Opportunities
Director of Music & Organist
Role Summary
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles in Brooklyn, NY, seeks a joyful, energetic Director of Music & Organist to lead our open and affirming congregation. This part-time role (12–15 hours/week) involves providing organ and piano music for Sunday services, directing our volunteer choir, and collaborating with clergy on liturgical planning. We are seeking a creative partner who thrives in a collaborative, parish-based setting; this position is designed to fit harmoniously alongside a full-time career in music education or other professional fields.
Job Description
Reports to: Rector
Salary & Benefits: $29,000 annually. Includes 4 weeks of paid vacation, with 4 Sundays off per year (not to conflict with major church holidays).
Time Commitment: 12–15 hours per week on average. (Note: Hours will fluctuate with a heavier commitment around Christmas and Easter, and a lighter schedule over the summer.)
Occasional Services: Additional pay of $175 per service for weddings and funerals.
Optional Growth Opportunity: Opportunities exist to develop a youth or adult community choir for additional compensation.
Space Usage: The Director of Music & Organist may access the church space to hold private or group lessons with prior written approval.
About Holy Apostles
Located in the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn, Holy Apostles is a pastoral -size, vibrant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Long Island with an average Sunday attendance of 80–140 people.
We value deep connection, prayer, and fellowship through a variety of small-group ministries. These include seasonal Adult Education series, a 20s & 30s Group, a Monthly Makers Guild, and a lay-led Men's Group designed to foster spiritual growth and community outside of Sunday services.
Qualifications & Characteristics
Professional Qualifications
- Degree in Music.
- Demonstrated proficiency in organ (and/or piano) performance.
- Experience directing and working with amateur/volunteer choirs, as well as paid singers.
- Familiarity with a broad range of musical styles appropriate for the congregation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous church experience, particularly in a liturgical tradition (e.g., Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran).
- Master of Music (M.M.) in organ, piano, or choral conducting.
- Practicing Episcopalian or communicant of a mainline Protestant denomination.
- Skill in musical improvisation.
Personal Characteristics
- An energetic demeanor with a genuine excitement for creating joyful worship.
- Highly organized with excellent follow-through.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to connect and work well with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Sympathetic to the inclusive mission and values of The Episcopal Church.
- Creative and open heart to make music with toddlers and their families at our This Little Light service.
Core Responsibilities
Liturgical Leadership & Performance
- Regular Worship: Play organ/piano for the 8:30 a.m. toddler family service and the 10:00 a.m. main service from September through June, and the single 9:00 a.m. summer service (mid-June through Labor Day).
- Special Liturgies: Provide music for Holy Week (Thursday–Sunday), Lessons & Carols, three Christmas Eve services, and other major feast days.
- Congregational Engagement: Lead and support robust congregational singing.
- Special Events: Coordinate music and singing for special events such as the Christmas pageant and Christmas Concert.
Choir Direction & Programming
- Rehearsals & Direction: Direct the volunteer choir with one Wednesday evening rehearsal and a Sunday warm-up (excluding July and August), plus additional seasonal rehearsals for Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
- Community Building: Build and maintain the choir, and foster open communication among members.
Planning & Administration
- Collaboration: Participate in regular, scheduled check-ins and seasonal planning meetings with the priest to map out liturgical music.
- Hymn Selection: Select and coordinate hymns seasonally.
- Musician Coordination: Arrange music and hire additional voices and musicians for special services as necessary.
- Budget & Library: Manage the music budget, purchase sheet music, and maintain the choral library.
- Coverage: Secure qualified substitute organists for scheduled vacation or personal leave.
About the Organ
The church features a 13-rank organ with unifications, which includes a 16' Double Open, 16' Subbass, and 16' String in the Pedal. The instrument incorporates original pipework from notable 19th- and 20th-century builders Carl Barckhoff and Hillgreen-Lane, and was completely rebuilt in 2022 by renowned organ builder Larry Trupiano.
How to Apply
Please use the link below to access our online application form. The form will prompt you to: click here.
- Answer brief application questions (a cover letter is not required).
- Upload your resume.
- Submit at least two references (contacted only during the final interview round).
- Upload sample recordings, such as organ performances or rehearsal footage (highly encouraged).
Application Questions
- Theology of Music: How do you perceive the relationship between music and spiritual life? What does it mean to you to create an environment that fosters worship and connection?
- Approaching Worship: How do you approach selecting and preparing music to best support a congregation’s prayer and participation?
- Collaborative Ministry: A key part of this role is working closely with the Rector. How do you approach the collaborative process of planning services and aligning musical offerings with the rhythm of the church year?
- Leading Volunteers: Working with a volunteer choir requires a blend of musical leadership, pastoral care, and education. How would you describe your experience teaching and working with volunteer musicians?
- Musical Aspirations: This role offers the opportunity to help develop new music initiatives, such as a children’s choir. What excites you about this possibility? What specific musical projects or programs have you always wished to implement?
- Professional Development: Every musician has different strengths. Reflecting on your current skill set, what aspect of music ministry are you most eager to develop or explore in this position?
Timeline
This position is expected to begin on January 2027, but actual start-date can be flexible. Interviews will begin in mid-November 2026, or on receipt of application. Position is open until filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Holy Apostles is an open and affirming congregation and an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Artificial Intelligence Usage
Please don’t use AI. Applicants should prioritize honest, heartfelt answers over a polished, heavily edited persona.