JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
PURPOSE:
To coordinate and oversee the music for this congregation’s worship experiences so that the
music presented is a vehicle for praise, prayer, and thanksgiving by the congregation. The
Director will be expected to be supportive of this congregation’s team leadership approach and
style.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Approximately 30 hours per week
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Music Leadership:
 Plan and coordinate the traditional music program, providing leadership and resources
to other music leaders of the congregation.
 Play the organ and/or piano for all traditional Sunday services.
 As requested by the pastors, coordinate music for weddings and funerals conducted at
the church.
 Direct and hold regular rehearsals for choirs and ensembles including, but not limited to
Chancel and Cherub choirs, Brass choir, and hand bell choir.
 Recommend new music and liturgy for worship, and assist the congregation in learning
these new settings.
 Make available new resources and ideas to program participants.
 Work with pastoral staff to implement music for the annual Sunday School Christmas
program.
 Assist with music for annual summer Vacation Bible School.
Worship Planning:
 Assist pastors and Celebration Team in developing, planning, and implementing worship
experiences for all scheduled traditional services and not limited to hymn selection.
 Investigate and recommend hymns, liturgies, and worship styles for consideration by
the Celebration Team. Make available new resources and ideas.
 Schedule choirs, ensembles, soloists, instrumentalists etc.
 Be an active member of the Celebration Team.
Service:
 Be available as a resource to congregational members in the areas of music and worship
for funerals, weddings, hymnody, liturgy, etc.
 Be available for service beyond First Lutheran Church (i.e. synod and community
events).
Administration:
 Maintain professional competency through practice and attending seminars.
 Recruit for choirs and ensembles and facilitate participation of all ages.
 Recruit and schedule special music for worship services (summers in the absence of
choirs, Christmas preludes, etc.).
 Oversee selection and make purchases of music for all choirs and ensembles within
budget guidelines.
 Submit an annual budget request for all music-related items such as: music, tuning and
maintenance of all instruments, choir materials and supplies, continuing education,
paying for music licenses and copyright permission, purchasing journals and worship
resources, and funding for special music events.
 Write an annual report to the congregation of the activities of the Director of Music and
the music programs at First Church.
 Keep music copyright licenses current. Keep records on file. Advocate for lawful use of
copying music.
 Maintain music library and supervise maintenance of all instruments (organ, piano,
keyboard, hand bells, others).
 Participate with the pastors, other staff members, and congregational leaders in
facilitating congregational goals.
 Provide regular written reports to the Congregation Council.
 Communicate with the congregation about music ministry through weekly and monthly
Revelations.
 Attend regular staff meetings.
Qualifications:
 Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent experience.
 Understanding of the theology, practices, and worship of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and match appropriate vocal/instrumental music with themes of the
church year.
 Classically-trained music background in both keyboard and vocal skills. Thorough
knowledge of instruments and keyboard ability to play hymns, liturgy, easy anthem
accompaniments on piano or keyboard.
 Knowledge of music theory including transpositions and harmonizing a melody.
 Experience in the development and coordination of a comprehensive music program in
a liturgical church including competency in directing vocal and instrumental groups of all
ages.
 Ability to communicate effectively with people, to relate well with all ages and to
convey the importance of our response to God through music and worship.
 Ability to work well with others and participate collegially with pastors, other staff
members, and congregational leaders.