Organist and Accompanist

The First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove, Illinois, is accepting applications for the position of Organist and accompanist to our 65-member adult choir. We are a vibrant congregation, welcoming people of all orientations including the LGBTQ community. The church enjoys a rich musical tradition comprising musicians of diverse skill levels and ages, and employs other professionals as directors. Our 10 o’clock services are normally live-streamed to YouTube.

Candidates should have considerable experience in Christian church music, selecting and playing appropriate solo pieces for prelude, offertory and postludes, as well as accompanying hymns, choral anthems, instrumentalists and vocal soloists on both organ and piano.

The candidate will be responsible for playing the organ at 8:30am and 10 o’clock weekly Sunday worship services and other seasonal services (e.g. Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday), accompanying Thursday evening adult choir rehearsals from September to May on the piano, and playing or finding substitute players for funerals and memorial services. A typical week might require 18-20 hours of preparation and performance, with some additional hours on occasion. During the choir’s summer break—June to August—the organist recruits and schedules church members and other local musicians to perform during the 10 o’clock services.

Our sanctuary holds a Phelps 39 rank, 2 manual organ installed in 1975, and a seven-foot Steinway studio grand piano. 8:30am services are normally held in the Chapel, which has a 2 manual electronic organ and a smaller grand piano.

The salary will be commensurate with experience. Please submit your resume and a letter of interest to bchalberg@att.net.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25,000.00 - $28,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 18 – 20 per week

Ability to Commute:

• Downers Grove, IL 60515 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25,000 - $28,000