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Substitute Organist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LADGOV CORPORATION

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Provide substitutes when unable to perform. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel. * Minimum 4+ years organ performance ...

Holy Cross School

Organist/Keyboardist

Lyman, ME · On-site

Good Shepherd Parish seeks an organist/keyboardist for the 4:00pm Saturday Mass in one of two ... Opportunities are also available as a substitute if desired at our other Parish sites. This ...

Good Shepherd Parish

Organist/Keyboardist

Lyman, ME · On-site

Good Shepherd Parish seeks an organist/keyboardist for the 4:00pm Saturday Mass in one of two ... Opportunities are also available as a substitute if desired at our other Parish sites. This ...

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Gastonia NC

Be Seen First

Church Organist

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$18K - $20K/yr

  • PTO

The Church Organist helps create worship that is reverent, participatory, Christ-centered, and ... substitute musicians when unavailable. * Monitor the condition of the organ, pianos, and other ...

Ladgov Corporation

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Provide substitutes when unable to perform. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel. * Minimum 4+ years organ performance ...

Ladgov Corporation

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Provide substitutes when unable to perform. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel. * Minimum 4+ years organ performance ...

Diocese of Orlando

Music Director

Orlando, FL · On-site

... substitute organist or pianist when absent. • Arranges for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job ...

St James Cathedral Church

Music Director

Orlando, FL

Arranges for qualified substitute organist or pianist when absent. Arranges for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To ...

St James Cathedral Church

Music Director

Orlando, FL

Arranges for qualified substitute organist or pianist when absent. Arranges for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To ...

Middlesex School

Chapel Organist - Part-time

Concord, MA · On-site

$13K - $15K/yr

Arrange for substitutes during times of absence. * Weekly chapel services occur Wednesdays 9:55-10:40am. There are very occasional variances in day of week to accommodate school events. ** Opening of ...

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Substitute Organist information

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How much do substitute organist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute organist in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substitute organist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substitute Organist, you need strong proficiency in organ performance, sight-reading, and a solid understanding of liturgical or concert repertoire, often supported by formal music education or certifications like the AGO (American Guild of Organists) certification. Familiarity with various types of organs, church music software, and service planning tools is typically required. Excellent adaptability, punctuality, and communication skills help you integrate quickly with different congregations and musical teams. These skills ensure seamless musical leadership and maintain the quality and continuity of worship or events when the regular organist is unavailable.

What is the difference between Substitute Organist vs Church Musician?

AspectSubstitute OrganistChurch Musician
CredentialsOrgan certification or experience, sometimes music degreesMusic degree or church music certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPerforms during services as needed, often in churches or religious institutionsRegularly involved in planning, rehearsals, and leading music in church services
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churchesReligious organizations, churches, and sometimes schools
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for temporary or substitute rolesSeeking full-time or regular church music positions

The main difference between a Substitute Organist and a Church Musician is that the Substitute Organist performs temporarily or as needed, often filling in for the regular organist. In contrast, a Church Musician typically has a more ongoing, regular role involving planning and leading music during church services. Both roles require similar credentials, but their job scope and employment stability differ.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute organists when joining a new congregation or venue?

Substitute organists often face the challenge of quickly adapting to unfamiliar instruments and varying acoustics in each new venue. They may have limited rehearsal time to become comfortable with the organ’s layout and settings. Additionally, understanding the specific liturgical requirements, musical preferences, and coordinating smoothly with choirs or other musicians can be demanding. Flexibility, strong sight-reading skills, and effective communication with staff and congregants are essential for a smooth transition.

What is a substitute organist?

Substitute organists are musicians who temporarily fill in for regular organists during services, concerts, or events when the primary organist is unavailable. They may work in churches, synagogues, or other venues that require organ music, and are expected to be proficient in playing the organ, sight-reading, and sometimes accompanying choirs or soloists. Substitute organists often need to adapt quickly to different instruments, worship styles, and repertoires, making flexibility and reliability essential qualities for the role.
More about Substitute Organist jobs

What job categories do people searching Substitute Organist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Substitute Organist jobs are:

Substitute Organist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Organist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Catholic Organist

LADGOV CORPORATION

Quantico, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Musician Organist

Location: Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia

Primary Work Site: Marine Memorial Chapel – Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide organ and piano accompaniment for:

    • Sunday 0900 and 1215 Catholic Masses

    • Holy Days of Obligation (including vigils)

    • Special liturgies and seasonal services

    • Funerals and memorial services (as required)

  • Perform:

    • 5-minute prelude before Mass

    • 3-minute postlude after Mass

    • 15-minute prelude for funerals/memorials

  • Coordinate music selections with the Priest in accordance with:

    • Roman Gradual

    • General Instruction of the Roman Missal

  • Rehearse with choirs, cantors, and soloists.

  • Prepare and submit monthly music plans in advance.

  • Support major liturgical celebrations, including:

    • Ash Wednesday

    • Holy Week (Tenebrae, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil)

    • Confirmation Mass

    • Corpus Christi & Christ the King Processions

    • Children's Nativity Play

  • Provide recommendations regarding maintenance of chapel organ and pianos.

  • Provide substitutes when unable to perform.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel.

  • Minimum 4+ years organ performance experience.

  • Formal organ training (college-level training acceptable).

  • Basic-level certification from the American Guild of Organists (AGO).

  • Ability to sight-read, transpose, and harmonize music.

  • Experience accompanying choirs, cantors, and soloists.

  • Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy and Church calendar.

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About LADGOV

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ladgov Corporation is a Small business headquartered in Williamsburg, VA. We provide solutions to our clients in the U.S and around the globe. Ladgov’s Capabilities span from providing Public Health services in Biomedical Engineering, Bio-Pharmaceutical Research to IT & Cyber Security Solutions, Project Management, Data Analytics as well as Religious Services, Facility Management, Education Support services, and Infrastructure Management Services. LADGOV Corporation is dedicated to supporting its customers both in the private and federal space by fulfilling its commitment to each requirement and achieving exceptional results. Our staff uses modern cutting-edge technology to provide the best solutions to your mission needs. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Industry

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Williamsburg, VA, US

Social media

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