Assistant Chapel Organist

Be You.

As a member of the Duke University Chapel Music staff, the Assistant Chapel Organist participates in the musical leadership of Duke Chapel worship services, sacred concerts, and other events at Duke Chapel. This half-time, salaried position reports to the Chapel Organist, and shares playing responsibilities with the full-time Chapel Organist and the Chapel Organ Scholar (a 10-month intern).

Be Bold.

Worship leadership – Provide musical leadership in half of the approximately 85 worship services held by Duke Chapel each calendar year. This total includes:

• collaborative leadership of Sunday morning services during fall and spring academic terms, in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Chapel Organist and Organ Scholar;

• collaborative leadership of festival and university services (such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Baccalaureates), in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Chapel Organist;

• primary leadership of at least 5 “recess” Sundays (December; spring break; summer), in which the Assistant Chapel Organist serves as the sole organist for the service;

• occasional support of bi-weekly Choral Evensong services during the academic year, in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Organ Scholar.

The schedule of services will be determined in coordination with Director of Chapel Music and the Chapel Organist. The Assistant Chapel Organist does not serve as the regular accompanist for Duke Chapel’s choirs.

Concert performances– Contribute to and perform in up to 5 of the 15–20 concerts and recitals presented by Duke Chapel Music each academic year, and their attendant rehearsals.

Organ demonstrations – Manage the schedule of organ demonstrations during fall and spring academic terms. Organ demonstrations are performed by the Chapel’s organists and an established roster of guest organists. 

Meetings – Attend bi-monthly meetings of the Chapel Music staff. Regularly meet with the Chapel Organist and other members of the Chapel Music staff and Ministry staff as appropriate.

Other Duties – Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

This is a PART-TIME position

Required Qualifications at this Level:

Education/Training: Master’s degree in sacred music or organ performance preferred, bachelor’s degree in sacred music or organ performance required. Required demonstrable proficiencies include: hymn playing; leading congregational song from the keyboard; ability to perform organ repertoire appropriate for liturgical contexts; improvisation; transposition; solo and ensemble accompanying. Knowledge of varied bodies of repertoire (hymnody, organ repertoire) is also required.

Experience: A significant, documentable work history (minimum 5 years) in positions relevant/related to the field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.