Shades Valley Lutheran Church - Director of Music

Musician is needed in Birmingham, United States.

Client: Shades Valley Lutheran Church

Location: Birmingham, AL

Contract: Part-time

Job Description

Shades Valley Lutheran Church is a fellowship of believers in Homewood, AL, seeking a collaborative and passionate Director of Music to enhance our worship and fellowship experience. The candidate will work with all ages in a dedicated, supportive, and welcoming church family.

Key Responsibilities

• Worship Music Leadership: Enhance the worship experience through liturgy and song as a pianist/organist.
• Choir Leadership: Direct the Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, and the Bell/Chime Choirs, including weekly rehearsals and leading the choir during the 9:30 AM Sunday worship service.
• Service Music Coordination: Collaborate with the pastor and worship planning teams to select and prepare music for weekly services.
• Special Services: Provide musical leadership for special services, including Advent, Lent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Holy Week.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Provide energetic and supportive leadership for volunteer choirs and select anthems that align with the worship setting.
• Administrative: Successfully pass a background check and complete training using the “Safe Gatherings” system.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Music (Preferred)
• Musical Proficiency: Strong skills in both organ and piano performance; comfort with liturgical music and hymns; ability to accompany the choir.
• Musical Experience: Ability to perform and direct a wide range of musical styles and instruments.
• Collaborative Team Member: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; positive, team-oriented attitude.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $20,000 - $25,000 annually, depending on education, skills, and experience.
• Weddings & Memorials: Right of first refusal for all weddings and memorial services held at the church.
• Instruments Available: Access to a Reuter 2 Manual pipe organ, Kawai Upright, Kawai GE-20 baby grand piano, clavinova, and hand-bells.
• Time Off: Four Sundays off annually, except during Holy Week & Christmas Services.
• Professional Development: Continuing education allowance of up to $1,000 per year.

Typical Work Schedule

• Attend weekly Sunday service and special services where piano or organ music is scheduled.
• Lead weekly Choir rehearsals (Wednesday evenings).
• Attend monthly Worship and Music Committee meetings (following Sunday service).
• Attend staff meetings twice monthly.
• Maintain regular communication with Pastor, Secretary, and Worship and Music Committee.

Additional Information

This job description is an overview of general expectations of this position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and is subject to change.

Work Location: In person