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Church Organist Job Description

What does a Church Organist do?

A Church Organist is responsible for playing the organ or other appropriate instruments during church services and events. They typically work closely with the church choir, directing them while playing music to enhance the worship experience. In addition to playing traditional hymns and songs, they may also improvise or arrange music for special occasions. Church Organists also often assist with the maintenance of the church’s musical instruments, ensuring that they are properly tuned and in good working order. Above all, a Church Organist is a key part of creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere in church, helping to enrich the spiritual lives of those attending.

Our Church Organist job description includes the Church Organist responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Church Organist Example


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If you need an example job description for a Church Organist download the one below, alternatively we have many other Arts job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Church Organist do?

The Church Organist is responsible for providing musical accompaniment and leadership during services. They are required to have excellent knowledge of a wide range of musical styles, as well as a thorough understanding of the musical requirements of the Church. The Organist must be able to work closely with the clergy and other staff to ensure that services are carried out in a timely and meaningful way. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other musicians and vocalists as part of a team. Responsibilities include:

• Playing the organ for church services in accordance with the liturgical calendar
• Accompanying special services, such as baptisms and funerals
• Working with the choir, providing musical direction and accompaniment
• Maintaining the church organ, ensuring it is kept in good working order
• Rehearsing and preparing music for services
• Coordinating with the clergy and other musicians to ensure a smooth flow of services
• Working with volunteers to ensure that all music is of a high standard
• Handling administrative tasks associated with the role, such as scheduling and budgeting

Church Organist Role Purpose

The purpose of a Church Organist is to provide musical accompaniment for worship services in a Christian church. They are responsible for playing the organ and other instruments as required, and for leading the congregation in singing hymns and other songs. They may also be required to provide background music for special services, such as weddings and funerals. The Church Organist must be familiar with the musical styles of the church and must be able to play appropriate music to suit the occasion.

Church Organist Role

A Church Organist is responsible for providing musical accompaniment for religious services and other events, using the organ. They must be able to read and interpret music, and be able to play a variety of styles, including classical, traditional and contemporary.

Church Organist Duties

  • Play the organ during services and other liturgical functions
  • Accompany congregational singing
  • Rehearse with choirs
  • Plan and select music for services and special occasions
  • Maintain and tune the organ
  • Provide music for weddings and funerals

Church Organist Requirements

  • An excellent knowledge of traditional and contemporary Church music
  • The ability to sight-read music and work to a high standard
  • Good improvisational skills
  • Experience of electronic organ technology
  • A broad knowledge of musical styles
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills

Church Organist Skills

  • Playing the organ
  • Accompanying hymns
  • Introducing musical pieces

Church Organist Personal Traits

  • Good musical abilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Able to work independently
  • Strong communication skills

How to write a Church Organist Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Church Organist Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Church Organist Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Church Organist Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Church Organist

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