Position Summary

The Collaborative Pianist / Accompanist will provide accompaniment for worship services at UUSMC, a welcoming and inclusive Unitarian Universalist congregation. This role supports the musical and spiritual life of the church by partnering with the minister and guest musicians to create a meaningful, engaging, and diverse musical experiences. There is a potential for the position to expand to include rehearsals with a choir.

Reports to: Board and Minister
Location: Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek (UUSMC)579 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE 19711Status of Position: 42-52 Sundays (events) per year plus Christmas Eve
Compensation: $150 per event

Compensation will increase as responsibilities increase.

Primary Responsibilities

Accompany congregational singing, including hymns from the Unitarian Universalist hymnals and other sources, during Sunday services and for the Christmas Eve service

• Perform a wide range of music genres, including classical, contemporary, folk, world, spirituals, and social justice-themed pieces

• Collaborate with the minister to prepare music that aligns with worship themes and congregational values

• Provide solo pieces for services, as needed

• Coordinate with guest musicians

• Attend brief soundchecks or rehearsals before services

Qualifications

• Mastery of the piano as a soloist and excellent skills as an accompanist

• Strong sight-reading and ensemble skills

• Ability to adapt playing style to diverse musical genres (jazz, pop, classical, gospel, hymnody)

• Willingness to embrace and support Unitarian Universalist values of inclusion, justice, and spiritual diversity

• Reliable and punctual, with effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Experience in a church or similar setting is preferred but not required

Time Commitment

• 42-52 Sunday services (events) per year, plus Christmas Eve service

• Occasional extra services may be offered and compensated separately

How to Apply

Please send a brief cover letter, a résumé and (if available) audio/video samples to:

Mary Ellen Trusheim, Music Committee Chair

Email: Music@UUSMC.org

Application Deadline: Open until filled