Collaborative Pianist

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Champaign, Illinois

Position Summary

The Collaborative Pianist accompanies the adult choir and assists with worship service music.

The required scheduled commitment is September through May, with flexible summer employment options from June through August. This position reports to the Pastor, and additionally during rehearsals and choir performances to the Choir Director.

Responsibilities

Required from September-May

● Accompany the Adult Choir during weekly rehearsals held Wednesdays from 7:00–8:00 p.m. (shifting to 7:30pm-8:30pm during the season of Lent) and Sundays from 8:30-9:00 a.m.

● Accompany the Adult Choir and perform worship music during weekly Sunday service starting at 9:00 and ending between 10:00-10:15 a.m.

● Perform weekly with the organist during all congregational singing, depending on worship needs. Occasionally perform solo either for congregational singing, prelude, special music, or postlude as coordinated with the Music Director.

● Work collaboratively with the pastor and organist to prepare seasonal liturgical music, which changes 4-5 times from September-May.

● Perform during Christmas Eve & Holy Week services based on availability. There may be the opportunity to perform during additional services for Thanksgiving, Epiphany, Ascension as well

as funerals or weddings which are offered by mutual agreement and availability.

Optional Employment from June-August

● Perform during weekly Sunday service, or as negotiated, with the organist during all congregational singing, depending on worship needs. Occasionally perform solo either for congregational singing, prelude, special music, or postlude.

Schedule Expectations

● Time off should be coordinated in advance with the Pastor, Choir Director, and Organist and limited to no more than 2 weeks during September-May. Time off from June-August is negotiable.

● In emergencies, notify the Music Director as soon as possible so a substitute can be secured

quickly.

● The Organist and Collaborative Pianist are expected to provide mutual coverage whenever

possible.

Qualifications

Required

● Strong piano performance and sight-reading skills.

● Experience accompanying choirs, vocalists, or congregational singing.

● Ability to collaborate effectively with church staff and volunteers.

● Dependable, organized, punctual, and professional.

Preferred

● Familiarity with traditional hymns and/or liturgical worship music.

● Ability to improvise or play from lead sheets.

● Additional skills in conducting, arranging, voice, or other instruments are welcomed.

Professional Development

This position offers mentorship opportunities to develop the following list of skills and may also fulfill internship requirements for qualified students.

● Worship music planning & performance skills

● Volunteer leadership & management skills

● Conducting and rehearsal techniques

● Practical music arranging

Compensation

● September–May: $125 per week, with additional $75 for any additional special services (Ex: Evening Lent and Christmas Eve services).

● June–August: $75 per week

To Apply

To apply contact the Music Director, Leon Harrell by email or phone or fill out the form below.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

2101 S. Prospect Ave.

Champaign, IL 61820

Email: leon@gslc-cu.org

Phone: (502) 593-0733