6 Tips for Landing the Perfect Job in Music Ministry

Because I have a full time job in industry, I never thought I would be able to land a job in Music Ministry this side of retirement.  I thought I would need to finish raising the family so that I would be able to pursue a degree in music.  But lo!  My dream has come true much earlier than I ever thought!  I now work part-time at a small church as the Music Minister, and am loving it!  What a great year its been!

For those of you still looking for a job in Music Ministry, I thought I would share a few tips that I believe helped me.  If you have been looking for some time now already, this is for you.  Warning: These tips are not the standard (e.g., find and review the "Wanted" ads every week, etc.).  Rather these are items to do above and beyond to set yourself apart.

1.  Prayer!  Is this the path God is calling you?  I have seen several outstanding musicians within Music Ministry that are focused on themselves.  They are in it for many things including attention and notoriety.  As I have noted in the past, this job is not a "me" job it is a "Him" job.  Hymns for Him!  See my earlier post on the Purpose of Music.

2. Leadership.  Music Ministers are leaders.  It is first and foremost working with people.  Volunteers.  Take a self assessment on your leadership desires and abilities.  See Worship Leader, Church Music Leadership Blog websites. If Catholic, consider joining the awesome network of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

3.  Volunteer.  This is another form of networking.  Get your name out.  Volunteering to help music ministries at several churches is a great way to get into the network.  Another great idea: volunteer once a month at one church frees you to volunteer and network at other churches.

4.  Start a Blog!  Having a blog enhances your image and skyrockets your credibility. 

5.  Publish.  Demonstrate your proficiency with music.  Compose! Publish! Publish your sheet music.  Again this enhances your credibility.  See this article (Attention Composers!) reviewing a great site to do this for free, HolyMeasures.com.  Once complete, be sure to link your compositions back on your blog. 

6.  Practice, practice, practice.  Multiple instrument competence. Most musicians excel at one instrument.  Few at two.  Make yourself stand out from the rest.

Let me know if any of these have been helpful to you in your search within Music Ministry.  Leave a comment and share your experiences with other musicians that are likely in the same situation.

Related Posts:
The Purpose of Music
Not to Us, O Lord
Attention Composers!


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