Cantor - Musician

Job Description

St. Malachy Catholic Church, in Tamarac, Florida, has an opening for immediate hire of a Part-time Cantor/ Musician. S/he plays a musical instrument at the weekend Masses and other holy days and special liturgies and services and in so doing, helps to increase regular attendance. This person shares the Catholic faith and can deepen liturgical understanding through music and sung prayer. The Part-time Cantor/Musician performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Schedule: 3 masses per week (one Saturday night and two Sunday); 6 masses bi-weekly, plus additional masses during Holy Days and other celebrations.

Responsibilities include:
• Perform at all Vigil and Sunday liturgies as cantor/musician and accompanist (on organ and/or piano) as well as singing in the respective choir.
• Perform as cantor/soloist and/or accompanist at other special celebrations and events, such as funerals and weddings, solemn vespers, confirmations and other one-time celebrations.
• Attend planning meetings and rehearsals as required by and under direction of music minister to assist in music selection and planning for upcoming liturgies and specials masses, holidays, etc.
• Practice musical performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians and choir, to master individual pieces of music and to maintain and improve skills. Work with vocal coaches as necessary to develop voice and skills.
• Learn musical parts by sight-reading or by ear.
• Play from memory or by following scores.
• Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and engage congregation.
• Follow prompts and instructions of choral leaders.
• Attend to the musical and spiritual growth of parish music volunteers.
• Provide appropriate training to volunteers.
• Attend parish meetings which concern the music ministry.
• Present a professional demeanor in mannerisms and attire.
• Supports parish life by attendance at parish functions.
• Maintains voice/vocal cords in optimal condition for performance.
• Responsible for continuous learning and development of knowledge and skill base in the areas of liturgy, music, pastoral ministry, and organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Thorough understanding of applied music, music theory and the history of music, most often achieved through an undergraduate degree in music.
• Previous employment or volunteer service as church cantor and/or musician.
• Has performance proficiency in a keyboard instrument used in liturgical celebration and voice/choral performance experience.
• Knowledge of keyboard technique, liturgical service-playing techniques, group vocal techniques and choral conducting.
• Some understanding of acoustics, especially pertaining to the parish worship space.
• Basic knowledge of theory and harmony.
• Awareness of the vast repertoire of music available today, both contemporary and treasured, sacred pieces.
• Sensitivity to the ethnic composition of the parish and its musical needs.
• The ability to interact with parishioners, parish staff and other musicians.
• The ability to empower people to sing.
• The ability to engage the parish in the musical celebration of faith at worship.
• The ability to handle difficult people and stressful situations in a calm, respectful manner.
• Ability to be exposed to extended periods of loud sounds at varying decibel and pitch ranges.
• Additionally, walking, bending, lifting or performing other work requiring low physical exertion can be expected.
• Must be able to exercise voice over musical ranges for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to stand, if necessary, for extended periods of time while directing or training.
• Good oral and written English-language communication skills, including a clear voice.
• Good Spanish-language spoken communication skills strongly preferred.
• Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing with considerable knowledge and familiarity of the Roman Catholic liturgy.

To apply: send cover letter with resume to Father Alfredo Rolon at rolonalfredo@hotmail.com and careers@theadom.org.

About the Employer

The Archdiocese of Miami is a particular church of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States of America. Its ecclesiastic territory includes Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties in the U.S. state of Florida. The archdiocese is the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Miami, which covers Florida. The archbishop is Thomas Wenski. As archbishop, he also serves as pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the mother church of the archdiocese. Also serving are 428 priests, 160 permanent deacons, 50 religious brothers and 300 religious sisters who are members of various religious institutes. These priests, deacons and persons religious serve a Catholic population in South Florida of 1,300,000 in 118 parishes and missions.