Associate Director of Music

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church is seeking an exceptional, imaginative, and collaborative musician to serve as Associate Director of Music. Working closely with the Director of Music, the Associate Director will help shape and lead the church’s ambitious music program, providing organ accompaniment of the highest artistic standard for the choral program. The role also includes organ and piano performance, choral conducting, worship leadership, musical education, and artistic planning. The successful candidate will contribute to the church’s musical, educational, and artistic life and may develop additional initiatives aligned with their skills and interests. The church has a 1,700-seat sanctuary, outstanding organ resources, professional and volunteer choral ensembles, and an extensive program of worship, concerts, and special events. The role offers opportunities for artistic collaboration and professional growth.

Requirements

Exceptional collaborative organ musicianship and demonstrated ability to accompany choirs at the highest artistic level.
Outstanding sensitivity to ensemble, musical phrasing, registration, balance, and varied choral repertoire.
Advanced organ proficiency, including accomplished hymn playing, improvisation, and solo performance.
Strong piano and keyboard skills suitable for a wide range of rehearsals, ensembles, and musical activities.
Demonstrated ability as a choral conductor, rehearsal leader, and teacher.
Thorough knowledge of sacred choral repertoire and liturgical music, particularly in Anglican, Methodist, and wider Christian traditions.
Master’s degree in Organ Performance, Sacred Music, Church Music, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of advanced musical training and professional experience.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Commitment to musical excellence in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Understanding of music as an essential expression of Christian worship and community life.
Creativity, initiative, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit.

Nice To Haves

Experience directing handbells.
Experience in musical education, teaching, and developing educational initiatives.
Experience in composition, arranging, and music typesetting.
Experience in chamber music, orchestral conducting, or instrumental ensemble leadership.
Experience in community engagement and developing artistic partnerships.
Advanced professional qualifications or postgraduate study, such as Fellowship of the American Guild of Organists (FAGO), Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists (FRCO), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), or equivalent distinctions.

Responsibilities

Serve as principal organ accompanist to the adult choral program in rehearsals, Sunday worship, concerts, and special services.
Partner with the Director of Music to achieve high standards of ensemble musicianship, musical expression, and performance.
Provide organ and piano music for worship, concerts, and other activities, including hymn playing, improvisation, solo repertoire, and collaboration with singers and instrumentalists.
Share in the artistic leadership of the adult choral program by conducting rehearsals and performances, developing singers, and fostering a welcoming choral community.
Participate in planning and leading music for Sunday worship, festivals, special services, funerals, and weddings.
Collaborate with the Director of Music on repertoire selection, concert programming, and the department’s long-term artistic development.
Help recruit, encourage, and nurture volunteer and professional musicians and foster an inclusive musical culture.
Develop and support musical learning, training, and mentorship for musicians of different ages and abilities.
Develop or lead additional musical initiatives based on experience and interests, potentially including handbells, chamber music, educational programs, or community partnerships.
Work collegially with music staff, clergy, volunteers, and other church ministries to strengthen music throughout the congregation and wider community.