At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance the musical life of our parish as Music Director & Organist.
- Company: St Joseph’s Church, a vibrant community in Highgate.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, annual leave, discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for weddings, recitals, and supporting the children's choir.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a welcoming parish with a historic organ.
- Qualifications: Experience in church music and choir leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 50 £ per hour.
St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Highgate is seeking a talented and committed Music Director & Organist to lead and enhance the musical life of our parish. This is a rewarding opportunity for a skilled musician to work at the heart of a vibrant parish community, directing our voluntary choir and providing organ accompaniment for liturgies throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct and accompany the choir at the 10:00am and 12:00pm Sunday Masses (excluding August)
- Lead music at major feasts and special services, including Christmas, Easter, Advent, and Holy Week liturgies
- Plan and prepare music in line with the Catholic liturgical calendar
- Deliver fortnightly choir rehearsals and additional rehearsals for major celebrations
- Provide vocal coaching and support choir development
- Encourage participation and recruitment within the choir
- Maintain high standards of music-making to enrich parish worship
- Identify organ maintenance needs and liaise as required
- Arrange suitable cover for any absences
About the Choir & Music
You’ll be working with a welcoming and enthusiastic voluntary choir, many of whom learn by ear rather than reading music. The role involves supporting singers with accessible learning methods (e.g. recordings and rehearsal resources), helping them grow in confidence and musical ability. You will also have the opportunity to play a historic Grade I listed Hill & Son organ (1898) – a rare and distinguished instrument central to the church’s musical heritage.
Additional Opportunities
- Paid opportunities to play at weddings, funerals, and special services
- Potential involvement in organ recitals and fundraising events
- Occasional support for the children’s choir at St Joseph’s School
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is not only competent in music but who also embodies our diocesan values of Competence, Reliability, Honesty, Perseverance, and Love. We are looking for someone who:
- Has professional experience playing the organ in a church setting
- Can lead, motivate, and develop a choir
- Is confident in planning and delivering liturgical music
- Has a strong understanding of Catholic liturgy and musical traditions
- Is able to work independently and collaboratively
- Can lead congregational singing with confidence
Experience working in a faith-based or charitable setting is welcome but not essential.
What We Offer You
In return for your hard work and commitment to us, you will receive a competitive reward package which will include, but is not limited to:
- 23 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)
- Vouchers for free eye tests and £50 towards the cost of glasses
- Reward Gateway scheme offering discounts on a wide range of products and services
- Pension scheme for eligible employees – 5% paid by the employer
- Salary exchange (salary sacrifice) for pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
CVs will not be considered. Please do NOT submit a CV with the online job application or by email.
