Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, NY
Director of Music
Start Date: September 2026
Status: Full time, exempt
Application Review: Rolling
About us
Christ Episcopal Church, nestled in the historic village of Pittsford, is a thriving worshipping community rooted in Anglican tradition and a deep care for hospitality. The parish values both its well thought out liturgy and rich musical heritage, which together provide a sacred experience of worship. With an average Sunday attendance of 150, Christ Church has a 25 person choir, of which 8 are choral scholars (most of whom are Eastman School of Music students). The nave and sanctuary utilize a 1991 Mander 2 manual 30 rank mechanical action organ and a 1937 Steinway model M grand piano, both of which provide support to the robust choral and congregational singing. The Director of Music also has a 3 manual Hauptwerk digital organ in their office for additional practice opportunities.
Our next Director
Christ Church seeks a Director of Music with a strong foundation in church music and a passion for pastorally caring for the parish and its choir through leadership of this program. Our Director is an essential member of the leadership team which sustains and grows the parish's programs and envisions its future. The Director is key in creating a community culture which sustains a strong and deep love of sacred music as central to worshiping at Christ Episcopal Church. The Director of Music should engage the broader Rochester community and Diocese, seeking opportunities to collaborate with the prolific music community of the area.
About the Position
The Director of Music position is a full-time exempt position which provides health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as access to the Church Pension plan. The salary range is $61,500 - $67,500, negotiable range commensurate with experience. The Director of Music is responsible for planning the music to accompany liturgy, working closely with the rector to plan special liturgies, curating the music library, and rehearsing with the choir weekly during the program year. At times, the director will be invited to offer forum classes to the parish on subjects relative to church music. The Director of Music manages the choral scholar program, which currently includes supervising eight voice scholars, approving their payroll, managing schedules, and procuring substitutes when needed.
Serving also as organist, the Director of Music is responsible for playing at Sunday morning eucharist and additionally Sunday afternoon Choral Evensong or Evening prayer as scheduled, major feast days and special observances, and is given place of preference on all weddings and funerals with additional bench fees.
Qualifications
We seek a candidate who has strong proficiency in both organ and piano performance, experience conducting and rehearsing choirs with broad ranges of musical background with pastoral sensitivity, and a collaborative spirit as a part of the core parish staff. It is helpful to have a knowledge of Episcopal/Anglican liturgy and sacred music, or a willingness to learn.
How to apply
The application deadline is May 1st, 2026. Ideal candidates will be initially interviewed by a committee via Zoom. Finalists will be invited to Pittsford to play for the committee, rehearse with choir members, and meet with the clergy and staff.
Please send your CV and links to videos or recordings of hymn playing, repertoire, and conducting to:
The Reverend Kevin Gore
Rector
