About St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church is a welcoming Episcopal parish located in Sunnyvale, California, serving the Silicon Valley community. The parish is part of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real and seeks to nurture spiritual growth through worship, fellowship, and service. Rooted in the traditions of the Episcopal Church, St. Thomas offers liturgically grounded worship, an active music ministry, and opportunities for parishioners of all ages to participate in community life and outreach. The congregation values thoughtful worship, strong congregational singing, and a spirit of hospitality and inclusion. Learn more about the parish at http://www.stthomas-svale.org.
Music Director Position Summary
The Music Director provides leadership for the parish’s music ministry, supporting worship through thoughtful planning and collaborative leadership. Working with the Rector and parish staff, the Music Director selects and leads music for Sunday services and major feast days, directs a volunteer choir (8-12 choir members), and encourages congregational singing rooted in the Episcopal tradition. The role includes rehearsing the choir, coordinating musicians as needed, and helping foster a welcoming and prayerful musical community that enriches the worship life of the parish. We hope to have a music director selected by July 2026.
Music Director Key Responsibilities
- Worship Leadership
- Select hymns, anthems, psalms in consultation with the Rector.
- Prepare and lead music that supports the liturgy and reflects the Episcopal musical tradition.
- Provide music for major feast days and special liturgical observances.
- Choir Direction & Musical Formation
- Direct and rehearse the parish choir (Thursdays 7:30pm to 9pm), fostering musical growth, community, and pastoral care.
- Welcome and engage volunteer singers of varied musical experience.
- Encourage congregational singing and provide brief musical or liturgical teaching when appropriate.
- Recruit, retain, and mentor choir members in collaboration with parish leadership.
- Foster a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment for choir members and musicians.
- Support the broader liturgical and community life of the parish with professionalism and care.
- Able to creatively enhance the musical experience
- Other Music Programming
- Additional music programs to be managed/supervised by the Music Director.
Administration and Coordination
- Collaborate with the Rector and parish staff to meet worship planning and publication deadlines.
- Coordinate additional musicians as needed
- Maintain and steward the choir library, music resources, and instruments.
- Participate in long-range planning meetings with stakeholders for the parish’s music ministry.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
- Supervise the accompanist and the assistant director.
Music Director Qualifications
- At least 5 years experience conducting choirs and leading church music programs.
- Knowledge of Episcopal liturgy (or other mainline church)
- Ability to plan and lead music that enhances worship and congregational participation.
- Excellent communication, community building and organizational skills.
- Collaborative spirit and pastoral sensitivity.
- Experience working with volunteer choirs of varying skill levels.
Time Commitment
- Sunday morning worship services.
- Weekly choir rehearsal – arrive at least 15 minutes early for scheduled rehearsals
- Major feast days and special liturgical services.
- Preparation, planning, and coordination time as needed.
- The job is expected to average approximately 10-20 hours per week; high holy days may require more hours and summertime fewer hours.
Compensation and Benefits
- The Music Director position is a part-time position, expected range of 10-20 hours per week on average. Compensation range is $30-$40/hour (commensurate with experience).
How to Apply
- Email address to send application: musicsearch@stthomas-svale.us.
- Include your resume
- References (either names to contact or written recommendation letters, including at least one member of clergy and preferably one past choir member)
- Music video recordings of choir performances (if available), also a video of the candidate conducting the choir (if available).