Assistant Organist – Beverley Minster

• Job Title: Assistant Organist
• Location: Beverley Minster, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
• Hours: 12 per week
• Wage: £8.000 per annum + additional fees for weddings and funeral by arrangement
• Contract Length: The position is funded for a fixed term of 3 years.

The Beverley Minster parish is a family of five churches in and around Beverley. We are a Christian community which exists to glorify God and serve the community.

Beverley Minster has been described as one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe which features a historic Snetzler organ with pipe work dating back to 1769 and a Steinway Concert Grand Piano.

The Minster choir is 80 strong with a separate top line of boys and girls with choristers attending 16 different schools. The choir work from an ambitious repertoire and sing at 3 choral services each week.

Beverley Minster is looking to recruit an Assistant Organist whose principal role will be to play the organ, but also to contribute to the general oversight of the music in Beverley Minster, subject to the overall direction of the Director of Music, Vicar and Parochial Church Council.

The Assistant Organist will be expected to maintain the highest musical standards and foster the musical gifts of members of the congregation in worship whilst making an important contribution to the wider life of the Minster.

We are looking for someone with a positive “can do / will do” attitude who:

• Is able to play the organ to a high standard particularly in the accompaniment of the choir.
• Has knowledge of a range of church music and liturgy.
• Is able to work and communicate effectively with the musicians, clergy, staff and volunteers at Beverley Minster.
• Has a high level of personal organization and time management to effectively manage rehearsal and service time.
• Has the personal energy to cope with the demands of the role, especially at times of high activity e.g. Christmas and Holy Week.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• To play the organ at Minster services as outlined in the full job description.
• To help train and inspire the Organ Scholar.
• To co-operate with the Vicar, assistant clergy, Director of Music, worship band and other staff members in the planning of worship.
• To take part in ensuring the proper care and maintenance of the Minster organ, pianos and other musical instruments is undertaken.

There may be the opportunity to undertake some teaching through our Choral Foundation Scheme.

The successful applicant will be required to be DBS checked before the commencement of the role.

Details on how to apply and further information is available on the Beverley Minster website through the link below.

If you would like an informal conversation with the Director of Music, Robert Poyser, please contact him by email at music@beverleyminster.org.uk.

If you are interested in applying for the role, please send a C.V and covering letter to the Administration Manager, Lauren Simpson at minster@beverleyminster.org.uk.

Closing date for applicants is Tuesday 4th June at 12 noon.