accomplished organist with a high proficiency as an accompanist and teacher. Music education/training, e.g., A.R.C.T., B.Mus., B.F.A., R.C.C.O. Certification or the equivalent.

• Understanding of the Anglican tradition and liturgy with the knowledge of the traditional liturgical repertoire including Anglican Chant, Plainchant, liturgical settings and other service music repertoire.

• Adept at improvisation.

• Experience teaching choral technique to train and lead a choir.

• Ability to foster and teach congregational singing.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a team environment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Support, Supervision and Evaluation:

• The Incumbent and Wardens will conduct an annual performance review.

• Support is provided by the parish particularly the Clergy, Wardens and Choristers.

Limits of the Position:

• Have at least one screened leader present when working with children or youth.

• Comply with the Diocesan Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith Policy which includes a Police Records Check.

Terms of Work/Service: 15-20 hours per week estimated.

• The Director shall have a vacation of one month with pay to be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the parties, but which cannot be scheduled during festival seasons of the Church.

Training Provided:

• Position-specific training (pre-requisite).

• In-service training (on-going as needed).

• Diocesan Responsible Ministry/Sexual Misconduct training.

Position Risk Assessment: High

Benefits & Opportunities:

• To make a significant contribution to the faith formation of the parish through the music ministry.

• Potential to develop a music programme for children and youth.

• The Director of Music has the first option to play at weddings and funerals. He/she will receive an honorarium.

• The Director of Music may give private music instruction on the church premises with the use of church instruments provided it does not interfere with normal church activities.

• A designated parking space for one automobile.

Remuneration:

Paid in accordance with the guidelines of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Please submit your cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to:
The Church of St Peter St Simon-the-Apostle
Organist and Choir Director Search Committee
525 Bloor Street East
Toronto ON M4W IJ1

Telephone: 416.923.8714
Email: office@stpeterstsimon.ca (Please include “Director of Music” in the subject line).
Deadline to apply is June 20, 2025

Applications will be reviewed as received.