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Church Musician Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Church Musician information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.4K

$53.8K

$71.3K

How much do church musician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for church musician in Reston, VA is $53,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Church Musician vs Choir Director?

AspectChurch MusicianChoir Director
CredentialsMusic degree or equivalent experienceMusic degree, conducting certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPerforms with instrumentalists and singers during servicesLeads and rehearses choir members, directs choral performances
Employer & Industry UsageReligious organizations, churchesReligious organizations, churches, choir groups

While both roles involve musical responsibilities within a church setting, a Church Musician primarily performs and supports worship music, often playing instruments or singing. A Choir Director focuses on leading and rehearsing the choir, directing choral performances. Both roles require musical skills and familiarity with church services, but their specific duties and focus differ.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a church musician?

To thrive as a Church Musician, you need strong musical proficiency, knowledge of sacred and liturgical music, and often formal training in music or a related field. Familiarity with instruments such as piano, organ, or guitar, as well as experience with music notation software and sound systems, is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and collaboration skills help foster positive relationships with clergy, choir members, and congregants. These abilities ensure meaningful worship experiences and support the spiritual life of the church community.

What is a church musician?

Churches often hire musicians to lead and develop musical programs such as a children's choir, theatrical musicals, or hymn selection for worship service. Sometimes Church Musicians are parishioners who volunteer their time and talent to enhance the service. Church Musician responsibilities include leading the music section of a worship service, playing an instrument like the organ or piano to accompany hymns, or singing in a choir. Each parish and church denomination has their own style and needs for Church Musician positions.

What are some common challenges faced by church musicians in coordinating with worship teams and church leadership?

Church musicians often collaborate closely with worship leaders, pastors, and other musicians to plan and execute services. One common challenge is balancing diverse musical preferences within the congregation while maintaining the church's overall vision for worship. Musicians must also adapt to varying skill levels among team members and work within limited rehearsal time. Strong communication and flexibility are essential for ensuring that music complements the service and supports a cohesive worship experience.
What are popular job titles related to Church Musician jobs in Reston, VA? For Church Musician jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Church Musician jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Church Musician jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Church Musician jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Church Musician job openings:
Infographic showing various Church Musician job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,844 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Church Organist

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Garrett Park, MD โ€ข On-site

$20K - $32K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Garrett Park, MD is searching for a talented, dynamic, and accomplished professional for the position of organist.

Working under the supervision of the Director of Music and Pastor, the organist accompanist provides liturgical music at Holy Cross Catholic Church Masses, performing the organ accompaniment for the Traditional Choir, Cantor, instrumental Soloists, and the general Parish Community.

The goal of music at Holy Cross Catholic Church is to encourage a prayerful singing assembly, which joins in the liturgy expressing the Gospel message through sacred music.

This position is part-time, paid by service.

Compensation commensurate with experience and qualification

  • Approximately $20,000- $32,000 3 calls -one choir rehearsal + 2 Masses on Sunday at 9:30 am (Sept.-June with choir) and 12 pm (year round with cantor) and feast days throughout the year.
  • Special compensation for Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.
  • 2 paid Sunday vacation in the first year and 4 paid Sundays per year vacation a year after completion of a probationary period of 90 days.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance in piano and or/organ or comparable work experience in organ performance.
  • Strong professional level technical competence playing the organ.
  • Strong sight-reading skills.
  • 2 years of experience as a church musician is desirable providing organ accompaniment for cantors, soloists, a choir and parishioners.
  • Possessing a working knowledge of music in the Catholic Liturgical tradition is a plus.
  • Must possess the ability to work well and collaboratively with others, both staff and congregation.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Must be available to play on Sundays the 9:30 am & 12 pm, making arrangements in advance if an absence is expected (except Christmas, Easter, Holy Week). Arrive at least 45 minutes before the 9:30 am Mass begins to rehearse with Cantor / Choir.
  • Our Traditional Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7-8:45 pm. (September-June)
  • Play all vocal parts for the choir during rehearsals.
  • Should be willing to practice sufficiently to maintain the highest professional standards in performance of the music respecting the written tempos indicated and always being prepared.
  • Provide additional support for weddings, funerals, and other liturgical services and events as required. Additional compensation will be provided for all weddings and funeral services.
  • 6-10 minutes prelude and a short postlude.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Repertoire:

  • Typically, four, five congregational hymns per Mass, a responsorial psalm, regular mass parts, one traditional anthem with choir or soloist, a 6-10 minute prelude and a short postlude.
  • The Mass usually lasts 50-60 minutes.

To be considered for the position, please click the Apply button and submit your resume along with a cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications, and optional recordings or videos demonstrating your organ performance skills

Starting date September 6, 2026 .

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We look forward to welcoming a talented organist who shares our passion for music and worship.

Position remains open until filled.