Church Accompanist

Description

Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, Missouri, invites talented and dedicated musicians to apply for the role of Church Accompanist. This part-time position plays a vital and cherished role in the parish's liturgical life, supporting the Music Ministry in leading the faithful in prayerful, reverent worship through music.

Requirements

  The Church Accompanist will be expected to fulfill the following duties on a regular and as-needed basis:

• Accompany the cantor, choir, and/or congregation on piano or organ for one weekend Mass per week, providing confident and liturgically appropriate musical support throughout the celebration.
• Prepare and rehearse all assigned liturgical music thoroughly in advance of each Mass, including hymns, Mass settings, and the responsorial psalm.
• Arrive prior to the start of Mass to allow adequate time for warm-up, instrument preparation, and any final coordination with the Music Director or Cantor.
• Support special Masses and liturgical events — including but not limited to Christmas, Easter, and holy days of obligation— on a mutually agreed-upon, as-needed basis.
• Maintain a professional,  collaborative, and service-oriented attitude in all interactions with parish staff, volunteers, and parishioners.

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications. We encourage all interested musicians to apply, even if not every qualification is fully met.

Required

• Proficiency in piano and/or pipe organ, with the ability to accompany liturgical music at a skilled level.
• Ability to sight-read choral and hymn music reliably and competently.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and commitment to consistent attendance and preparation.
• Ability to sing and play together for rehearsal and liturgy is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with music staff, volunteer choir members, and cantors.
• Ability to uphold and respect the values of the Catholic church and Good Shepherd Parish. 

Preferred

• Prior experience accompanying liturgical or choral music in a Catholic setting
• Familiarity with the structure of the Catholic Mass and with liturgical music repertoire, including common hymnals (e.g., Ritual Song 2nd Edition), Mass settings, and responsorial psalm resources.
• Knowledge of the liturgical calendar and how music selections align with the seasons and solemnities of the Church year.

Schedule

This is a part-time, ministry-based position. The anticipated schedule is as follows:

Weekend Mass 

One Mass per weekend (primarily supporting the 5 pm Saturday and 7:30 Sunday Masses, multiple mass weekends may occur based on mutual availability of the accompanist and director of music).

Rehearsals

Rehearsals with the cantors and other instruments prior to each service.

Holy Days & Special Liturgies

Christmas, Easter, Holy Days, and other special celebrations by mutual agreement.

Funerals & Weddings

On an as-needed, mutually agreed-upon basis (additional compensation provided).