Director of Music and Organist

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Lexington, Kentucky seeks a talented and dedicated Director of Music and Organist (part time) to lead our music ministries. This person will be a  collaborative part of the church, working with the clergy, staff, choir, and our lay music ministers to enhance our worship with music and bring a creative and imaginative approach to our music program both in our church and in the Lexington community. The position will start in late summer to early fall 2025.

The Director of Music and Organist will organize and guide our music programs to enrich our church community and the wider Lexington community. They will provide music leadership during the Sunday morning service at 10:30 am (Rite II with choir) and other services that are part of the church’s liturgical life including Holy Days, funerals, weddings, Evensongs, and other special services. They will play the organ and piano and direct the adult choir. Respectful collaboration with clergy, church staff, choir, and parishioners, open communication, self- motivation, and a willingness to be creative and innovative are essential. They will work cooperatively with the rector, church staff, and volunteers to further the mission of music as prayer. The Director of Music is responsible to the Rector.

Responsibilities
  • Lead music at all liturgies and services on Sunday mornings and other special services as called by the Rector, including but not limited to Evensongs, weddings, funerals, and other services. See the bottom of this page for example services.
  • Work collaboratively with the clergy to select appropriate music, building on the strong tradition of Anglican Choral music, and incorporate non-traditional and regional music for worship.
  • Recruit professional musicians as needed for major feast days and oversee their rehearsal and payment of their fees.
  • Lead and empower the choral music program, currently consisting of approximately 15 volunteer members with varying musical skills, from novices to well-trained, professional-caliber singers.
  • Plan, schedule, and conduct choir rehearsals to prepare music for performance; actively recruit new members from the parish and the community; teach musical skills and the ministry of a choir and music within the church; improve vocal proficiency; and encourage a positive spirit among choir members, including pastoral support as needed.
  • Maintain and update the music library, choir room, and choir vestments with volunteers.
  • Work with the Church staff and volunteers to prepare service bulletins in a timely manner.
  • Attend weekly staff meetings and other meetings as required by the Rector and/or Vestry.
  • Find a substitute organist when on vacation or absent for any other occasion.
  • Work with the Rector and Vestry to expand our music ministry in our church and community (children’s choir, concert series, etc.), to plan a music calendar, to create an annual music budget, and to plan for long-term budgetary items.
  • Maintain the musical instruments: St. Michael’s has a two-manual Randall Dyer pipe organ, a Yamaha grand piano in the nave, and several other donated pianos in the choir room and other spaces.
  • Work with the Digital Minister to promote musical offerings.
  • Maintain and improve musical and conducting skills through regular professional development.
  • Complete and maintain all training and instruction as required by the Diocese of Lexington and The Episcopal Church.

Qualifications and Skills

  1. A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in music or a closely-related field.
  2. Proficiency in organ/music performance with a commitment to quality in liturgical worship.
  3. Knowledge and familiarity with traditional sacred music and Episcopal liturgical practice, as well as a willingness to explore non-traditional musical offerings for worship.
  4. Proficiency in choir rehearsing and conducting with singers of all ages.
  5. Ability to work collaboratively with others with a shared sense of mission and willingness to experiment.

Benefits and Compensation

This is a part-time position and may be divided into two positions (choir director and organist)
depending on the candidates. The salary for this position is $40,000. Benefits include a
continuing education budget and 21 days of paid vacation, including 3 Sundays.

Application process

Please email [email protected] with “Director of Music” in the Subject line.

Please include:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. A list of 3 to 5 References
  4. Audio /Video links of two performances - one playing the organ and one performance conducting

The application deadline is March 31, 2025.

inclusion

St Michael’s Lexington is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

example services