Music Director
Epworth United Methodist Church
600 Warren Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-667-6054
Music Director Job Description
Epworth’s Mission: Love God with all our hearts. Love others as God loves us. Make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Position Overview
The Music Director develops and leads the music ministry for Epworth United Methodist Church (hereinafter “Epworth”) in consultation with the Pastor in a way that is consistent with United Methodist mission, values, and theology. This position reports directly to the Pastor with oversight from the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) as needed. Performance reviews shall be conducted annually by the Pastor in consultation with the SPRC.
Primary Position Objectives
1. Integrate the music ministry with the overall mission of Epworth as a vital component of the process of sharing the love of Christ through worship, education, and outreach, and welcoming, making, and growing disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Coordinate music for Sunday worship services and special services, such as (but not limited to) Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, etc.
3. Serve as the direct supervisor for the organist and/or other music staff.
4. Develop and direct a musical ensemble (musicians and singers) for the informal 9:30 a.m. worship service.
5. Incorporate volunteers into the music ministry through support, encouragement, and instruction.
6. Be a key component in the development of children, youth, and adult music ministry.
7. Plan and direct Choir rehearsals for weekly services running from September through May (and other periods as may be assigned).
8. Plan and direct weekly Bell Choir rehearsals. Direct Bell Choir in monthly anthems/performances from September through May (including Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday).
Key Areas of Responsibility
1. Communicate effectively with the Pastor, staff, and parishioners.
2. Facilitate providing piano and/or organ music for all worship services.
3. Direct and supervise all music programs.
4. Have the ability (if necessary) to accompany the choir during rehearsals and worship services.
5. Collaborate with Pastor on selections of music for worship.
6. Organize and plan additional special music programs as needed: (i.e. yearly cantata, handbell festival, music for VBS, etc.)
7. Recruit, retain, motivate, nurture, and supervise singers/musicians involved in the music program.
8. Procure appropriate music, supplies, and equipment within the church budget.
9. Maintain the music library.
10. Coordinate schedules for rehearsal time with church Administrative Assistant.
11. Provide leadership and creativity in planning special services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, etc.
12. Coordinate special music for worship in the absence of the choir, particularly during summer months.
13. Prepare a short article relating to the music ministry for the bi-monthly newsletter.
Other Understandings
1. The Music Director shall communicate with the Trustees concerning the condition and maintenance, including repairs, tuning, or adjustments of church-owned instruments and other related equipment, as needed.
2. The Music Director shall communicate with the Pastor and Administrative Assistant, or the Media Team, concerning the operation of sound systems as they impact the music ministry.
3. The Music Director shall arrange for a substitute in his/her absence.
4. The Music Director will have the right of first refusal for all weddings and funerals at Epworth needing an accompanist. Interested parties will be given the Music Director’s name and contact information, and they shall negotiate directly with the Music Director for scheduling and remuneration.
5. The Music Director will annually review, complete and sign the Baltimore Washington Conference Sexual Misconduct Questionnaire and comply with Epworth’s Safe Sanctuary Policies.
6. Before working with children, the Music Director will complete a criminal background check (at Epworth’s expense).
Qualifications
1. Committed follower of Jesus Christ.
2. Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (or pursuit thereof) in Music preferred.
3. Ability to expertly read music, including the ability to sight-read music.
4. Experience in directing musicians and choral groups or willingness to be trained.
5. Knowledge and ability to recommend music appropriate to various times in the liturgical year and/or secular calendar, differing biblical passages, or in concert with other thematic elements.
6. Ability to play the piano and electronic organ/keyboard at an accomplished/expert level. Ability to play guitar and/or other musical instruments preferred.
7. Ability to lead congregational singing.
8. Demonstrated ability to present a variety of musical styles ranging from traditional and classical to contemporary Christian music, including Gospel and world music.
9. Good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
10. Respect for other Epworth staff, members, and visitors.
11. Positive attitude.
12. Strong team player with pastor, staff, music team, supervisory committees, and the congregation.
13. Dependable, responsible, self-motivated, and creative.
14. Spiritual sensitivity for a range of theological positions.
15. Adherence to copyright and performance restrictions placed on music. The Music Director shall arrange performance or duplication licenses as required.
Average Weekly Time Commitment Expectations (15 hours)
Sunday morning worship 3 hours
Rehearsals (choir, handbells, praise band, children) 4-6 hours
Staff Meeting 1 hour
Planning and preparation 5 hours
Vacation
Four paid weeks’ (including Sundays) vacation leave are granted each year for the calendar year January through December; two may be taken during choir season (September through May) and two during the summer (June through August). Vacation leave may be taken after six months of employment. Vacation leave shall be cleared with the Pastor and the SPRC shall be informed. The Music Director shall arrange for a substitute in his/her absence.
Submit resume and interest letter to office@epworthchurch.org
