Organ Scholar

Updated November 2, 2023

The primary mission of this position is exposure to and education in the musical traditions of the Episcopal Church, providing a well-rounded experience for those seeking careers in church music. The Organ Scholarship is a term-limited, two-year position starting in July and ending 24 months later. Reporting to and mentored by the Organist and Associate Director of Music, the Organ Scholar will assist in in the regular playing of Cathedral services as part of the daily round of prayer.

While the Organ Scholar’s focus is developing organ skills, as full members of the music department they will have other musical and administrative responsibilities, including support of the Chorister Program and worship publications. In addition to the annual schedule of services, the Organ Scholar may be required to play in concerts, recordings and attend tours as part of their employment. The Organ Scholar should also be prepared to act as an ambassador of the Cathedral, both within the diocese and across the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

Musical Responsibilities

  • Play Cathedral services as designated by the Organist and Associate Director of Music.
  • Play diocesan services and an allocation of pastoral offices (Event Pay).
  • Play one solo recital and two shared holiday recitals at the Cathedral as part of the annual series.
  • Provide musical and child supervisory support to Associate Director of Chorister Program/Head of Vocal Studies with the chorister education program.
  • Participate in concerts, recordings, and tours for the Cathedral Choirs as directed by the Canon for Music.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Attend meetings as specified by the Organist and Associate Director of Music.
  • Attend meetings and assist in the planning of Pastoral Offices.
  • Assist the maintenance of Cathedral instruments.
  • Assist the organ recital series and weekday lunchtime music offering.
  • Oversee the visiting choir program.
  • Assist the Worship Department with service leaflet proofing and production with a primary focus. on those services with a significant musical component.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Music.
  • One or more years’ experience in a church music program.
  • Be willing to undergo Child Safety Protection training as specified by Washington National Cathedral and Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation (“PECF”).
  • The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation (“PECF”) requires all Washington National Cathedral employees and contractors who are regularly working at the Cathedral, absent an exemption for a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief, to either (a) have received an original course of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. the original Pfizer/Moderna/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines) and at least one COVID-19 booster vaccine; or (b) be up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine as defined by the CDC by having received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Employees and covered contractors are also strongly encouraged to obtain all additional COVID booster shots for which they are eligible under then current CDC eligibility guidelines for COVID-19 boosters.
knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills. Team focus; hospitable and professional manner when dealing with choristers, staff, parents, volunteers, and others.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and SharePoint.
  • Experience with music notation software (Sibelius/Finale)
  • Active and well-rounded personal presence in social media, with a command of each network and their best practices.
  • Excellent attention to detail especially in the areas of scheduling and event planning.
  • Ability to organize workload and set priorities according to department deadlines and supervisory input.
  • Good writing and editing skills; ability to write and format professional correspondence, memos, and meeting minutes.
  • Ability to function with tact and diplomacy while under pressure.
Working Conditions
  • The position will require periodic travel and working hours outside the normal schedule including evening engagements and occasional weekend obligations beyond the usual Sunday services.
  • The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending and stooping in the performance of daily activities.
  • The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination.
  • The position also requires near and far vision for reading and preparing written reports and other required documents.
  • Acute hearing is also required when providing phone assistance.
  • The need to lift, drag, push and pull files, reports and other materials weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.

Washington National Cathedral seeks individuals who are committed to our mission. We appreciate interest from those who will contribute to an atmosphere in which diversity is valued and supported.

Apply Now

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].