About the Role
Sherman Oaks UMC is seeking a gifted and spirited pianist to lead and develop our Contemporary Worship music ministry. This part-time position calls for someone with a heart for worship, skill in contemporary Christian music, and the ability to direct and inspire a small vocal ensemble of about five singers.
Responsibilities
• Develop and lead contemporary worship music that complements the pastor’s sermon themes and the vocal group’s strengths.
• Direct, teach, and rehearse with a small group of volunteer singers.
• Collaborate with the Worship Design team to plan music selections, maintaining a balanced blend of contemporary, jazz, gospel, and traditional styles.
• Attend a 30-minute Worship Design meeting each Monday to coordinate upcoming services.
• Provide music leadership for worship services on two Sundays per month.
• Collaborate closely with our current pianist, who brings classical and traditional expertise, to create a dynamic and balanced worship experience.
• Available for special occasions and events.
Qualifications
• Strong proficiency in contemporary Christian worship music, with familiarity in gospel and modern praise styles.
• Experience directing small vocal groups or choirs in a church or performance setting.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with diverse musical styles and team members.
• Technical Skill Development
• Accuracy & Intonation: Consistency in pitch and timing across repertoire.
• Technique Mastery: Finger dexterity, posture, pedal control, and articulation.
• Repertoire Breadth: Number and difficulty of pieces mastered, including varied styles and periods pieces.
• Artistic & Interpretive Quality
• Musicality: Expression, phrasing, dynamics, and emotional engagement.
• Tone Quality & Pedaling: Consistency and control in voicing and resonance
• Proficient sight reader
Schedule & Compensation
• Work approximately two Sundays per month plus one 30-minute Monday meeting each week.
• Compensation commensurate with experience.
Initial Application Step
Send a brief performance video or link to social media page containing performance, along with preferred way to be contacted to soumc@sbcglobal.net . Subject: Pianist Position- your name
Salary or Pay Range
Compensation commensurate with experience. ($250 per Sunday)
Where to Apply:
Send a brief performance video or link to social media page containing performance, along with preferred way to be contacted to soumc@sbcglobal.net . Subject: Pianist Position- your name
Contact Name & Information
Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church 14401 Dickens, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423