Church Musician

Church music helps the congregation know when to stand up, sit down, enter the church, and exit. It often supports the readings and sermons, too. Some church members sing along with the music, while others allow it to inspire deep contemplation and prayer. Church Musicians create the music that makes all of this possible.

A Church Musician may play an instrument, such as an organ or a piano, or sing in a choir. As a Church Musician, you may also sing solo pieces. Churches are often incredibly resonant places where small musical mistakes are amplified and echoed. No matter how you make music, you work hard to make sure each note is pure and bright so the congregation isn’t tempted to turn around and hiss at you.

You spend several hours each week practicing the music you’ll play. Some of this music will be familiar to you, but sometimes, you’ll be given new and challenging music to learn and master.

You may perform for only one service per week, or you may be asked to appear four or even five times per week. Things get even busier around the holidays, when extra religious celebrations take place. During these seasons, you may be required to play several times a day, with each service featuring different sorts of music.

Aside from regular church service, you may be asked to perform at funerals (while trying not to cry as you perform) and weddings (playing beautiful music as the lovely bride walks down the aisle).