DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

1155jobs; Toronto; On-site; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Director of Music to enhance the liturgical music experience at a vibrant parish in Toronto. This role involves collaborating with the Pastor to provide seasonally appropriate music for various liturgical events, leading and enriching the choir, and nurturing the musical culture within the parish community. Candidates should possess strong musical training and experience in music ministry, with an emphasis on fostering congregational participation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and enriching musical environment within a supportive community.

Benefits

3 weeks of vacation

Group benefits plan

Defined Benefit pension plan

Family-friendly policies

Reimbursement for professional fees

Paid annual retreat days

Qualifications

• Minimum Conservatory Grade 9-10 organ training and degree in music required.
• Experience leading choirs and fostering congregational participation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to provide liturgical music for Sunday mass and special liturgies.
• Lead the choir and prepare choral music for services.

Skills

Musical training

Leadership in music ministry

Communication skills

Knowledge of liturgical celebration

Ability to work with singers

Education

Degree in music

Conservatory Grade 9-10 organ or equivalent

Job description

St. Vincent de Paul Parish

263 Roncesvalles Avenue Toronto, ON M6R 2L9

Modified full time (20 hours per week)

New Position

Target Hiring Salary: $32 – $34 per hour

Overview:

The Oratorian Fathers and Brothers of St. Philip Neri seek a modified full time Director of Music to inherit and expansively develop the liturgical music of a vibrant parish in Toronto’s west end.

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and RCCO guidelines. Time commitment is approximately 20 hours per week, with more required during the major liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Pastor to provide seasonally and thematically appropriate liturgical music for the Sunday principal mass at 11 am and special liturgies such as Tridium, Pentecost, Solemnities, etc.
• Lead and enrich the choir with current and new singers, supporting congregational singing and developing a more ambitious choral repertoire.
• Prepare choral music for the above listed Liturgies (developed from readings and resources).
• Maintain a current list of all choir members.
• Prepare for and lead the choir in rehearsals.
• Assist in preparing cantors for their parts as needed.
• Conduct the choir and any instrumentalists for the music used during above-listed Liturgies.
• Assist in nurturing the musical culture of the staff and children of St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School, situated adjacent to the church, and play for the monthly school Masses.
• First refusal for providing music for weddings and funerals, which will be paid separately.
• Direct the repair and cleaning of the current organ, in conjunction with ongoing repairs to the church and parish hall.
• Other duties, as required.

General Requirements:

• Musical training (minimum Conservatory Grade 9-10 organ or equivalent) and formation in Catholic Liturgy.
• A degree and/or equivalent qualification in music.
• Previous experience leading music ministry with choir in such a way to foster congregational participation.
• Knowledgeable of the basic principles of liturgical celebration, familiar with the church's documents pertaining to music and liturgy and has experience assimilating that knowledge in planning music programs for liturgy.
• Ability to work with amateur, volunteer and more experienced singers.
• Familiar with choral repertoire for various choral voicings.
• Exemplary communication skills.
• Demonstrates a spirit of generosity and creativity.
• Understanding of the Catholic Church, its tenets and culture, and respect for its leadership and parish clergy.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• A criminal background check will be required of the successful applicant.

Benefits:

This role is eligible for:

• 3 weeks of vacation at 20 hours per week.
• Group benefits plan after 3 months (Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, Long Term Disability, and Employee and Family Assistance Program).
• Defined Benefit pension plan with a 1%, 2% or 5% contribution match after eligibility requirements outlined in our Policies and Procedural Manual are met.
• Access to family-friendly policies including Maternity/Parental Leave top-up benefits and paid sick days which can be used for family caregiving due to emergency or sickness.
• Reimbursement for professional designation/membership fees and continuing education.
• Paid annual retreat days and moving days.

Those wishing to be considered should submit their resume and cover letter in MS Word or PDF format to: Fr. Daniel Utrecht at [e-mail]. Deadline for receipt of applications is April 30, 2025. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We invite candidates to learn more about the Toronto Oratory, which by the invitation of the Archdiocese of Toronto has the care of St Vincent de Paul parish, by visiting our website at https://oratory-toronto.org and the parish page therein: https://oratory-toronto.org/st-vincent-de-paul-parish/. The parish also has an Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/svptoronto/.

In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Archdiocese of Toronto provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If contacted for an interview, applicants should make any accommodation needs known at that time.