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Summer Organist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Chapel Organist

Durham, NC · On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

... summer), in which the Assistant Chapel Organist serves as the sole organist for the service; * occasional support of bi-weekly Choral Evensong services during the academic year, in which playing ...

Assistant Chapel Organist

Durham, NC · On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

... summer), in which the Assistant Chapel Organist serves as the sole organist for the service; * occasional support of bi-weekly Choral Evensong services during the academic year, in which playing ...

Adjunct - Organ Instructor

Baytown, TX · On-site

$34.03 - $51.04/hr

Faculty members may be required to teach evening, summer, online, hybrid, dual enrollment, and/or ... Experience as a professional church organist, pianist, or music director. Preferred: * Prior online ...

Summer Organist information

See salary details

$48.5K

$55.4K

$67.5K

How much do summer organist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer organist in the United States is $55,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer organist?

Summer Organists are musicians who play the organ during the summer months, often filling in for regular organists at churches, concert venues, or events when the primary organist is on vacation or leave. Their responsibilities typically include performing during worship services, weddings, funerals, and special events, as well as rehearsing with choirs or other musicians. Summer Organists may be hired on a temporary or seasonal basis, and their role requires strong musical skills, familiarity with liturgical music, and the ability to adapt to different performance settings.

What does a typical week look like for a summer organist, and how do they collaborate with other church staff and musicians?

A typical week for a Summer Organist involves preparing music selections for Sunday services, rehearsing hymns and liturgical pieces, and coordinating with choir directors, soloists, or other instrumentalists. Collaboration is key, as organists often attend planning meetings with clergy and music staff to align the music with the service themes. In addition to playing during services, they may rehearse with vocalists or ensembles and manage practice time on the organ. Flexibility and good communication skills are important, especially during the summer when staffing and schedules can vary.

What is the difference between Summer Organist vs Church Organist?

AspectSummer OrganistChurch Organist
CredentialsTypically requires organ proficiency, sometimes a music degreeRequires organ proficiency, often a music degree or certification
Work EnvironmentSeasonal, often in churches, concert halls, or special eventsYear-round, primarily in churches or religious institutions
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, concert venues, event organizersReligious institutions, churches, cathedrals

The Summer Organist usually works seasonally, focusing on special services or events, while the Church Organist maintains a year-round role in church services and religious activities. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but their work schedules and environments differ.

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

To thrive as a Summer Organist, you need strong musical proficiency on the organ, sight-reading ability, and a solid understanding of liturgical music, often supported by formal music education or organ certification. Familiarity with different types of organs, hymnals, and music arrangement software is often necessary. Excellent time management, adaptability, and clear communication with clergy and choir members are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure seamless musical accompaniment, enhance worship services, and maintain a high standard of musical leadership during the summer season.
More about Summer Organist jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Organist jobs? Cities with the most Summer Organist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Organist jobs? The most popular types of Organist jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Organist jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Organist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Summer Organist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,404 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

$44K - $71K/yr

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Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Be You.

As a member of the Duke University Chapel Music staff, the Assistant Chapel Organist participates in the musical leadership of Duke Chapel worship services, sacred concerts, and other events at Duke Chapel. This half-time, salaried position reports to the Chapel Organist, and shares playing responsibilities with the full-time Chapel Organist and the Chapel Organ Scholar (a 10-month intern).

Be Bold.

Worship leadership - Provide musical leadership in half of the approximately 85 worship services held by Duke Chapel each calendar year. This total includes:

  • collaborative leadership of Sunday morning services during fall and spring academic terms, in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Chapel Organist and Organ Scholar;
  • collaborative leadership of festival and university services (such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Baccalaureates), in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Chapel Organist;
  • primary leadership of at least 5 "recess" Sundays (December; spring break; summer), in which the Assistant Chapel Organist serves as the sole organist for the service;
  • occasional support of bi-weekly Choral Evensong services during the academic year, in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Organ Scholar.

The schedule of services will be determined in coordination with Director of Chapel Music and the Chapel Organist. The Assistant Chapel Organist does not serve as the regular accompanist for Duke Chapel's choirs.

Concert performances- Contribute to and perform in up to 5 of the 15-20 concerts and recitals presented by Duke Chapel Music each academic year, and their attendant rehearsals.

Organ demonstrations - Manage the schedule of organ demonstrations during fall and spring academic terms. Organ demonstrations are performed by the Chapel's organists and an established roster of guest organists.

Meetings - Attend bi-monthly meetings of the Chapel Music staff. Regularly meet with the Chapel Organist and other members of the Chapel Music staff and Ministry staff as appropriate.

Other Duties - Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

This is a PART-TIME position

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training: Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience: Work requires one year of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events or an equivalent combination of education and experience .


Preferred Qualifications:

Education/Training: Master's degree in sacred music or organ performance preferred, bachelor's degree in sacred music or organ performance required. Required demonstrable proficiencies include: hymn playing; leading congregational song from the keyboard; ability to perform organ repertoire appropriate for liturgical contexts; improvisation; transposition; solo and ensemble accompanying. Knowledge of varied bodies of repertoire (hymnody, organ repertoire) is also required.

Experience: A significant, documentable work history (minimum 5 years) in positions relevant/related to the fieldor an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Choose Duke.

Duke offers a collaborative work environment and a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and growth:https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Job Code: 00002321 PROGRAM COORD
Job Level: 10

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $44,766.00 to USD $71,706.00 for a full time FTE. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.


Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/


Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity withoutregard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community havea responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).