Organist/Pianist -Church of the Little Flower, Bethesda MD

Little Flower Roman Catholic Church is seeking a qualified and dedicated organist/pianist to join its vibrant music ministry on a part-time basis, with intended start in mid-August 2025.

Primary Responsibilities:

•Provide accompaniment for 2–5* weekly calls:

Wednesdays: 7–9 pm Choir rehearsal (September–June only)

Saturdays: 4:30–6 pm Mass: piano and/or organ with cantor

Sundays: 8:30–10 am Mass: piano with vocal quartet, cantor

10–11:30 am Mass: organ, choir, cantor

12–1 pm Mass: piano and/or organ with cantor

Times include soundchecks.

•Play for additional liturgies throughout the year: Holy Days of Obligation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lenten services, Easter Triduum, First Friday, etc.

•Collaborate closely with the Music Director, clergy, and choir to prepare and offer music appropriate to the liturgical calendar

•Right of first refusal for weddings and funerals (approx. 5 weddings and 25 funerals yearly)

•Option for solo or chamber recital

•Coordinate and schedule regular maintenance and tuning of keyboard instruments: 2009 Casavant Frères, op. 3880 (3-manual, 38 rank); 5-foot Kawai grand piano

Compensation:

•$185 per call (maximum 2 hours)

•Alternate/additional compensation for weddings, funerals, solo recitals, special liturgies, conducting, etc.

•Vacation subject to approval by Music Director pending a suitable substitute is secured

Required Qualifications:

•Bachelor of Music (awarded or in progress) or equivalent professional performing experience

•Proficiency in organ and piano performance

•Proficiency in accompanying soloists, choir (with conductor), and congregation

•Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgical music and the Roman Catholic Mass

•Excellent sight-reading skills

•Excellent improvisation skills

•Ability to lead performance or rehearsal “from the bench” as needed

•Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with parish staff, congregation, and clergy; position reports directly to Music Director

•*Availability on weekends, holidays, Holy Days, and other liturgies as outlined above. Desirable candidates whose availability does not permit full coverage may still be considered. That is, a candidate who is regularly unable to play one or two calls (for example, the Saturday or one of the Sunday calls) is still encouraged to apply. However, candidates must be available for the Wednesday and Sunday 10 am calls to be considered for this position.

Posted 05/2025 Subject to Change

Additional Desired Qualifications:

•Master of Music or equivalent professional performing experience

•Choral rehearsal and/or vocal coaching skills

•Composition or arranging experience (choir, small instrumental ensembles, etc.)

•Facility with music notation software (Dorico, Finale, etc.)

•Experience hiring and coordinating supplemental instrumentalists, substitutes etc.

•American Guild of Organists active member

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a résumé, three professional references (name, position, relationship, phone, and email), and availability (see above*) to . Supplemental materials are encouraged (e.g. video [performance, vocal coaching, choral rehearsal, conducting etc.], audio, compositions/arrangements etc.) but not required. Please, no cover letters or phone calls.

Applications will be reviewed as received. Qualified candidates will be invited for interviews and paid auditions. The position will remain open until filled. Hiring is subject to the decision of the Rector and in compliance with the hiring regulations of the Archdiocese of Washington and the State of Maryland.