Applying For a Job as a Church Organist

[Juniper]

Hello again to everyone,

For those who don't know, right now I am a back-up organist at my local church (which is not very wealthy) where all the musicians are volunteers. I have been traveling the city in the last few days looking for churches to finally have my first official job as an organist.

Any tips anyone has on applying? Things I should or should not say, things I should not do? I also do not know much about the process of being hired and applying. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Information about me: I am 21 years old, and a back up organist at my local church and am also a singer at another mass. I am about 1 year away from completeing my first degree in music.

Again thanks for any help you all can offer me.

[LPhilbrick]

Juniper,

A good resource for employment related issues is the American Guild of Organists professional development website. Look on the right side navigation area under the "career development" heading and then the salary guide. Another good source is the Presbyterian Association of Musicians' Professional Concerns website. Read the documents from these sites before you sit for an interview. In general, stick to objective issues during the discussion. The interviewer(s) should also limit themselves objective, professional issues that pertain directly to the job. Speak in positive terms and avoid negative comments about other churches, musicians, instruments, etc.

I hope this helps.

Larry

[Juniper]

Thank you Larry. I have been giving a read to a lot of the information given in there. It will really help for both applying and being on the job.

[LPhilbrick]

You're welcome. Good luck on your job search!

[PrayerBookAnglican]

Hi Juniper,

Let's pretend I'm a parish priest looking for an organist. What sort of first impression am I expecting when the prospective employee is sitting across from my desk?

If you are expecting a full time salaried position, then a strictly professional image is essential. Skip the street clothes, and focus instead on bringing out the type of personality you have, *whether that be tweed skirts and cardigans, flowery cotton dresses, or nun's habit....you get my drift. No priest wants a barely post teeny-bopper who looks like a hooker in charge of his musical programme. There may be some evangelical megachurches who dress that way, but the best you'll get there is keyboards and electric guitars/drum sets etc. Wearing a hat will so bewilder any interviewer that they'll hand you the position without questioning...[]

I would work up a comprehensive repertoire of service music and hymns, learn it by heart but carry the sheet music along in your briefcase. So when you audition you can give them a full demonstration of what you can do and will do. Emphasise that you are flexible as to style, but do not be afraid to indicate your preference - your passion.

I would also visit each church you apply to beforehand on a Sunday or two to get a feel for how things are done and identify any failings or shortcomings so you can speak intelligently later and perhaps tailor your answers to suit and present solutions. Be pro active and spy out the land.

*I somehow made the assumption that you are female, forgive me if that is incorrect.

[Juniper]

Well thank you for your helpful words, I am male by the way. (Common as Juniper is more known as a female name but is also a male name)That is basic for me to dress up very nicely to church whenever I go so that will definitely not be a problem for me. I have been doing what you have said of visiting these churches a few Sundays. I have been doing so on several churches the last few weeks. I am good at memorizing music, (I know many church songs by memory already) so that might be a good advantage for me. I also have references from several current church choir leaders, trying to get every resource possible. The only thing I still need, as I said earlier, is to finish my degree; but I really prefer to try and start early (I am 21 right now), if it is possible. Again, thank you.

[PrayerBookAnglican]

"I am male by the way..."

Okay, better skip the flowery cotton dresses... I apologise.

On the other hand, us Anglican organists vest in cassock and surplice ..... male dresses.[]