Director of Music and Organist
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
The Director of Music and Organist will lead and shape the musical provision at St Matthew’s, and will work closely with the PCC to expand our musical offering, including by deepening the existing relationship with St Matthew’s Primary School. By leading and enhancing the musical life of St Matthew’s, and maintaining the very high standard of musical provision they will inherit, the Director of Music and Organist will raise our profile in the wider community, encourage people to encounter the Christian faith, and engage new people in the life of St Matthew’s.
About The Role
The Director of Music and Organist will lead and shape the musical provision at St Matthew’s, and will work closely with the PCC to expand our musical offering, including by deepening the existing relationship with St Matthew’s Primary School (50 metres from the church). By leading and enhancing the musical life of St Matthew’s, and maintaining the very high standard of musical provision they will inherit, the Director of Music and Organist will raise our profile in the wider community, encourage people to encounter the Christian faith, and engage new people in the life of St Matthew’s.
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee the liturgical music provision at St Matthew’s by:
- Organising and delivering musical provision each Sunday (an 11am Choral Mass).
- Organising and delivering musical provision every other Wednesday (a 5:30pm Choral Evensong – currently suspended, see p.2).
- Organising and delivering musical provision for Feasts and Festivals (for example but not limited to: St Matthew’s Day (Patronal Festival, evening High Mass; The Feast of the Annunciation (evening High Mass); Holy Week and the Triduum; Midnight Mass and Christmas morning etc).
- Organising and delivering musical provision for a relatively small number of ‘specials’ each year (funerals, weddings, baptisms etc) – for which additional fees will be paid.
- Work with the PCC and parish priest (when appointed) to articulate and enact the vision for music at St Matthew’s.
- Work with St Matthew’s Primary School to involve the children of the school more closely in the worshipping life of St Matthew’s. The previous Director of Music occasionally played for the school Mass (Wednesday morning) – the PCC are keen to see this relationship deepened and developed, and expect a successful candidate to be enthusiastic about the potential and opportunities of a school almost on-site.
- Submit quarterly reports, covering both operations and finances, to the PCC regarding the musical life of St Matthew’s, and be prepared to attend occasional PCC meetings in person (usually held after Mass on a Sunday).
- Engage in some fundraising activity to support the musical life of St Matthew’s.
Person Specification
We require someone who:
- is an exceptional and experienced choral director and trainer
- plays the organ to a professional (broadly ARCO/FRCO) standard
- is comfortable or able quickly to become comfortable with an Anglo-Catholic liturgical style
- has experience of working with children’s choirs and encouraging young people to sing
- is a friendly, approachable, and encouraging individual
- wishes fully to become part of the St Matthew’s community
- is willing, initially, to embrace the challenges and opportunities afforded by an interregnum
St Matthew’s, Westminster, is committed to promoting a safe environment and culture for children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone appointed to this role will be expected to work within the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. The Director of Music is expected to complete the Church of England’s safeguarding training (Basic, Foundation, Leadership) within the first four weeks of their appointment. Prior to any appointment, an enhanced DBS certificate will be requested (including barred lists for children and adults).
Applicants should either be a communicant member of the Church of England; a practising member of a Christian church in good standing with the Church of England; or be sympathetic to the aims and objectives of the Church of England
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Contact & Applications
office@stmw.org
[contact hidden]
20 Great Peter Street