Church Organist Job Description
Music is an essential component of most worship services. A church organist provides music accompaniment for worship services and other church functions.
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Primary Responsibilities
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The organist confers with the pastor or music director to select appropriate music for the worship services. Organists play for one or more weekly worship service and other special services as requested.
Other Responsibilities
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Organists may accompany musical groups such as a chancel choir, hand bell choir or other ensemble. Organists may also provide music accompaniment for functions held at the church such as weddings, funerals and memorial services.
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Music
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Typically, an organist will provide a prelude, a postlude, an offertory and accompany congregational hymns. The organist may also accompany choral or instrumental ensembles and provide background music during prayer time or while the pastor performs sacraments.
Time Commitment
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The weekly time commitment for the position varies from five hours per week to full time, depending on the number of rehearsals and services required. Approximately two to three hours of preparation time is required for each hour playing for a worship service.
Skills and Education
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Organists must demonstrate proficiency on the type of organ the church owns. The church may require formal academic credentials, such as a degree in music.
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References
- Photo Credit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sakramentskirken_Copenhagen_interior_organ_keyboard.jpg
