ORGANIST / ACCOMPANIST
The Organist/Accompanist at Custer Road United Methodist Church shall be a person of genuine and deepening Christian character, willing to grow as a loyal participant of a ministry team, able to work and communicate well and cultivate trust with other people in a growing congregation.
ABOUT CUSTER ROAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Custer Road United Methodist Church, in Plano, Texas, is a vibrant congregation of approximately 3,700 members, committed to meaningful worship, musical excellence, and faithful discipleship. Music is central to our worship life, enriching the congregation's experience and leading people into a deeper encounter with God. Our robust Music Ministry includes a 100+ voice adult choir, a 65+ voice youth choir, orchestra for special services, handbell choirs, brass, strings, woodwinds, and other vocal and instrumental ensembles. We are seeking a gifted Organist/Accompanist who is passionate about sacred music, collaborative ministry, and serving the church through musical excellence.
OUR ORGAN AND MUSICAL HERITAGE: Custer Road UMC is privileged to be home to the Schantz Pipe Organ (Opus 2264). The instrument consists of 92 ranks and may be played from either the four-manual Chancel Organ Console or the two-manual Gallery Antiphonal Organ Console. This remarkable instrument continues to shape a worship experience that inspires, uplifts, and glorifies God while serving as the cornerstone of the church's rich musical tradition. As we mark the 20th anniversary of its installation in 2026, the Schantz Pipe Organ remains the musical heart of worship at Custer Road UMC and stands as one of the premier church instruments in North Texas. The Organist/Accompanist is encouraged not only to lead worship but also to contribute artistically by presenting and coordinating organ recitals, sacred concerts, and other musical events that showcase the instrument and enrich the congregation and wider community.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Organist/Accompanist is to be a vital member of the Music and Worship Ministry, providing exceptional organ and piano leadership for worship services, rehearsals, concerts, and special events. This individual shall be an accomplished musician who works collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and choirs while demonstrating integrity, humility, professionalism, and a servant's heart. This individual will embrace the mission of Custer Road UMC and help create worship experiences that inspire, encourage, and glorify God.
HOURS: The Organist/Accompanist is a full-time exempt position and is governed by Custer Road UMC’s Employee Handbook. The expected time commitment includes Sundays and will include some evenings, weekends holidays and Sunday mornings. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
STAFF SUPERVISION: Reports to Associate Minister – Music & Worship
RESPONSIBILITIES: In conformity with Custer Road UMC’s policies and procedures as well as those contained in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the position responsibilities will include those generally described below, but may not be limited to the following:
¨ Prepare and provide organ and piano music for weekly worship services and seasonal celebrations in collaboration with the Associate Minister - Music & Worship.
¨ Serve as the collaborative pianist for special soloists and ensembles at worship services, concerts, and other church functions, including coordinating necessary rehearsal times when needed.
¨ Provide musical leadership for special services, including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Christmas Eve, and other services as scheduled.
¨ Collaborate with clergy and music staff to select music that complements the liturgy and worship themes.
¨ Accompany the adult Chancel Choir and Revelation Youth Choir during rehearsals, worship services, concerts, and tours.
¨ Present and coordinate organ recitals, sacred concerts, and other musical offerings that highlight the church's organ and music ministry.
¨ Perform organ and piano music for weddings and funerals in accordance with church policies and compensation guidelines.
¨ Arrange qualified substitute musicians during approved absences.
¨ Serve as steward of the Schantz Pipe Organ by coordinating tuning, maintenance, and repairs with the church's organ technician and Board of Trustees.
¨ Attend weekly staff chapel, staff meetings, worship planning meetings, and other ministry meetings as requested.
¨ Participate as an active and collaborative member of the church staff, contributing positively to the overall ministry of the church.
¨ Participate in additional musical opportunities and support other worship-related musical needs as appropriate, based on the individual’s skills, experience, and areas of strength.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
¨ Bachelor's or master’s degree in Organ Performance, Sacred Music, Church Music, Piano, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
¨ Demonstrated excellence in organ and piano performance.
¨ Strong sight-reading and accompanying skills.
¨ Experience leading music in traditional Christian worship.
¨ Knowledge of hymns, choral repertoire, service music, and organ literature.
¨ Ability to perform confidently in a variety of musical styles while honoring the church's worship traditions.
¨ Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
¨ A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and musicians of all ages.
¨ Professionalism, reliability, discretion, and sound judgment.
¨ A lifestyle characterized by integrity and humility and aligned with the mission and values of the church.
¨ Grace and maturity in navigating relationships and conflict.
¨ Must be a person of deep Christian faith and integrity.
¨ Required to be onsite Sunday morning and attend weekly staff and team meetings.
¨ Must submit to and clear a background check and complete Ministry Safe training.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
¨ Experience accompanying large volunteer choirs.
¨ Experience working with youth choirs.
¨ Familiarity with United Methodist worship traditions and liturgy.
¨ Knowledge of organ maintenance and registration.
TOP REASONS TO WORK WITH US:
¨ Custer Road UMC believes music is one of God's greatest gifts for inspiring faith and building community and offers an opportunity to serve alongside an outstanding ministry team, work with exceptional musicians, and help lead worship in a thriving congregation while playing one of the premier Schantz pipe organs in the region.
¨ Custer Road UMC enjoys collaborative teams that embrace people from other cultures.
¨ Custer Road UMC offers ministry and professional growth.
¨ Custer Road UMC offers a great workplace and ministry environment.
Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, a performance sample demonstrating their organ proficiency, and a performance sample demonstrating their piano performance and/or accompaniment skills to John Graf, jgraf@crumc.org. The application process closes October 26, 2026.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- accompaniment: 5 years (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Plano, TX 75023: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
