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United Methodist Church of Palm Springs

Music Director – Position Profile

About UMCPS

The United Methodist Church of Palm Springs (UMCPS) is a vibrant, inclusive, and justice-centered congregation. As a Reconciling Ministries church, we joyfully affirm the sacred worth of all people, including our LGBTQIA+ community, and strive to embody radical hospitality, compassion, and hope in all aspects of ministry. UMCPS values both the depth of traditional hymody plus the vibrancy of modern music, Gospel, Jazz, Contemporary, including instrumental and other forms of music celebration.

We are a diverse congregation, with both year-round and seasonal, retired, soon-to-be-retired, and now, often younger members, united in a desire for meaningful worship, transformative spiritual growth, and community outreach. Music plays a central role in our shared life of faith. UMCPS values both the depth of traditional hymnody and the vibrancy of contemporary/modern music, and the congregation is ready to expand our musical bandwidth in a “both/and” spirit of unity.

Position Summary
The Music Director is a spiritual, artistic, and collaborative leader who guides the church’s music ministry with creativity, excellence, and inclusivity. This person will develop and direct a blended worship music program that honors classical traditions while embracing, and is open to bringing “Outside the Box”, creative ideas to our worship experience that reflect the heart, diversity, and future of UMCPS.

This role leads choral, instrumental, and contemporary ensembles; cultivates congregational participation; and nurtures musicians in a supportive, grace-filled environment. The Music Director collaborates closely with clergy and worship leaders to create music that enhances the spiritual and liturgical life of the church.

Our Vision for Music at UMCPS

A Blended Worship Identity
● A meaningful mix of traditional hymns and modern praise and worship music, like jazz, global music, and gospel.
● Emphasis on both/and, not either/or, a “win-win” musical culture that unites generations.

Reenergizing Traditional Music
● Excitement toward the planned 2025 Allen Organ upgrade.
● Strong energy for hymnody and choral leadership.

Expanding Contemporary Music
● Commitment to incorporate more contemporary, upbeat, engaging music.
● Development of a praise band or contemporary ensemble.

Technology for Engagement
● Projection of lyrics on screens to support participation.
● Flexibility for multiple worship styles.

Inclusivity & Community Connection
● Incorporation of diverse cultural musical expressions like traditional hymody, vibrant modern music, Gospel, Jazz, Contemporary, including instrumental and other forms of music celebration.
● Programming that resonates with younger and older congregants and new guests.

This position is central to shaping a new season of blended and dynamic music at UMCPS.

Key Responsibilities

I. Vision & Leadership
● Develop a clear, forward-thinking vision for a blended music ministry that integrates traditional, gospel, global, and contemporary Christian styles.
● Inspire and lead volunteer and professional musicians with grace, enthusiasm, and pastoral sensitivity.
● Collaborate weekly with clergy and worship staff on worship planning, liturgy, and service flow.
● Support UMCPS’s mission of inclusivity, justice, and radical hospitality through music.

II. Worship Planning & Program Oversight
● Direct and rehearse the church choir, praise team, musical ensembles, and handbell choir.
● Coordinate and provide music for Sunday services, holy days, funerals, weddings, and special events on the church campus and out in the community.
● Recruit, mentor, and support musicians of all skill levels.
● Build and maintain a consistent schedule for choir, praise band, and handbell ensembles.
● Integrate technology, including screens, livestream awareness, and multimedia, into musical planning.
● Manage the music library, licensing, and music ministry budget.
● Partner with audiovisual and communications staff to ensure seamless worship flow.

III. Musicianship
● Demonstrate strong musical proficiency across a broad range of styles.
● The ability to play the organ and piano is strongly valued (especially with the 2025 Allen Organ acquisition).
● Conduct, accompany, arrange, or compose music as needed.
● Foster high-quality rehearsals that are welcoming, encouraging, and spiritually grounded.
● Ensure thoughtful alignment of each week’s music with the theme or message of worship.

IV. Congregational & Community Engagement
● Encourage congregational singing and active participation.
● Develop an inclusive, nurturing environment where musicians feel valued and inspired.
● Support the spiritual development of musicians.
● Build connections with local musicians, schools, and arts organizations. “Think outside the Box”
● Explore opportunities for concerts, community music events, and partnerships.

Voices From the Congregation
● Values blending traditional hymns and modern praise music, not choosing between them.
● Welcomes and celebrates diverse musical cultures.
● Supports choir growth and offers more frequent choir participation.

Builds and leads a praise team with joy and authenticity
● Nurtures a music ministry that resonates with younger people.
● Upholds the church’s desire for high-quality, well-rehearsed music.
● Embraces technology, including screens and multimedia.
● Is comfortable delegating or collaborating with additional part-time music leaders (choir, praise band, organist) as the ministry grows.
● Is committed to creating a unified worship community, even as worship styles diversify.
● Gifts and Graces Required
● Deep love for music as a spiritual expression.
● Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
● Creativity, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit.
● A pastoral heart that honors the emotional and spiritual needs of the congregation.
● Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and justice in all areas of music ministry.
● Openness to experimentation.
● Ability to navigate both traditional liturgy and modern worship culture.
● An understanding and appreciation of Christian faith.
● Be a self-starter and builder with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Preferred Qualifications
● Demonstrated success in church music leadership.
● Experience directing choirs and/or praise bands.
● Familiarity with sacred music, contemporary worship music, and global Christian music.
● Ability to integrate technology, projection, and media.
● Skills in arrangement, composition, or improvisation are a plus.
● Organ or piano proficiency preferred.

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Compensation:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
○ Range: $35-$38 hourly rate (negotiable).
○ Additional benefits may include professional development support and paid time off for major holidays.

CLICK HERE TO READ JOB DESCRIPTION

How To Apply:

Submit resume and cover letter to recruiting@umcps.org