Coordinator of Liturgical Music

Job Description

PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE (Vatican City State) - The Pontifical North American College, an American Roman Catholic Seminary located in Rome, Italy, is seeking a Full-Time Interim Coordinator of Liturgical Music and Choir Director with the possibility of an annual renewal commencing in August 2024.

In addition to directing the Seminary Choir, the Coordinator of Liturgical Music and Choir Director will also be responsible for the training and administration of Gregorian chant scholas, the cantoring program, the house organist schedule, planning and preparation for Sunday and weekday celebrations of Mass and the Hours, liturgical music instruction of the seminary community (including the possibility of classroom instruction), individual training in the presidential chants of the Liturgy, and design and production of liturgical programs. The Coordinator of Liturgical Music and Choir Director will also be expected to serve as organist for some liturgies, with organist responsibilities being shared with seminarian organists, and ensure the maintenance of the three pipe organs of the College, including the 1868 Cavaille-Coll organ at the Casa Santa Maria.

In his planning of the music for the liturgy, the Coordinator of Liturgical Music and Choir Director will respect the liturgical tradition of the North American College and work under the direction of the Coordinator of Liturgical Formation. Qualifications will include at least a Master's Degree in organ and/or church music, excellent conducting skills and experience, mastery of the organ, extensive knowledge of Gregorian chant and the sacred choral repertoire, a familiarity with English plainsong resources, an understanding of and familiarity with the liturgical tradition and documents of the Roman Catholic Church, effective pedagogical and communication skills, and a familiarity with Microsoft Publisher, Finale, Sibelius, and Gregorio software.

The College on the Janiculum Hill is home to two organs: a 63-rank, 3-manual Mascioni organ in the main chapel, and a 6-rank, 1-manual Wech organ in the crypt chapel.

Besides a base salary and a health insurance contribution, furnished housing with kitchen and laundry facilities will also be provided in an apartment at the College, located in central Rome close to St. Peter's Basilica.

For the academic year 2024-2025:
• The appointment begins on August 13, 2024;
• Christmas Vacation is from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025;
• Easter Vacation is from April 20 to 27, 2025;
• The appointment concludes on June 11, 2025.

Please send cover letter, resume, at least three references, and two recordings - one organ piece in Mp3 format and one video from a choral rehearsal or performance - to Fr. Kurt Belsole, O.S.B., Coordinator of Liturgical Formation, at kbelsole@pnac.org.

About the Employer

The Pontifical North American College is a Roman Catholic educational institution in Rome, Italy, that prepares seminarians to become priests in the United States and elsewhere. The NAC also provides a residence for priests who are pursuing graduate work at other pontifical universities in Rome.