Position Description

The responsibility of the Music Director at Clairlea Park Presbyterian Church is to lead and develop the congregation’s worship music ministry. It is a part-time position (8-10 hours per week). We value a rich diversity of styles—from traditional hymns to more contemporary expressions—always with the goal of helping the congregation praise God with sincerity, beauty, and joy. The Music Director plays a key leadership role in shaping the church’s worship, working closely with the minister and Session.

Reporting Structure

• Hired by: The Session of Clairlea Park Presbyterian Church
• Supervised by: The Minister
• Session Liaison: A designated elder will serve as the Music Director’s point of contact to bring to Session any employment matters.

Key Responsibilities

A. Worship Leadership

• Be an integral part of the ministry team.
• Select and prepare music for Sunday worship and special services in collaboration with the minister.
• Lead congregational singing and provide musical accompaniment on piano and/or organ.
• Coordinate and develop musical offerings from soloists, duets, ensembles, and instrumental groups.
• Introduce and promote a variety of musical styles in a way that serves the theology and worship life of the congregation.

B. Choir Leadership

• Direct a small volunteer choir and actively seek new choir members from the congregation and elsewhere.
• Plan and lead weekly choir rehearsals during the non-summer months.
• Choose appropriate music that match the abilities of the choir and support the themes of worship.

C. Ensemble and Music Development

• Encourage and cultivate musical gifts within the congregation and the wider community.
• Recruit, mentor, and schedule musicians for worship services, and notify Session in advance of any guest musicians.
• Develop special music for Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, and other seasons as able.

D. Planning and Administration

• Participate in regular planning meetings with the minister.
• Maintain the church’s music library, instruments, and other resources.
• Order resources appropriate to music ministry within the budget, in consultation with the Minister and Session.
• Bring requests for special services to the Session for approval (Book of Forms 111.1).
• Compile and complete the online annual Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) report.
• Meet annually with the Session for mutual support and visioning.
• Will become familiar with and work under the “Leading with Care” guidelines of the PCC.

Qualifications

• A commitment to Christian faith and to the worship life of the congregation.
• Proficiency in piano and/or organ required.
• Experience in church music leadership preferred.
• Ability to work with a range of musical styles and levels of musicianship.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; comfortable working collaboratively with volunteers.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Is flexible, creative, and willing to experiment with different musical styles of worship.
• Encourages participation and builds up the gifts of others.
• Works cooperatively and respectfully with the minister and Session.

Compensation and Benefits

• Renewable Annual Contract
• Probationary Period: 3 months after starting date.
• Compensation: Negotiable, based upon experience
• Playing at weddings or funerals will be compensated with a negotiated fee.
• The Music Director is entitled to take up to four [4] Sundays off per year with compensation. The Music Director will avoid taking time off in the busy weeks leading up to Christmas and Easter. A request for vacation should be made in writing to the Session Liason at least 2 weeks in advance.
• When the Music Director is absent, he/she is responsible to secure a substitute musician.
• If the Music Director takes off more “vacation” Sundays, the Music Director will pay the substitute musician directly.
• In case of illness, the stipend will be paid for up to 2 weeks.

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume

• By mail:
  Clairlea Park Presbyterian Church
  Music Director Search Committee
  3236 St. Clair Avenue East
  Scarborough, Ontario M1L 1V7
• By email:
  clairlea@clairleaparkpresbyterian.ca
  Please include “Music Director Search” in the subject line.