UCM’s beloved Pianist/Accompanist, Eliza Thomas, is retiring from her position at the end of the church year. We will be appreciating and celebrating Eliza over the next few months before her departure.
The search begins for a new Pianist/Accompanist to join UCM’s staff in mid-August. Details are below.
Pianist/Accompanist Job Posting
The Unitarian Church of Montpelier (VT) is hiring a part-time Pianist/Accompanist to begin August 15, 2025. Music is an integral part of our Sunday worship services. The Pianist/Accompanist, working with the Director of Music, accompanies the choir and performs music in a wide range of styles chosen to enrich Sunday worship.
The Unitarian Church of Montpelier is a Unitarian Universalist congregation of 236 members that welcomes all as we build a loving community to nurture each person’s spiritual journey, serve human need, and protect the Earth, our home. We have a robust ministry spanning worship and music, spiritual exploration, pastoral care, and social and environmental justice.
The music program at UCM enhances the experience of worship, encourages individual musical expression as part of the spiritual journey and helps to build and strengthen community. In addition to performances from our 20+ member choir and pianist, we regularly feature guest musicians of all ages and genres both from within the congregation and from the wider community. Our sanctuary, with its excellent acoustics, Yamaha baby grand piano and historic organ, and new AV system is a sought-after venue for both local and visiting performers.
The Pianist/Accompanist job responsibilities generally encompass the following areas, with additional duties as needed:
- Collaborates with the Music Director and Minister to plan and create the musical elements of worship services;
- Prepares and performs music during the church service, which may include Prelude, Postlude, Hymns, Sung Responses, Children’s Parting Song and Choir Anthem;
- In collaboration with the Music Director, accompanies the choir rehearsals, and leads rehearsals in the Director’s absence; and
- Provides a diverse selection of music in keeping with UUA values and the church mission, including regular selections on the organ
We seek a Pianist/Accompanist who will be a creative, well-rounded, collaborative musician who supports UCM’s mission and Unitarian Universalist values of love, justice, equity, generosity and interdependence.
A full position description is available to view or download here.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Skills/Knowledge
- Skilled and fluent in piano performance in a wide variety of both classical and popular musical styles.
- Demonstrated competence and experience accompanying and collaborating with other musicians.
- Able to create basic accompaniments in different styles using chords only.
- Strong sight-reading ability.
Experience
- Some experience playing a pipe organ, or eagerness to learn. (Professional development funds may be available if needed.)
- Experience accompanying a choir is strongly recommended.
COMPENSATION
Total annual compensation up to $9,605.20 commensurate with experience (based on hourly rate of up to $21.83/hour for 10 hrs/wk for 10 months). The position includes paid leave time (sick, vacation, and personal) according to the UCM Personnel Policies. All UCM employees may enroll in UUA insurance and retirement plans.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send the following items to ucm.apply@gmail.com with the subject “Pianist/Accompanist.”
- A cover letter explaining your motivation to apply, interest in the position, and relevant skills and experience
- Resume
- Digital file or link to performance recording
- Two professional references
Applications are due by close of business on Friday, April 4 and will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Unitarian Church of Montpelier is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from people of all genders, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.
www.ucmvt.org