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Pianist

6/14/2018

Union Presbyterian Seminary Pianist

TITLE 
Seminary Pianist 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

As an institution dedicated to uplifting worship as central to the life of faith, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Charlotte campus, seeks a seminary pianist.  This position includes a minimum of 34 (Saturday) worship services during the academic year, with occasional additional services arranged on an ad hoc basis in consultation with the Dean of the Charlotte Campus.  Expectation of attendance is for Saturday chapel services during the academic year and other occasional service, e.g., spring graduation, seasonal worship services, etc. This position is defined as a contractual stipend, based on number of services played per academic year, offering no additional benefits. The pianist is not an employee of the seminary but a contracted worker.  The position assumes a commitment of approximately four (4) to five (5) hours per week to prepare, practice, and share in worship leadership. 

PURPOSE  

Working collaboratively with the Associate Director of Campus Life and the Chaplain to the Campus to provide piano accompaniment for scheduled worship services and other occasions in support of the worship life of the seminary, including but not limited to preludes, postludes, hymns, anthems/special music, and other musical accompaniment as needed.   

SKILLS NEEDED 

  • Primary ability to play the piano proficiently  
  • Understanding of the liturgical traditions of the church, particularly from the Reformed tradition
  • Sensitivity to varieties of worship styles and music 
  • Ability to sight-read 
  • Willingness to take direction and work collaboratively with seminary coordinator of worship and seminary guest speakers 
  • Skill of improvisation desired 

ACCOUNTABILITY 

The incumbent works primarily and collaboratively with the Associate Director of Campus Life and the Chaplain to the Campus and secondarily with the Dean of the Charlotte Campus to select appropriate music selections.  The position reports to the Associate Director of Campus Life and is ultimately accountable to the Dean of the Charlotte Campus.  

Notify the Associate Director of Campus Life and the Chaplain to the Campus a minimum of two weeks prior but as soon as planned absences are known to allow for scheduling of a substitute pianist.  In the case of emergency or illness, notification should be made as soon as possible.

The applicant will be requested to sign forms allowing the seminary to perform a background check and other appropriate screenings. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Help select music—e.g., preludes, postludes, hymns, anthems, etc.—appropriate for given worship services in consultation with seminary coordinator of worship and guest speakers, as needed
  • Rehearse, as needed, prior to worship service to become proficient for given service’s music selections
  • Accompany weekly worship services on Saturdays at the seminary’s chapel service and ad hoc musical groups as needed, with Saturday services typically beginning at 12:00pm and lasting less than one hour
  • Support seminary worship through the accurate leadership of hymns and songs 
  • Provide music for special events and services as needed.  Compensation for these additional events and services will be paid as an addendum to standard arrangements
  • Connect, at least weekly, during the academic terms with the seminary’s assigned coordinator of worship to plan and prepare worship services

EVALUATION 

The incumbent will be evaluated annually and jointly by the Associate Director of Community Life and the Dean of the Charlotte Campus.  Recommendations for continuation in position will be made on an annual basis following review. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

UPSem is a graduate educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and an EO/AA employer committed to increasing the gender, racial-ethnic, and international and cultural diversity in its faculty and student body. Since its formation in 1812, it has sustained the intention of its founders to provide education for Christian ministry that is scholarly, pastoral, and engaged with contemporary life. 

Please send nominations or a letter of interest to Richard Boyce, Dean of the Charlotte Campus, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 5141 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210, Richard.Boyce@upsem.edu.  

Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2018 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.