Director of Music – Job Description

Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal

Who we are:

Set in the heart of Montreal, Christ Church Cathedral is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming people of all cultural backgrounds, ages, life experiences, genders and sexual orientations and valuing the rich spiritual gifts they bring. The members of the Cathedral community have expressed a strong appreciation for the Anglican tradition of choral music and an openness to new and creative ways of taking that tradition into the future. We are therefore looking for a new Director of Music with experience, creative ideas and leadership qualities, who would like to become part of the Cathedral community.

Role summary:

The Director of Music works under the direction of the Dean of the Cathedral and is responsible for developing and directing the musical aspects of the Cathedral’s liturgical program in collaboration with the clergy. As such, the Director is responsible for the choir, choral scholars and the organ assistant and organ scholar programs, as well as ensuring the maintenance and development of the Cathedral’s material musical assets. The new Director of Music will combine a depth of knowledge of liturgical music traditions and practical experience with creativity and vision to fashion the Cathedral’s music ministry for years to come.

Skills and experience:

Required

• Excellent music skills as a choir conductor.
• Excellent organist skills, to the Royal Canadian College of Organists’ FRCCO standard or equivalent, including good liturgical improvisation skills.
• Pedagogical skills and experience working with adult choirs and musicians.
• Openness to integrating works from other liturgical and cultural origins to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of the cathedral's community, our city, and our international visitors.
• A team player, able to work cooperatively with the clergy and others in planning the liturgical year.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for sharing music and music education with the whole cathedral community and as part of our outreach ministry.
• Organizational and management skills. Proficiency with communication technology (email, social media, zoom).

Preferred

• Three years experience as the director of music in another parish or cathedral.
• Working knowledge of the Anglican or closely related liturgical tradition, and the role of music within it; commitment to maintain and expand that tradition.
• Fundraising experience in order to support the work and development of the music department.
• Interest in working with children and developing single events and/or ongoing programs for them would be an asset.
• The Cathedral is striving to be bilingual. It is highly desirable that our director of music be or become reasonably comfortable in both English and French. We will be pleased to assist in this process.

Responsibilities:

Liturgical responsibilities

• Meets regularly with members of the clergy to plan weekly services and the liturgical seasons.
• Chooses all liturgical music, in consultation with the Dean, other clergy and/or committees as appropriate:

• Normally the choral Eucharist and Evensong settings, anthems, psalms, litanies, all hymns – this includes music for all regular and special Sundays, and special events such as festivals, carol services and Holy Week liturgies.

Responsibilities for the choir, assistant organist, organ scholar, and choral scholars

• Trains and develops the choir by conducting regular rehearsals.
• Organizes and provides singing schedules and music lists to choristers.
• Recruits and supervises the work of the professional and volunteer singers.
• Supervises and organizes the work of the Assistant Organist and Organ Scholar.
• Oversees and advises other regular musicians, as appropriate.
• Sees to the efficient and harmonious functioning of all Cathedral musicians and their integration into their liturgical and Cathedral duties.

Musical responsibilities

• Prepares and performs music for all services and/or provides opportunity for the assistant organists to perform as appropriate.
• Provides music for occasional Diocesan events, working with the Bishop and the diocesan Liturgical Officer.
• Ensures that there is someone available to provide music, if required, for all weddings, funerals and other similar occasional offices in the Cathedral. Fees for these services shall be above regular salary.
• Recruits and supervises professional and volunteer instrumentalists for special services, when appropriate and within the music budget.
• Occasionally works with Cathedral groups, such as dancers or dramatic readers, when liturgical music is required.
• Occasionally contributes to and helps plan special events as organist or conductor (Journées de la culture, Nuit blanche, Sing-Along Messiah, Pride Mass, etc.).

Administrative responsibilities

• Provides liturgical musical information, as appropriate, to the Cathedral administrator for inclusion in weekly and special bulletins, and to publicise on social media.
• Ensures compliance with copyright and licensing laws as administered by SOCAN, CCLI or any other international performance rights organization, as appropriate.
• Manages the music budget.
• Works with the Cathedral administrator and bookkeeper to schedule payments for musicians.

Work with committees

• Music Committee: Works with the Music Committee on developing music in the Cathedral, including outreach and educational opportunities, and associated fundraising efforts if necessary.
• Cathedral Forum: Reports periodically on the music program to the regular meetings of Cathedral Forum and writes a yearly report for inclusion in the Cathedral's annual report to Vestry.
• Corporation: In conjunction with the Corporation, gives input on the ongoing development of concert series and concert rental projects as appropriate.

Responsibility for the material music assets

• Oversees the maintenance of the music library, adding to it within the limits of the budget.
• Oversees the care of the church organs, pianos and other church instruments and makes recommendations regarding maintenance and repair.
  

Status:

This is a 30 hours per week position. The Cathedral follows the Royal Canadian College of Organists‘ recommended pay scale. Additional benefits are available (health and dental coverage, life insurance and pension plan).

Applications:

Interested candidates should send a letter of application indicating their interest in the position, a completed application form, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references.

Longlisted candidates will be asked to send a link to a video of themselves performing the following pieces: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV661 by Bach and one modern or contemporary work of their choice, which could also be a choral performance which they are conducting, prior to a possible Zoom interview. The shortlisted candidates will be invited to a final in-person interview scheduled for late May or early June 2025. Referees will be contacted at that point.

This position is subject to a satisfactory police check.

Anticipated start date will be around August 15, 2025, subject to negotiations.

Please send applications to:

The Very Rev’d Bertrand Olivier
Dean, Christ Church Cathedral
E-mail: bertrand.olivier@montrealcathedral.ca

Application deadline: April 25th, 2025, at midday.

Organist/Accompanist – Eden United Church, Mississauga

Eden United Church in Mississauga, Ontario, is an inclusive faith community with a vibrant music program, including the Eden Adult Choir and Eden Bells aPeel handbell choir, under the direction of our Music Director, as well as Edenfolk, a contemporary music group.

We are seeking an Organist/Accompanist to collaborate with the Music Director in providing musical leadership for our worship services. This role includes accompanying rehearsals and services, as well as preparing appropriate musical selections for prelude, offertory, and postlude. The position requires a commitment of approximately six hours per week, beginning July 1, 2025.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Proficiency in piano and organ at a Bachelor of Music level or equivalent (Royal Conservatory certification also considered).
• Ability to perform a broad range of musical genres, including traditional and contemporary sacred music.
• Strong collaboration skills to work closely with the Music Director, choir members, and other musicians.

Application Process:

We invite candidates to learn more about our congregation by visiting our website: www.edenunitedchurch.com, and our YouTube Channel Eden United Church, Mississauga - YouTube to view past services.

To apply, please submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.
• A resume detailing your qualifications.
• Contact details for three references.

Send applications via email to applications@edenunitedchurch.com by April 21, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and audition.

We look forward to welcoming a passionate musician to our team!

Holy Trinity, Guildwood is looking for a new Music Director

Part-time 8-10 hours per week

$15,000 to $20,000 per annum

Searching for a candidate who is eager to help us continue to grow our dynamic Music Ministry by embracing a variety of styles of music, including traditional hymnody, Christian contemporary, classical and popular song. We have an Allen 2-manual organ and a Roland digital piano.

This is a part-time position of approximately 8-10 hours including weekly Sunday service and choir rehearsal.

If you are a versatile keyboardist and assured lead singer with a creative, confident and collegial working style, who would enjoy leading a small but knowledgeable and dedicated choir, while working with clergy, video team, children, drama groups and other musicians, we would like to meet with you.

We are a warm, friendly and inclusive congregation who also enjoy hosting and taking part in the special festivals and concerts of the Village of Guildwood.

To apply, please send your resume to office@trinityguildwood.org

St. Luke’s, East York is looking for a talented and creative Director of Music who can lead and nurture a vibrant ministry of music at our 10:30am worship service. We are looking for a team player with strong interpersonal skills who can work collaboratively with other members of the volunteer music team and church staff.

You will be proficient on the piano and/or organ and have the ability to accompany the choir and the congregation in various styles of music.

You will have excellent organizational and communication skills along with a collegial and flexible leadership style. Familiarity with or openness to the ethos and liturgy of The Anglican Church of Canada would be an asset.

Core Areas of Responsibility

● Plan and select appropriate and varied music for church services and special occasions during the church calendar year in consultation with the Priest-in-charge and volunteer choir lead

● Direct the volunteer choir in weekly practices from September to June.

● Lead the choir and congregation at the 10:30am service September to August. This will also include additional services such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday.

● Engage and conduct soloists, instrumentalists and others to enhance the musical experience.

This is a part-time contract position offering 5-7 hours per week with the possibility to negotiate additional hours where necessary. Contract is over 12 months. The salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, using the RCCO Salary scale as a guideline. Applications should be received by May 5, 2025. The desired start date is June 1, 2025.

For more information, or to apply for this position, please send an email to the church office:
st.luke@ca.inter.net

If you are applying for the position, please attach your résumé and a cover letter in MS Word or PDF format. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke’s!

The congregation of St. Andrew's is inviting applications for an accomplished and enthusiastic Music Director, and/or Organist / Choir director. The music program at St. Andrew’s is an integral part of the weekly services and is a rewarding and critical function of this congregation.

The Applicant and Qualifications

To be considered, each applicant is asked to summarize musical qualifications, as prescribed by RCCO guidelines and levels of attainment or equivalent, provide an outline of experience and a brief description of their personal and professional objectives as well as two references.

 

Our Choir

At present our choir consists of a dozen choristers of which four (SATB) are paid Choral Scholars. The Choir provides consistent support to the worship service through musical offerings and leading congregational hymn singing. Our services follow a traditional format along with complimentary additions at the discretion of the Minister and Music Director.

 

Our Organ and bells

The first organ serving this congregation was installed in 1879, and that organ has been updated and expanded to the present instrument. The last revision was in 2002 with the installation of Rogers digital console and hybrid integration of the 36 ranks of pipework. The instrument today has 75 stops and is very complimentary to the complete organ literature. The church also has full 3 octaves set of Schulmerich Bells and an upright Yamaha piano.

 

Core Areas of Responsibility

Collaborate with the minister in service planning, manage the choir for 10 Months (Sept – June) per year, and be available for special worship services (Christmas, Easter, Weddings and Funerals etc.,). Or as Organist, support the choir and Director of Music Ministry, and be available for special worship services (Christmas, Easter, Weddings and Funerals etc.,).

• Teaching engagements are encouraged, and the organ and sanctuary will be made available to support those functions.

• To be considered, Candidates should have excellent organizational skills, a creative inclination and should be familiar with the music and liturgy of the Christian Protestant church.

• This is a full year 12 – 14 Hrs per week position, with annual salary commensurate on experience and qualifications, with the RCCO Salary scale as a guideline and allows for four weeks annually of paid vacation.

• St. Andrew’s will consider funding additional professional development if appropriate and applicable.

• For further enquiries, please contact the Church Office (office@standrewsvictoria.ca).

• Please submit application by email (office@standrewsvictoria.ca). or by mail to the church office (address below)
  

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
680 Courtney St.
Victoria, BC
V8W 1C1
250 384-5734

Mayfield United Church seeks a musician skilled in playing the piano and organ and leading our 15 person strong adult choir.

As a member of our Ministry Team, the Music Director will work collaboratively with the minister, staff, lay leaders and volunteers to provide music as an integral part of the worship experience.

Mayfield United is a welcoming, inclusive, cheerful church located just off the 410 where city meets country. Mayfield is noted for its supportive atmosphere, its beautifully historic sanctuary with superb acoustics, the congregation’s love of music, as well as its world renowned potato salad!

If you have the necessary proficiencies, the ability to train and lead the choir, embrace the opportunity to facilitate the incorporation of guitars, drums, etc., and can work well in a team atmosphere, please consider applying to join the Mayfield team.

This is a part-time position involving approximately 10-12 hours per week with salary based on RCCO salary guidelines and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The start date is September 1, 2025 but, if the applicant would like to begin earlier, that is definitely possible. More information about applying and a full job description can be found on the church website: https://www.mayfieldunitedchurch.org

Vacation time is flexible as long as the seasons of Christmas (including Advent) and Easter (including Lent and Holy Week) are prioritized.

Our sanctuary has a GEM Chorus III organ and a Yamaha B1 upright piano. In addition, there is a keyboard and also another piano in the church hall.

Each interested applicant is asked to submit a resumé to Rev. Lisa Naumann and the Search Committee at mayfieldchurchmusic@gmail.com. Please include two references.

Music Director

St. Clement's Anglican Church (Diocese of Toronto, Canada) seeks a creative, passionate, and technically competent person to assume the musical leadership of the congregation.

Led by an outstanding young Clergy team, the congregation is vibrant and growing, having recently completed a successful $5M fundraising campaign. Over the past 52 years, St. Clement's has enjoyed remarkable continuity with just two Music Directors.

Worship includes a 9:30 am relaxed service (e.g., piano, cello, upright bass, guitar, accordion) and 11 am classic service - the latter featuring a skilled 20 voice choir & paid leads, accompanied by a Casavant (EP3M&Ped-52R) and a Karl Wilhelm Tracker (2M&Ped-8R).

Remuneration is commensurate with experience and RCCO guidelines. Package includes benefits, pension, vacation, and continuing education. Time commitment approximately 20 hours per week.

To those interested in advancing musical ministry and fostering vibrant congregational song at St. Clement's, kindly forward your resume in confidence to the Rector, at music@stclementsto.ca. Our Deadline is April 5, 2025. Learn more about us at www.stclementsto.ca or @stclementsto.

All applicants will be treated in a most professional and courteous manner.