Church Accompanist

North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church; Hapeville (GA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 55,104; Part time

Job summary

A local church organization in Hapeville, Georgia, is seeking a part-time Church Accompanist. This year-round position involves providing piano accompaniment for worship services and special events, selecting appropriate music, and accompanying the choir. The successful candidate should have experience in church worship, flexibility in musical styles, and the ability to communicate well within the church community. Regular attendance at Sunday services and special occasions is essential, with opportunities for additional compensation available for weddings and funerals.

Qualifications

• Experience in church worship and familiarity with hymnals.
• Willingness to lead congregational singing.
• Ability to secure a substitute pianist.

Responsibilities

• Provide piano accompaniment for services and special events.
• Select and prepare prelude and gathering music.
• Accompany the choir and lead monthly rehearsals.

Skills

Experience in church worship

Flexibility in music style

Sight-reading ability

Interpersonal communication

Job description

The Church Accompanist is a year‑round, part‑time position that helps fulfill the mission of Tri‑Cities United Methodist Church. The accompanist provides piano accompaniment and special music as needed for scheduled services, plans, selects, and prepares 10 minutes of prelude/gathering music, short offertories, plays the Doxology, and post‑lude music according to the needs of the worship services. The accompanist will also accompany the choir as needed and help with or lead monthly rehearsals. The expectation is that the accompanist is present for Sunday morning services by 10:30 am ahead of the 11:00 am services, and for special services during the year such as Ash Wednesday, Easter, Christmas Eve, and our annual Christmas Program. This individual is a team player reporting to the Pastor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in church worship, playing hymns, accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists, and familiarity with The United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, Worship & Song and Songs of Zion.
• Flexibility to play both traditional and modern music.
• Knowledge of the instrument and oversight for care of church musical equipment.
• Ability to sight‑read standard music and improvise from chord charts.
• Willingness to rehearse sufficiently to maintain a high quality of music.
• Sensitivity to and the ability to interact with a variety and diversity of people.
• Ability to communicate well in a friendly manner with the church leadership and the church community.
• Willingness to lead congregational singing from the piano and/or to occasionally sing and accompany yourself strongly desired. Original music is encouraged along with inviting other musicians to be featured from time to time.
• Willingness to play for weddings and funerals, upon availability, for extra compensation from the parties.
• Notify the pastor 2–3 weeks prior to planned absences to allow for scheduling of a substitute pianist.
• Take an active role in securing a substitute pianist for Sundays when known absences are planned.