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Temporary Organist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Organist information

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$48.5K

$55.4K

$67.5K

How much do temporary organist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 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 are temporary organists?

Temporary organists are musicians who are hired on a short-term basis to play the organ during church services, ceremonies, or special events. They often fill in for a regular organist who is unavailable due to vacation, illness, or other commitments. Temporary organists must be able to adapt quickly to different worship styles, venues, and repertoires. Their duties may include accompanying choirs, congregational singing, and providing solo organ music as needed.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Organist, you need strong musical proficiency on the organ, sight-reading abilities, and a thorough understanding of liturgical or concert repertoire, usually supported by formal music education or equivalent experience. Familiarity with various types of organs, music notation software, and possibly MIDI systems is often required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and communication skills help facilitate coordination with choirs, clergy, or event organizers. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality performances and ensuring seamless integration into diverse musical settings.

What are the typical expectations and challenges faced by a temporary organist when adapting to a new parish or congregation?

Temporary organists are often expected to quickly familiarize themselves with a new church’s musical preferences, liturgical style, and organ instrument. One of the main challenges is adapting to different instruments, each with unique acoustics and features, as well as collaborating with unfamiliar choirs, clergy, and worship teams on short notice. Flexibility, strong sight-reading skills, and effective communication are crucial for success. Temporary organists may also be asked to participate in planning services or special events, so being proactive and approachable helps foster a smooth transition.
More about Temporary Organist jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Organist jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Organist jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Organist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Organist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,404 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor Music/Applied Organ

Adjunct Instructor Music/Applied Organ

University of the District of Columbia

Campus, IL • On-site

$50/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

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Career Opportunities at UDC >> Adjunct Instructor Music/Applied Organ
Adjunct Instructor Music/Applied Organ
Summary
Title: Adjunct Instructor Music/Applied Organ ID: 2113 Department: College of Arts and Sciences Location: UDC- Main Campus Van Ness Campus - NW
Description

Number of Vacancies: 1
Area of Consideration: Open To The Public
Employment Status: Part -Time, Temporary
Pay Plan, Series & Grade: ES0000/0000/01
Salary Range: $50 per contract hour
Closing Date: Open Until Filled 
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Brief Description of Duties
Individual must be an accomplished and versatile organist.  Also, individual must teach assigned course(s) as determined by the semester course.  The position starts in August 2022.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Teaches assigned courses in applied organ as specified in the schedule and course contract.
  • Provides students an approved syllabus that includes course objectives and learning outcomes, teaching methodology, attendance policies in line with those of the institution, assignments and deliverables, timelines, and evaluation criteria.
  • Uses the institutions learning management system to post syllabus, assignments, and other materials and to communicate with students.
  • Maintain records of enrollment and attendance, assessments and grades; submits class rosters and grade sheets by the deadlines established by the institution.
  • Provides an environment conducive to learning, establishing, and maintaining studio control.
  • Attends all meetings, ceremonies and official functions as specified by the Chief Academic Officer, Chief Community College Officer and/or Dean.
  • Attends one or more orientation session(s) to become familiar with the Institution's mission and teaching philosophy, policies, and procedures.
  • Meets with the Dean or Department Chair/Division or Music Program Coordinator as needed to discuss all aspects of the course including student progress and curriculum development.
  • Adheres to University policies and guidelines in all matters concerning academics and student and staff conduct.


Minimum Job Requirement

  • Bachelor's degree in subject area and/or equivalent professional experience.
  • Accomplished and versatile organist with evidence of a high level of well-rounded performing experience in classical and music of the African Diaspora.
  • Prior teaching experience or applicant must demonstrate evidence of teaching potential.
  • Excellent leadership, management, interpersonal, verbal and written communication, financial management and problem-solving skills.
  • Knowledgeable of the best models and practices available to encourage student success.  This will require regular research in this area, specific training, as necessary, involvement in relevant forums and conferences and regular reading of higher education news sources.
  • Ability to exercise, initiative and creativity in implementing responsibilities.
  • Dedication to students, commitment to excellence in creating and providing student support services and ensuring student success.
  • Commitment to working in a collaborative environment with other team members.

Information to Applicant


Condition of Employment: Temporary employment may be ended at anytime with or without cause.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.
Employment Benefits: Due to the temporary nature of this appointment, this position is ineligible for benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This job is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.
Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.
Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.
Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .

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