Director of Music

Position Summary:
The Director of Music at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church provides leadership and direction for a comprehensive music program primarily grounded in the Anglican and classical tradition while maintaining the highest standard of excellence and integrity for the worship of Christ at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, throughout Houston, and beyond the region, consistent with St. Paul’s Vision Statement.

About St. Paul’s UMC:
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is a cathedral for Houston that embodies the city’s diversity, inspires faith, and leads change for the common good of all peoples and communities.

Founded in 1906 and located at its current site in Houston’s vibrant museum district since 1930, St. Paul’s is an urban, welcoming, and progressive church of almost 4,000 members with a weekly worship attendance averaging 500. The congregation strives to continue connecting with a growing and ethnically diverse city. St. Paul’s encourages and promotes excellence to the glory of God in worship, theology, ministry, and mission.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees St. Paul’s Choir on a weekly basis and St. Paul’s choruses and ensembles as required.

• Utilizes the Revised Common Lectionary as a foundation to plan choral, congregational, and instrumental music for the church year, including regular Sunday services and special services.

• Develops a comprehensive music program that includes opportunities for children, youth and adults to participate in worship through music.

• Plans and executes special projects, concerts, workshops and trips to promote the musical and spiritual growth of the choir and St. Paul’s as an ambassador of St. Paul’s.

• Collaborates with other staff and laity to plan worship or events that enhance

• Provides leadership and direction for the music staff and their professional growth and development.

• Manages administrative responsibilities including oversight of music budget and participation in regularly scheduled meetings of staff, committees, and overall music ministry.

• Contracts professional musicians, clinicians or guest conductors, as appropriate.

• Provides consultation for weddings, funerals and other special services, including arrangements for vocal, choral and organ music as requested.

• Upholds and pursues the highest level of skill in choral conducting and organ performance through regular practice, continuing education and active membership in professional organizations.

• Serves as curator for instruments, including the acquisition of new instruments and the regular and long-range maintenance of current instruments.

• Serves as an artistic director with the St. Paul’s Chamber Music Society which sponsors concerts, recitals and special events and contributes to the vibrant Houston music and arts community.

Qualifications:

• A musician of uncommon talent who views this position as an expression of both ministry and vocation, whose love for and joy in sacred music is evident, and who desires to exercise this ministry as part of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

• Proven skills and excellence in choral conducting, organ performance, leadership, and business management. 

• Mature and growing in Christian faith and discipleship.

• Ability to treat all persons with respect and to establish an environment that contributes to the spiritual and musical growth of choir members and their ability to lead meaningful worship.

• Ability to partner with Senior Pastor and lay leadership to accomplish the vision of the church, to independently analyze needs, identify new places for growth and respond with appropriate programming, prioritization, and leadership.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively as either a team leader or member in support of the church’s vision.

• Advanced leadership skills and willingness to build relationships and create seamless integration between multiple choruses and church leadership.