Associate Director of Music

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church • Atlanta, GA

3d

About The Position

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church seeks an exceptional, imaginative, and collaborative musician to serve as Associate Director of Music and help shape and lead its church music program. The role works closely with the Director of Music and provides principal organ accompaniment for the adult choral program in rehearsals, Sunday worship, concerts, and special services. The Associate Director also performs on organ and piano, shares responsibility for choral and worship leadership, and contributes to repertoire selection, concert programming, and the department’s long-term artistic development.

The position includes conducting, teaching, developing singers, recruiting and nurturing musicians, and supporting opportunities for musical learning and mentorship. Depending on the successful candidate’s experience and interests, the role may also include leadership of additional musical initiatives such as handbells, chamber music, educational programs, or community partnerships. The position is based in a setting with a 2,000-seat sanctuary, substantial organ resources, professional and volunteer choral ensembles, and an extensive program of worship, concerts, and special events.

Resumes are being accepted now; interviews are anticipated to begin in mid-January. The anticipated start is February–March 2027.

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 the demands of varied and ambitious choral repertoire.
• Advanced organ proficiency, including accomplished hymn playing, improvisation, and solo performance.
• Strong and versatile piano and keyboard skills.
• 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 collaboration.

Nice To Haves

• Experience directing handbells.
• Experience in musical education, teaching, and developing new 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, including FAGO, FRCO, DMA, or equivalent distinctions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal organ accompanist to the adult choral program during rehearsals, Sunday worship, concerts, and special services.
• Provide organ and piano music for worship, concerts, and other musical activities, including hymn playing, improvisation, solo repertoire, and collaboration with singers and instrumentalists.
• Share artistic leadership of the adult choral program by conducting rehearsals and performances, developing singers, and cultivating a welcoming choral community.
• Participate in planning and leading music for Sunday worship, festivals, special services, funerals, and weddings.
• Partner 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, fostering an inclusive musical culture rooted in excellence, generosity, and shared purpose.
• Develop and support musical learning, training, and mentorship for musicians of different ages and abilities.
• As appropriate to the candidate’s experience and interests, develop or lead additional musical initiatives, potentially including handbells, chamber music, educational programs, community partnerships, or other creative projects.
• Work collegially with music staff, clergy, volunteers, and other church ministries to strengthen the role of music in the congregation and wider community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level