St. Anthony of Padua Church, a multi-ethnic Catholic parish in the city of Gardena, California (a suburb of Los Angeles), has an immediate opening for a director of music. The Director of Music will develop and maintain a high-quality sacred music ministry well-formed in the traditions of the Latin Rite Catholic Church.

The director of music is responsible for exercising supervision over all aspects of liturgical music in the parish and for leading music at three weekend liturgies, including playing piano (a fine Yamaha C6 grand) and, in the near future, organ, (the parish is currently in the process of acquiring a pipe organ). The director of music will report directly to the pastor.

Important Requirements
• Solid choral conducting skills, and fluency with the Catholic choral music tradition, from Medieval through Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical; and the skills to introduce a traditional repertoire to a parish more experienced with contemporary music

• Experience singing and conducting chant and the skill to train both choirs and congregation to sing chant (vernacular—English and Spanish—and Latin)

• Knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy

• Ability to work collaboratively with the pastor, clergy and staff

• Good vocal skills (including at least the ability to teach others, if not to sing him/herself)

• Keyboard skills (piano and, in the future, organ)

• Being a self-starter who is organized and able to plan in advance

• Experience conducting choirs, accompanying on piano and organ, singing chant (in Latin, Spanish, and English)

• Familiarity with the Extraordinary Form is a plus

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in music, preferably choral conducting or organ

Salary commensurate with degree level, experience, and demonstrated abilities.

Language requirement: English and Spanish

Job Type: Full-Time.

Information/Application Contact:
Steven Ottományi
Email: liturgy13@hotmail.com