To submit a listing, contact our Referral Service Director, Betty Girardeau
Inclusion of information in Positions Available web listings does not imply endorsement by the AGO, its committees, or local chapters. The American Guild of Organists cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the material provided for these listings.
Salaries listed in Positions Available do not necessarily represent current compensation expectations of either the national organization or the Richmond AGO chapter. Job seekers are encouraged to research the working conditions and employment history of musicians in a particular situation as part of their preparation for applying for a position.
Listings in this column appear for a maximum of 90 days and then are removed unless an extension is requested. When a listing is removed, therefore, it does not necessarily mean that the position has been filled.
River Road Church
8000 River Road
Richmond, VA 23229
Seeking a part-time Principal Organist for one Sunday morning worship service and one weekly Wednesday evening choir rehearsal. Responsibilities include performing organ voluntaries and solo repertoire at a professional level, service playing including hymn leadership and choral accompanying, and playing for seasonal services and concert events. River Road Church is a welcoming and affirming congregation with a highly regarded and historic music program, a strong Chancel Choir, a dedication to reverent liturgy and worship, a vibrant concert series, and a sanctuary known for its excellent acoustics. Primary instrument is a four-manual M.P. Möller pipe organ, Opus 10590, extensively restored and expanded in 2017, with movable console; the church also houses five grand pianos and a second Möller organ in the chapel. Annual salary is $35,000, commensurate with experience and ability, with four weeks paid vacation. Weddings and funerals as available, with right of first refusal and additional compensation in accordance with church policy. Applicants should have a commitment to collaborative sacred music ministry and a degree in organ performance, sacred music, or equivalent professional experience; advanced degrees and AGO certification are welcomed. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, résumé with references, and links to representative video samples of both solo and service playing to Dr. Richard W. Robbins, Minister of Music, at organistsearch@rrcb.org. A complete job description may be found at rrcb.org/organist-search.
Third Church
600 Forest Avenue
Richmond, VA, 23229
Seeking part-time organist for three (3) Sunday weekly services and weekly choral choir rehearsals. Special services: Ash Wednesday, Easter Sunday, Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve. Casavant Freres 2 manual organ. This position does not require conducting, but if conducting is one of the candidate’s passions, this position is open to sharing those responsibilities. The organist works in collaboration with two full-time staff worship leaders. The successful candidate should be comfortable with ancient and modern expressions of worship and musical styles. The ability to read chord charts or a willingness to experiment is helpful. Compensation: $26,000, includes sick leave, retirement/pension, books and music allowance, dues to professional associations, and continuing education to be used at the employee’s discretion. Two weeks paid vacation. Contact either Brooke Wright, brookew@thirdrva.org, or Kim Taulbee via email at kimt@thirdva.org or by phone days at the same phone number.
Meadows Presbyterian Church
2200 Angus Road
Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Seeking part-time organist/choir director for one Sunday morning service and one adult choir rehearsal per week. Optional handbell choir, especially during the holidays. Special services during Advent, Christmas Eve, Easter, etc. Organist/choir director is granted first right of refusal to provide music for any church weddings or funerals. Must be willing to participate in regular staff meeting and consult with the Worship Committee on a regular basis. Extensive music library. Allen Renaissance Quantum three-manual organ.Annual salary range between $16,900 and $19,500 with four weeks paid vacation, book and music allowance. Dues to professional associations is negotiable. Interested candidates should have college-level study of music or other equivalent experience, and experience conducting choirs in a church setting. Contact Lisa Pinchback,
staff@meadowspc.org, or Susan Coiner-Pollard, 939-296-2791.
Bon Air Baptist Church
2531 Buford Road
Richmond VA, 23235.
Seeking part-time organist for 1 Sunday morning church service, and two per month (though they can attend all) Wednesday evening choir rehearsals. Special services include Christmas Concert, Maundy Thursday, and a Spring Concert held every other year. No directing opportunities.Rodgers 4 manual hybrid pipe/digital, with the pipe work by Stinkens Pipe Organ Company in Holland. Compensation totals $30,000 per year but the pay structure is hourly, broken down to comprise the total per year, with the organist submitting 12 hours per week. Two weeks paid vacation with other benefits including sick leave, retirement pension options, maternity leave, book and music allowance, continuing education, and dues to professional associations included. Interested candidates should contact the Rev. Stuart Condra by phone at 804-272-1475, or by email at stuart.condra@bonairbaptist.org.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
12201 Richmond Street
Chester, VA, 23831
Seeking a tenor section leader. Weekly calls are on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings with occasional extra calls throughout the year (Christmas Eve, Holy Week, etc) Compensation is $600 per month and the individual is paid as an independent contractor. Contact Aubrey Lindsey at 804-748-2182 or alindsey@stjohnschester.com
St. James Armenian Orthodox Church
834 Pepper Avenue
Richmond, VA, 23226
Seeking part-time Music Ministry Director (organist, choir director) for Sunday service and special Holy Days( Christmas, 5 days of Holy Week, Lenten and special feast days according to the Armenian Church liturgical calendar. Choir rehearsal once per week on an agreed upon date to be determined The Music Ministry Director will be working closely with the parish priest to review the weekly music and liturgical schedule. Rogers Model 610 two manual organ. The Armenian Orthodox Church liturgy is almost completely sung, mostly using the same music week to week. The diocese provides almost all the music. Knowledge of the Armenian language would be helpful but not required. Compensation is between $24,000 to $31,000 per year depending on experience, education, responsibilities and with four weeks paid vacation, memberships in professional organizations (AGO) and professional development. One to three years of related experience in choral liturgical music and interest in learning orthodox sacred music is required. Interested candidates should contact the St. James parish office by phone at 804-282-3818 or via email at info@stjamesva.org to request an application or to ask questions.