Pianist & Choir Conductor - HOURLY

4000 Archdiocese Of Seattle Payroll Svc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 284,000 - 405,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Life insurance

403(b) / Pension

Job summary

Christ Our Hope Parish in Seattle seeks a part-time Pianist & Choir Conductor to support the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass. You will partner with the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, and Liturgy Commission to lead a volunteer choir in liturgies, ensuring beauty, reverence, and full participation.

You will select music aligned with the liturgical calendar and Catholic norms, rehearse the choir, and foster a welcoming, prayerful assembly. This role requires collaboration and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Strong piano skills for liturgical settings.
• Experience conducting parish choirs.
• Familiarity with Roman Catholic liturgy and hymnody.
• Ability to lead with clergy and volunteers.
• Excellent communication and organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide piano accompaniment for the 9:00 AM Mass.
• Conduct and rehearse the parish choir.
• Select liturgical music with the Pastor and Liturgy Director.
• Lead active participation in sung prayer.
• Prepare musical arrangements and psalm settings.
• Schedule cantors and instrumentalists.
• Attend Liturgy Commission meetings.
• Recruit and develop an all-volunteer choir.
• Uphold Catholic liturgy guidelines.

Skills

Piano proficiency

Choir conducting

Liturgical music

Vocal leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 0186 Christ Our Hope Parish, Seattle - Seattle, WA 98101
Position Type: Part Time
Salary Range: $250.00 - $250.00 Hourly
Location: Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, Downtown Seattle

Position Summary

The Pianist & Choir Conductor collaborates with the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, and the Liturgy Commission to provide musical leadership for the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass. The musician ensures the liturgy is celebrated with beauty, reverence, and full participation of the assembly. This role combines skilled piano accompaniment with the direction and development of volunteer choirs, in alignment with Roman Catholic liturgical norms and the parish’s pastoral vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide piano accompaniment for the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass, Holy Days, and occasional other parish liturgies as needed.
• Conduct and rehearse the parish choir, including leading warm-ups before the Mass. Potential additional weekday or evening rehearsals.
• Select liturgical music in collaboration with the Pastor and/or Liturgy Director, ensuring selections follow the liturgical calendar and Catholic Church norms.
• Lead the assembly in sung prayer and foster active participation.
• Prepare musical arrangements, psalm settings, and harmonizations as needed.
• Schedule and rehearse with cantors and instrumentalists.
• Uphold the liturgical guidelines of the Catholic Church.
• Recruit and develop an all-volunteer choir with members of varying experience and skill.
• Attend periodic Liturgy Commission meetings.

Schedule & Time Commitment

• Sunday 9:00 AM Mass (typical call time 8:00 AM).
• Additional liturgies during major seasons (Christmas, Holy Week, Easter) and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Occasional funerals or weddings (optional, with additional stipend).

Compensation

• $250 per Mass based on Archdiocese of Seattle guidelines.
• Additional stipends for special liturgies, weddings, and funerals.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in piano, especially in liturgical or sacred music settings.
• Experience conducting and rehearsing choirs, preferably volunteer or parish choirs.
• Familiarity with Roman Catholic liturgy, hymnody, multi-cultural and contemporary sacred repertoire, and the ability to incorporate and lead a variety of diverse musical styles.
• Ability to lead confidently and collaborate with clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with musicians of varying skill levels.

Benefits

Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.