Minister of Music/Music Director

Job Description for Church Music Director and Organist at Aspen Community Church

Position Overview

The Aspen Community Church seeks a dedicated and talented music director to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional musical abilities, a deep commitment to our church's spiritual and communal life, and a passion for enhancing worship through music. The music director will be responsible for providing organ and piano music for worship services, accompanying special choirs, playing for weddings and funerals, working with the Aspen Music Festival and School, and contributing to the overall musical life of the church.

Responsibilities

·      Worship Services: Provide organ and piano music for all regular Sunday worship services, holiday services (e.g., Christmas, Easter), and first right of refusal for church events, including weddings and funerals. Sunday worship is at 9:30 am.

·      Music Selection: Select and prepare appropriate organ music for prelude, offertory, communion, postlude, and hymns, ensuring the music enhances the worship experience and aligns with the liturgical calendar.

·      Choir Direction and Accompaniment: Direct and accompany the occasional choir during rehearsals and performances, collaborating closely with the pastor to ensure a cohesive musical experience. Example: Christmas Eve Choir, drawing singers from the area.

·      Instrument Maintenance: Ensure the proper maintenance and care of the organ and piano, coordinating with professional technicians for tuning and repairs as needed.

·      Musical Collaboration: Collaborate with other musicians, soloists, and guest artists to enrich the musical offerings of the church. This includes working with students from the Aspen Music Festival and School each summer.

·      Administrative Duties: Maintain an organized music library, prepare music for services and rehearsals, and communicate regularly with the pastor regarding musical matters.

Qualifications

·      Educational Background: A degree in music, organ performance, or a related field is preferred.

·      Experience: Demonstrated experience as a church organist or accompanist, with a strong background in sacred and liturgical music.

·      Musical Proficiency: Exceptional organ-playing skills, with the ability to perform various musical styles and repertoire.

·      Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the liturgical year, worship traditions, and the role of music in enhancing the spiritual life of the congregation.

·      Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the pastor, choir members, and volunteers.

·      Commitment: A deep commitment to the mission and values of Aspen Community Church, with a passion for fostering a vibrant and inclusive worship environment.

·      Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of organ maintenance and the ability to coordinate necessary repairs and tuning.

Compensation

Aspen Community Church offers a competitive salary for this part-time role.

About Aspen Community Church

Aspen Community Church is a progressive congregation with a commitment to community and outreach, a love of music, learning, and traditional worship.

Aspen Community Church is a Reconciling Congregation of The United Methodist Church. We welcome all persons regardless of race, nationality, economic status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any defining factor you can think of for which persons suffer bias and discrimination.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following application materials:

·      A cover letter expressing interest in the position and detailing relevant experience.

·      A current resume or curriculum vitae.

·      Three professional references, including contact information.

·      Recordings or videos of recent organ performances (optional but highly encouraged).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Aspen Community Church is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

The oldest church in Aspen, founded in 1890. We offer a traditional worship experience at 9:30 am on Sundays with organ and piano music. We have frequent guest musicians from the Aspen Music Festival and School. We also host organ recitals in the summer and winter. We are known for the quality of music we offer. Weekly attendance average 30, on special occasions we will have 100-200 in attendance.