St Oswald's is looking for a musician to lead us into the future as our Director of music.
Are you passionate about church music and ready to inspire others? St Oswald’s, Norbury, is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Director of Music to shape the future of our musical life and lead our dedicated choir. With a beautiful Bechstein grand piano and a recently upgraded Two Manual Spurden Rutt organ with a full pedal board and Solid-State system, we are well-equipped for the future.
About the Role
Following the departure of our current Director of Music, we are looking for someone who will:
- Play the organ and lead our small, enthusiastic robed choir, which is augmented for special services and festivals.
- Collaborate with the Vicar to develop and enhance the vibrant musical life of our parish.
- Bring energy and creativity to our weekly Sung Eucharist (with one All-age service each month), choir practices and the major feast day services.
- Embrace a diverse musical repertoire, where old and new hymns blend seamlessly, and bring fresh ideas for engaging the congregation through music.
We are seeking a musician who can:
- Lead with passion, nurturing and growing the musical talents within the church.
- Inspire others—whether encouraging instrumentalists within the congregation or spotting new musical talent.
- Help us explore new opportunities, including the possibility of creating a children’s or community choir and engaging more musicians from the wider community.
Why Join Us?
St Oswald’s is a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive church where music plays a cherished role in our worship. This is a rewarding position where your contribution will be valued and appreciated by all. Working closely with the vicar you will have the opportunity to shape and grow our musical offerings while exploring the exciting potential for music to support outreach and community engagement.
Start Date & Remuneration
We are looking for someone to start from January 2024, with the possibility of an earlier start if preferred.
Remuneration follows the RSCM guidelines, and there are opportunities for additional fees from weddings, funerals, and potentially music lessons. In recent years, we have had approximately twelve funerals annually and one or two weddings.
Next Steps
If you are excited by the opportunity to lead and develop the musical life at St Oswald’s, we would love to hear from you. We welcome applications from proficient organists who wish to gain experience in other aspects of the role, potentially working alongside other musicians. Contact Rev’d Alison Brunt at rev.alison@outlook.com or call 020 8764 2853 for an informal conversation and to arrange a visit. We have set aside Saturday 19th October and the afternoons of Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October as times to offer appointments for giving access to the organ and to have an informal conversation with the vicar. To experience how our regular worship works, do come along to our Sunday service at 10am.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit your full CV (no more than two sides of A4) to rev.alison@outlook.com, including the names and contact details of two referees. Please use "Director of Music" as the subject header.
Interview and Audition:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and audition, where you will be asked to demonstrate key competencies relevant to this role.
An enhanced DBS check will be required for this post.
Closing date: Friday 25 October 2024
Interviews and audition: Saturday 9 November 2024
Playing the organ and informal meetings with the vicar: by appointment on Saturday 19th October and the afternoons of Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October
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