Position Description: Organist/Accompanist
Introduction
As a reflection of the love of Christ, the Organist/Accompanist supports the
ministry of FUPC with care, confidence, clarity, and creativity.
Job Purpose
● To support the mission and ministry of FUPC.
● To nurture spiritual growth for the congregation of First United
Presbyterian Church through music during worship services.
Responsibilities
1. Understanding that singing and instrumental music in worship are gifts of
prayer and praise, provide accompaniment for hymns for each Sunday hybrid
worship service in coordination with the Pastor, Worship Team, and Director
of Music Ministry. In the Presbyterian Church (USA) the Pastor chooses the
hymns and consents to the music to be sung, and to the use of drama, dance,
and other art forms.
2. Choose appropriate music for the prelude and postlude of each service,
utilizing a variety of musical styles, unless arrangements for special music
have been made by the Director of Music Ministry.
3. Oversee the proper use of and maintenance of the organ and piano. To
confer with the Worship Team concerning budget needs and expenditures for
instrument maintenance.
4. Provide accompaniment for worship services on (potentially) the following
special services (some of these may be held at other churches and utilize their
musicians):
● Ash Wednesday
● Maundy Thursday
● Good Friday
● Easter Sunrise
● Christmas Eve
● Special Concerts
5. Create accompaniment tracks and part tracks for choral rehearsals
6. Coordinate and communicate about music for worship services with the
Director of Music Ministry and Pastor as appropriate.
7. Have the right of first refusal to provide music for funerals or weddings of
members and friends of the congregation of First United Presbyterian Church
and others contracting the space. (additional compensation of $200/service
will be provided)
Required/Preferred Skills
● Organ/Piano performance
● Familiarity and facility with the following programs, equipment, and
platforms:
○ YouTube, Zoom, Google Suite
○ Soundboard, switch, and microphone operations
○ Recording software and sharing platforms for music tracks
● Strong performance standards
● Self Motivated with an aptitude for positive problem-solving
● Pleasant and professional interactions and manners with staff,
congregants, and the community
● Strong time management, communication, and organizational skills
● Ability to respond to suggestions and feedback in an effective and
appropriate fashion
● Ability to adhere to First United Presbyterian Church’s Child Youth
Vulnerable Adult, Sexual Harassment, and employment requirements
including three references, be at least 18 years of age, and satisfactorily
complete a background check, training, and other processes as required
by church policies.
Working Relationship
The Organist/Accompanist reports directly to the Director of Music Ministry
and is accountable to the Pastor as head of staff and the elders of the Worship
team in the performance of his/her responsibilities.
● Give notice to the Director of Music Ministry:
1) any planned absences with an advance two-week notice; or
2) any unplanned absences at least two hours prior to the shift.
For planned absences, secure a qualified substitute and ensure proper payment
information is provided to the treasurer in advance.
For unplanned absences, assist in locating a qualified substitute.
● Attend an evaluation after a 90-day probationary period and thereafter
annually.
Commitment
This is a part-time position with expected task completion to require 16 hours
per month with approximately 2 hours/week on-site for Sunday hybrid
worship. Other on-site hours would be arranged with advanced notice. Possible
off-site, mid-week, or remote opportunities may arise. Preparation and
follow-through for responsibilities can be completed on or off-site as
appropriate.
Compensation
Salary range: $7,000 - $8,000. Paid vacation: two weeks per year. Sick pay and
FMLA provided.
Accountability
The Organist/Accompanist is an “exempt” position and reports directly to the
Director of Music Ministry, through whom they are accountable to the Pastor
as head of staff and to the Worship elder. An annual review will be conducted in
coordination with the Personnel elder. The Personnel Team will annually
review the adequacy of compensation and make recommendations to the
Session for approval.
Termination Policy
● There will be a 90-day probationary period where either party may terminate
employment without cause. Beyond this, a two-week notice is expected.
● Dependability is essential. Tardiness and excessive absences cannot be
tolerated and will result in termination of employment.
● Immediate termination will occur in cases of intentional verbal, physical, or
emotional abuse or neglect and for violation of church policies. Termination
may occur for failure to carry out job duties as described above.
Updated 002/2024