Collaborative Pianist

Auumm; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 103,320 - 206,640; Part time

Job summary

A community church in Chicago is seeking a Collaborative Pianist to support its music ministry. The role requires strong sight-reading skills and experience in musical accompaniment, with responsibilities including playing for services and rehearsing with the choir. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, reflecting the church's commitment to inclusivity. The position offers compensation for services and specific rehearsals throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as an accompanist.
• Strong communication skills essential.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Provide musical support for weekly services and choir rehearsals.
• Select instrumental pieces in collaboration with the Director of Music.
• Attend monthly band rehearsals if possible.

Skills

Musical accompaniment expertise

Strong sight reading ability

Improvisation skills

Experience with diverse musical traditions

Job description

Compensation

$75.00 per Thursday evening choir rehearsal (2 hours, 40 Thursdays per year between September and June); $125 per Sunday morning service for a minimum of 18 Sundays per year (average 2 hours), additional Sundays as they arise. Opportunities are available for memorial services and weddings compensated at $200 per service paid by organizer.

To apply

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Rev. Jason Lydon, [e-mail]. Applications are due December 1, 2025.

Position Summary

Second Unitarian Church of Chicago is seeking a Collaborative Pianist who will provide necessary support for the music ministry of the congregation. The collaborative pianist will work closely with the Director of Music. This position requires someone who works well both independently and collaboratively. Strong sightreading, ensemble, and communications skills are essential. We seek a candidate with at least 2-3 years personal and/or professional experience as an accompanist.

About Second Unitarian

Second Unitarian Church of Chicago (656 W. Barry) is a 200-member congregation located in East Lakeview, near the Boystown neighborhood. Founded in 1857, this congregation has a long history of ministry in the city including through social justice efforts and spiritual nourishment. This is a healthy congregation with active leadership and lay engagement in the congregation. The staff is excellent to work with and are
self-motivated workers serving the shared ministry of the church.

Worship

Each week the collaborative pianist is responsible for:

• Three instrumental pieces to be selected in collaboration with Director of Music
• Three hymns
• Two featured pieces (choir, band, or vocal/instrumental soloist)
• Play additional non-Sunday services as available (Blue Christmas, Christmas eve)
• Accompany choir rehearsals from Mid-August to late May/Early June; join choir rehearsals before Sunday services twice per month
• Attend monthly band rehearsals if possible

General

Communicate regularly with the Director of Music about weekly music needs/plans.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in musical accompaniment
• Strong ability to sight read
• Ability to improvise and underscore
• Experience performing diverse musical traditions and styles
• People with disabilities, people of color, indigenous people, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. Second Unitarian is committed to developing a diverse and talented staff team. If you are excited about this role, but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply.