First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
Organist/Accompanist
Status: Part time
Pay Scale: $15,000/year
General Description:
The Organist/Accompanist shall be a leader in worship for the NoHo FUMC congregation.
They will assist the Director of Music in planning service music, leading congregational singing, and accompanying special musicas needed. They need to be able to sight-read stave notation and open score music; demonstrate strong proficiency on a three-manual organ; possess piano skills to support services and rehearsals as needed; and be a reliable team player. They must align with the values, mission, and vision of NoHo FUMC.
Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Worship Leadership:
○ Be present on Sunday mornings and at other services as directed by the senior
pastor.
○ Lead congregational hymn singing.
○ Prepare music for special services, including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, and Christmas Eve.Provide music at memorials and
funeral services as required and available.
○ Provide creative input in worship planning.
○ Choose and plan service music––including prelude, offertory, postlude, and brief
transitional pieces as needed—to support a cohesive and seamless flow of the
liturgy.) according to the theme as set by the pastor and in consultation with the
Director of Music.
○ Seek out new music and arrangements reflective of the changing music scene and
styles.
○ Undertake additional responsibilities as needed in support of the evolving needs
of the music ministry.
2. Skills and Qualifications
○ Technical Proficiency:
i. High-level mastery of organ technique and registration.
ii. Strong sight-reading skills, including open scores for choirs and chamber
ensembles.
iii. Experience in improvisation, including hymn interludes and brief
transitional music between sections of the service.
iv. Experience accompanying congregational singing, choirs, and small vocal
and/or instrumental ensembles.
v. Ability to transpose and modulate to support comfortable vocal ranges for
congregation and choir (with advance notice provided whenever possible)
○ Keyboard Skills: Piano proficiency to support rehearsals and services as needed.
○ Knowledge of Tradition:
i. Familiarity with liturgical structure, traditions, and hymnody.
○ Collaboration & Communication:
i. Ability to work effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and choir
members
ii. Clear, responsive communication and a collaborative approach to
music-making