DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Wesley United Church

Position Description Summary

Wesley United Church is seeking a Director of Music to join our staff team and spiritual community. They will lead all aspects of music ministry at Wesley, and plan music for worship services in consultation with our minister, Rev. Michael Shewburg.

Hours

An average of 15 hours per week. Some of the position hours are flexible, but the successful candidate must be available for weekly choir rehearsals (currently on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.), weekly worship services including rehearsal (Sundays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), monthly Worship and Music Committee meetings (typically two hours), and special events, including weddings and funerals. The Director of Music is expected to be responsible for all music on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day (should that be required).

Compensation

$30,000 - $35,000 per year, commensurate with experience. While normally a contract position, there is potential for a successful candidate to enrol in the United Church of Canada’s Employee Pension and Benefits plans.

What We’re Looking For

A Team Player – The Director of Music is part of our staff team, worship team, and our spiritual community.

An Accomplished Musician – with music training and leadership experience, including the ability to arrange music, introduce new songs/hymns to our congregation, and to also choose those that are familiar to us.

An Experienced Leader – you could be an experienced Music Director in a church context, in a choral group, or in musical theatre. You must be an accomplished pianist and organist.

A Music Director Aligned with our Values – Wesley is an Affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada. Wesley is also a hub for the surrounding community and provides space for many community groups and non-profit organizations. We are committed to peace and social justice, and indigenous reconciliation.

The Duties of the Position

Weekly Worship
• Provide leadership to, and development of, the musical choirs at Wesley, including the Senior Choir, Bell Choir, and collaborative choirs with other churches.
• Select music of the music ministry, as well as selection of the pieces of music that will be performed by the choir at each performance.
• Lead choir rehearsals.
• Work with the minister, or other worship leader, in planning and implementing the musical portion of worship services and coordinate with the other aspects of worship as well as playing both piano and organ. Wesley has a Samick grand piano and a Casavant pipe organ.
• Work with the Technical Team in implementing the music before, and during, Sunday services.

Worship Preparation and Planning
• Monitor the instruments at Wesley (pipe organ, grand piano, bells, and other pianos in the building) to ensure that they are in good working order. 
• Act as a contact person with organ maintenance to ensure consistency of communication.
• Keep the Worship and Music Committee informed of ongoing maintenance and long-term maintenance issues as they arise and make recommendations.
• Arrange, as needed, for soloists and musicians for special services, within budget parameters.
• Plan for, organize and purchase music as needed for the music programs at Wesley, within budget parameters.
• Work with other staff to ensure that all staff are aware of music events, activities, and needs.

Weddings/Funerals
• As needed, work with wedding couples to plan for wedding music and play at weddings or arrange for an organist/pianist to do so. A special fee will be paid over and above the Music Director’s normal salary.
• As needed, work with those members requiring funeral arrangements to assist them in having appropriate and meaningful music played at the service. Play at the funeral, and lead the choir, if it is required. A special fee will be paid over and above the Music Director’s normal salary.

Requirements
• An understanding of the importance of the role of music in the worship service.
• An ability to select musical offerings that fit the theme and tone of weekly worship.
• Comfortable with racial diversity, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and inclusion across the ability/disability spectrum.
• An awareness of cultural appropriation and inclusive language in music.
• Familiarity with the United Church of Canada is an asset.
• Experience in choral direction.
• Open to feedback and a willingness to learn and grow with the congregation.

Accountability

The Director of Music is accountable to the Ministry and Personnel Committee and provides input to the Worship and Music Committee.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to wesleymandp@gmail.com. If there is an interest in pursuing the next stage of the recruitment process, an interview will be scheduled.

Confidentiality is assured.

Application Timeline

The deadline is November 15, 2025. The position will commence on January 1. 2026