Position: Music Director

Location: Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, Attleboro, MA

Position: Music Director

Status: Part-Time (Approximately 12-15 hours/week), September through June (summers off).

Compensation: $22,000-$27,000

Position Overview:

Murray Unitarian Universalist Church seeks a collaborative, flexible, and creative Music Director to lead our music ministry during a time of transition and growth into our next phase. The director will support the musical life of the church by working with the choir, playing piano and/or organ for worship, and partnering with the minister, the Music Committee, Religious Exploration, and Religious Services Committee to select and coordinate music that enriches and deepens the Sunday service experience.

This role is ideal for a musician who enjoys working in a welcoming and progressive environment and is eager to explore a wide variety of musical styles and traditions. Murray Church is a thriving congregation with a strong commitment to social justice. Our congregation has many musicians looking for spiritual growth and nurturing through music in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Come join us!

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate on Worship Planning

  • Work closely with the minister, Music Committee, and Religious Exploration to plan meaningful and inclusive musical programming for weekly services and special events.
  • Suggest appropriate solo, ensemble, and choral works in alignment with service themes.
  • Help coordinate guest musicians when needed.
  • Attend meetings with the Music Committee.
  • Attend other meetings on an as-needed basis.

Lead and Mentor the Choir

  • Lead and mentor the choir in weekly rehearsals.
  • Direct the choir for Sunday morning worship services.
  • Encourage and inspire the musicians in the choir and throughout the church.

Provide Instrumental Music for Worship

  • Provide accompaniment for hymns, choral anthems, and other solo and group musical works.
  • Perform music for preludes, offertories, postludes, and other works depending on programming.
  • Arrange for substitute musicians when needed (with support from the Music Committee).

Christmas Eve Service

  • Collaborate with the Music Committee to choose and provide music for the Christmas Eve service.
  • Coordinate guest artists as needed
  • Prelude typically 30-60 minutes
  • Service 60 minutes

Qualifications:

  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and lay leadership
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Comfort with a variety of musical styles (classical, spiritual, folk, contemporary, etc.)
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn about Unitarian Universalist values and worship culture
  • Experience directing and teaching choral groups
  • Strong proficiency in piano preferred
  • Proficiency in organ and/or experience with other instruments is welcome and encouraged
  • Degree in music or equivalent experience preferred

Schedule:

Typical schedule

  • Sunday service, 8 AM – noon
    • 3-5 per month
  • Thursday rehearsals, 6-8 PM
  • Committee meeting
    • Fourth Wednesday, 6-7 PM
  • Additional meetings as needed
  • Additional hours for preparation, communication, and collaboration.
  • Additional rehearsals as needed at mutually agreeable times.

To Apply:

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and two references using the form below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

    * required