Principal Organist and Accompanist

United Methodist Church; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Gainesville First United Methodist Church seeks an organist and pianist to serve as the church's primary organist for traditional worship and to accompany choirs, ensembles, and soloists. While part-time is preferred, full-time with additional duties may be considered.

The role requires training in organ technique and repertoire, and a bachelor’s degree in music is preferred. You will work with the Director of Worship Arts, pastoral staff, and volunteers to support vibrant worship.

Qualifications

• Training and experience in organ technique and repertoire; excellent accompaniment on organ and piano.
• Prefer minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a music-related field.
• Possess leadership and initiative with the ability to keep confidentiality.
• Understand the Christian faith and have good moral character.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, volunteers, and musicians.
• Part-time preferred; full-time arrangement may be considered with additional duties.

Responsibilities

• Serve as organist and accompanist for 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services.
• Accompany choirs, ensembles, soloists, and congregational singing.
• Participate in Chancel Choir rehearsals and special rehearsals.
• Prepare and play service music including preludes, postludes, interludes.
• Occasionally accompany children's choirs and youth ensembles.
• Coordinate maintenance and tuning of organ and pianos.
• Support special worship services and Christmas concerts.
• Play for weddings and funerals with separate compensation.
• Attend staff meetings, gatherings, and staff retreats.

Skills

Organ technique

Piano accompaniment

Choral accompaniment

Leadership

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in music

Job description

Gainesville First United Methodist Church seeks an organist and pianist to serve as the church's primary organist for traditional worship and accompany choirs, ensembles, and soloists. The principal accompanist will work closely with the director of Worship Arts, pastoral staff, and volunteers to support vibrant and meaningful worship. While we prefer to fill the position on a part-time basis, we may consider qualified candidates seeking a full-time arrangement covering the stated responsibilities and additional duties.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as organist and accompanist for the church's traditional 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services.
• Accompany choirs, ensembles, soloists, and congregational singing
• Participate in Chancel Choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings and occasional Saturday/special rehearsals for workshops and major events
• Prepare and play service music for worship and special services as assigned, including preludes, postludes, interludes, etc.
• Occasionally accompany children's choirs and youth ensembles
• Coordinate maintenance and tuning of the church organ and pianos.
• Support special worship services throughout the year and accompany the patriotic and Christmas concerts
• Play for weddings and funerals (additional payment provided separate from the church salary)
• Participate fully as a team member of the church staff by attending staff meetings, gatherings, and retreats as assigned.

Worship Arts at GFUMC

• Chancel Choir and Chorale (Adult Choirs).
• Children's choirs
• Adult handbell ensemble
• Other ensembles and soloists

Qualifications

• Training and experience in organ technique and repertoire, plus excellent accompaniment skills on organ and piano
• Prefer minimum of a bachelor's degree in a music-related field
• Possess leadership and initiative with the ability to keep confidentiality
• Understand the Christian faith and have good moral character
• Possess strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and musicians
• part-time preferred; candidates requesting full-time employment may be considered with additional duties added

Evaluation

The director of Worship Arts shall evaluate the position semiannually.

• Position to start February 1, 2027
• Minimum salary: $28,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary for full-time position based on duties listed above and additional assignments
• Salary shall be established by the Staff Parish Relations Committee contingent upon the budget approved by the Church Council
• Position reports to the Director of Worship Arts