At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop diverse music for services at St John's Church.
- Company: St John's is a vibrant Anglican Church in central London with strong community ties.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and 5 weeks holiday pro rata.
- Why this job: Join a welcoming community and make a real impact through music in worship.
- Qualifications: Must have choral or instrumental musicianship and a passion for inclusive music-making.
- Other info: Part-time role with core hours on Sundays; additional hours during festive seasons.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 52000 £ per year.
St John’s is a central London Anglican Church in the modern, liberal catholic tradition, with very strong local connections. We have recently completed a £6m renovation, and have a flourishing cultural and community programme. Our two Churches – St John’s opposite Waterloo station and St Andrew’s near the Young Vic theatre – have regular worship at their heart. Our main service is at 10.30am on Sundays at St John’s. We aim to nourish a very broad musical tradition, drawing resources from around the world as well as from Anglicanism. St John’s also works closely with its sister-charity The Bridge At Waterloo which delivers a variety of programmes and projects in our spaces from therapeutic gardening to arts festivals. Along with our regular, diverse members, we warmly welcome visitors, and our proximity to King’s College and the LSE means we also aim to offer a broad-based home church for students currently in London. What are we looking for? For this role, we are seeking someone: · To have oversight, with the Vicar, for the direction of music for liturgy at St John’s s and to work with the clergy, organist, PCC and congregation to continue to develop a rich diversity of styles of music. · To build the choir, continuing to develop the repertoire, train the singers and recruit and integrate new members. · To ensure all principal Sunday services, Occasional Offices (Weddings and Funerals) and Festivals are properly staffed and that the Director, organist or a deputy is available to play at all principal services. · To work with the clergy team to produce lists of hymns, songs, anthems etc. appropriate to each service. · To be responsible for a set music budget, agreed with the Treasurer each November for presentation to the PCC, and for all music purchases and score hires. · To work collaboratively with the clergy, choir, organist and congregation in developing the ministry of the church through music. · To ensure that the Parish Safeguarding Policy for Children and Vulnerable Adults is properly implemented within the choir and all areas under the Director of Music’s responsibility. Who are we looking for? For this role, we are seeking someone with the following qualities: Committed to encouraging grass roots music making drawing on contemporary and traditional Anglican and other traditions. Proven ability to relate to a broad range of people and encouraging them to participate in music making. Proven ability to teach and lead music to a broad range of abilities, from the semi-professional to the complete beginner . Committed to developing the worshipping community at St John's. Robust and up for a challenge. The ability to work as part of a team. Appropriate qualification in choral or instrumental musicianship. Committed to encouraging inclusive Christianity, recognising and acknowledging a wide range of theological understandings within the church. Employer: St John’s Waterloo Accountable to: The Parochial Parish Council of St John’s Waterloo Line Manager: The churchwardens of St John’s Waterloo Hours: 4.5 hours per week. Core hours are Sundays between 10 and 1.30, divided between the 10.30 service and rehearsal after church, with an additional hour/week for preparation time. Additional hours may be required for principal services, especially at Christmas and Easter. Pay: £37,182 per annum pro rata = £4,780 pa plus contributory pension scheme (RSCM recommended). There will be a three month probationary period. Holiday entitlement: 5 weeks pro rata including no more than five Sundays outside of August (when the choir is on leave) Looking after our congregation and visitors: St John’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers interacting with these groups to share this commitment. This position will be subject to satisfactory DBS and reference checks. Administrative support: The Music Director will have access to the office facilities and equipment as required in order to carry out their responsibilities as outlined (printing, photocopier, stationery etc.). Closing date: Friday 31st January Interviews: Thursday 6th February, afternoon
Director of Music employer: St John's Waterloo
Contact Detail:
St John's Waterloo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Music
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the musical traditions of St John's and St Andrew's. Understanding the specific styles and repertoire that resonate with the congregation will help you demonstrate your commitment to their musical vision during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local musicians and clergy who are involved in similar roles. Building relationships within the community can provide valuable insights and recommendations that may enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in building and leading choirs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully recruited and integrated new members, as well as how you've developed diverse repertoires.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of safeguarding policies and how they apply to music ministry. Being able to articulate your commitment to creating a safe environment for all participants will be crucial in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Music
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Music position. Understand the responsibilities and qualities they are looking for, and think about how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in music direction, choir building, and community engagement. Emphasize any previous roles where you worked collaboratively with clergy or community members.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for music and community service. Discuss your vision for the music ministry at St John's and how you plan to encourage participation from a diverse range of individuals.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Include details about your qualifications in choral or instrumental musicianship. Mention any relevant training or certifications that demonstrate your ability to lead and teach music across various skill levels.
How to prepare for a job interview at St John's Waterloo
✨Show Your Passion for Music
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for music and its role in worship. Share specific examples of how you've integrated diverse musical styles in previous roles, and how you plan to continue this at St John's.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Highlight your experience working with clergy, choirs, and congregations. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster collaboration among different groups to enhance the church's musical offerings.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as staffing services or integrating new choir members. Be ready to share your strategies for overcoming these challenges effectively.
✨Emphasize Inclusivity and Community Engagement
Discuss your commitment to inclusive Christianity and how you plan to engage a broad range of people in music-making. Share any past experiences where you've successfully encouraged participation from diverse groups.