Position: Part-time Music Director

Accountability: to the Minister and the church’s designated supervisory structure

Schedule: Weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship, with additional services, meetings, and preparation as required.

Terms: This Job Description will form an integral part of a seasonal, part-time Employment Contract (the “Contract”) to be entered into between the Music Director and Cedar Park United Church.

This Contract will initially run from January 1, 2027, until June 30, 2027 but shall be renewable, upon the mutual consent of the parties, annually for a 10-month period beginning on September 1st and ending on June 30th of the yearf ollowing.

During the term of the Contract the Music Director shall provide the services outlined in this Job description for 10 hours per week at an hourly rate to be determined commensurate with the skills and experience of the Music Director. Weddings and funerals to be compensated separately.

Position Summary

The Music Director provides musical leadership for Cedar Park United Church’s worship and congregational life. Working in collaboration with the Minister, worship leaders, choir members, and other musicians, the Music Director plans and leads music that supports the themes and seasons of worship and encourages congregational participation. The role combines choir direction, keyboard leadership, program coordination, and administration.

Key Responsibilities

Worship Planning and Musical Leadership

● Meet regularly with the Minister and worship leaders to plan music for Sunday worship, seasonal observances, and special services.

● Collaborates with the minister in preparing hymns, anthems, service music, and other repertoire suited to the worship theme, the church year, and the abilities of participating musicians.

● Provide piano and organ and/or other instrumental leadership for worship as required or arrange a qualified substitute when unavailable. (The Music Director is responsible for remunerating the substitute.)

● Lead and encourage congregational singing in a range of appropriate styles, including traditional and contemporary sacred music and apply a creative approach to the music program.

● Coordinate guest instrumentalists, vocalists, accompanists, and other musicians when their participation will strengthen worship according to budget.

Choir Leadership

● Plan and lead regular choir rehearsals and direct the choir during worship.

● Choose repertoire that is achievable, varied, and suited to the choir’s voices and the needs of worship.

● Help choir members develop their musical skills and confidence through clear instruction, encouragement, and preparation.

● Welcome new singers and support a choir culture that is respectful, dependable, and open to different levels of experience.

Program Coordination and Community Life

● Maintain a forward schedule of worship music, rehearsals, participating musicians, and special services, and share it with the people who need it.

● Recruit, schedule, and support volunteer and paid musicians, including arranging last-minute replacements when necessary.

● Explore opportunities for children, youth, adults, instrumentalists, and community participants to contribute to the church’s musical life.

Administration and Stewardship

Cedar Park United Church | Music Director Job Description

● Manage music-related purchases within the approved budget and maintain an orderly library of scores and other resources.

● Communicate promptly with the Minister, staff, choir, worship leaders, and scheduled musicians about plans and changes.

● Attend staff, worship, and other planning meetings when the Music Director’s participation is needed.

● Respect copyright and licensing requirements for music used in worship, rehearsal, livestreaming, and public events.

● Follow Cedar Park United Church policies, including requirements concerning confidentiality, respectful conduct, accessibility, safety and inclusivity as an Affirming congregation.

Qualifications

Required

● Musical training and demonstrated skill in choral direction.

● Piano proficiency is required, and organ experience is an asset.

● Ability to teach, encourage, and lead volunteer singers and musicians who have varied experience.

● Sound organizational skills, dependable preparation, and the flexibility to manage rehearsals, services, meetings, and occasional schedule changes.

● Clear, respectful communication and the ability to work collaboratively and maintain appropriate confidentiality.

● Comfort with email, shared online schedules, digital music resources, and other routine computer tools.

Preferred

● Two or more years of experience directing a choir or leading a congregational music program. Candidates with a university level degree in Music including both piano/organ as well as choral conducting training will also be considered.

● Familiarity with United Church of Canada worship, hymn resources, principles, and ethos.

● Experience incorporating varied musical genres and coordinating instrumentalists or guest musicians.

Employment Requirements

● A satisfactory vulnerable sector or criminal record check, as required by Cedar Park United Church policy.

● Availability for regular rehearsals, Sunday worship, major seasonal services, and occasional special services or events.

Working Relationships

The Music Director is accountable to the Minister, and works closely with the choir, instrumentalists, worship leaders, church staff, and the committee responsible for personnel oversight. The Music Director may also work with children and youth leaders, members of the congregation, ministry teams, community partners, and event participants.

Review and Approval

The position description, priorities, schedule, and performance expectations will be reviewed periodically through Cedar Park United Church’s supervisory process. Material changes to duties or employment terms require the appropriate church approval.