Accompanist Search

Organist or Pianist Search Information

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church seeks an accompanist familiar
with hymnody and/or liturgical service music. This person will serve as St. Matthew’s
principal parish accompanist and musician. The individual will accompany a
weekly mass and any corresponding musicians or vocalists participating that
Sunday. In addition, the accompanist will provide the same support for several
special services and feast days throughout the year.

St. Matthew’s values
music as an integral part of our liturgy and the worship of our Triune God. While
a musician who is a baptized and committed Christian is preferred, we will also
readily consider other applicants who value their craft and respect the music
of the Historic Church.

St. Matthew’s has been
blessed with a beautiful sanctuary in which to worship, and our space reveals
our commitment to the arts in our worship. Our organ was custom-built, has been
well-maintained, and is of some renown in the area. Over the years, we have
also collected a solid and extensive choral music library.

Payment for this position is offered at $200
per week with a yearly renewable contract. Funerals and weddings will be paid
by others at no less than $175.00 per service and may include some
accompaniment for other musicians. Two weeks of vacation are provided.

Essential Responsibilities:

Accompany one weekly mass, including any
participation from our choir or other musicians.

Assist the Priest/Rector with selecting
appropriate Hymns and Service music (if applicable).

Rehearse
with our choir and other instrumentalists on a weekly basis (although there
will be weeks when the choir is on hiatus).

When
absent, assist in finding a substitute organist/piano accompanist.

Advise and assist the
church regarding the proper maintenance of the organ or piano.

Administrative Duties:

Reports directly to the Priest/Rector and
under the direction of the Choirmaster (if applicable).

An openness to input and negotiation as the music
program for St. Matthew’s develops.

Essential Qualifications:

Experience in church accompaniment
(or a high proficiency by which one could learn)

Music proficiency when
playing that reveals practice and ability.

A capacity to work respectfully
with other musicians and to take guidance from the Priest/Rector regarding the
flow of the liturgy and appropriateness of chosen music to the context at hand.

Preferred
Qualifications:

Proficiency in whole instrumental
technique

Some exposure and understanding
of Episcopal liturgy and worship.

Application Process:

To apply, submit the below information to Father
Thomas Reeves via e-mail at rector@stmattsblm.org 

or via the post to St. Matthew’s Episcopal
Church, 1920 E. Oakland Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701.

·       A CV or Resume if available.

·   Any audio/video sample
of organ accompaniment.

·       Two references and their contact information.

For more information about St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church see our webpage at https://www.stmattsblm.org/