Question about organist interview process
  • Diapason84
    Posts: 81
    Recently, I applied for an organist-only position near where I live. They’re looking for someone to begin as soon as possible for one Mass per weekend. The fee isn't ideal but given the circumstances I am open to it.

    I learned of the position by email and introduced myself to the music director, whom I've not met before. She invited me to play an upcoming Mass and have an informal introduction. There will be a cantor (not the same person). A couple days later, I asked to schedule practice time on the instrument a day or two before the Mass and gave specific times. The MD declined the request with an apology but no alternative was offered other than to arrive the day of a little earlier. Fine, I've been in that spot before and can handle it.

    What seemed unusual was that she concluded the email saying that she'd try to meet me after the Mass if I could "stick around" for about 20 minutes afterward. She has a commitment near the same time at another nearby church that's combined with this one. It just seemed odd that for an interview process, she wouldn't expect/require me to remain afterward to meet in person. If I had to leave, would she be relying on the cantor's feedback or unknown folks in the congregation or priest? Am I overthinking this? Advice welcome.
  • CatholicZ09
    Posts: 290
    Have you played at a parish nearby? Maybe she floated your name around: “Hey, do you know Diapason?” And a trusted source verified your abilities? I agree it is a little odd not to hear you play beforehand to verify you can indeed…play. Of course, maybe she’s just happy to have someone take the bait. I’m more intrigued by the fact she’s having you play an entire Mass rather than maybe/maybe not meeting you in person afterward.

    From what I know when our organist/MD is out of town for a weekend, enough people from the cantors to the congregation will tell her what was good and what was bad. If this MD doesn’t meet you at the end of that Mass, she’ll probably get more than enough feedback whether or not to hire you.

    It is odd, but I’m guessing she’s strapped for time this time of year like everyone else and is just happy that she can get someone right now.
  • francis
    Posts: 10,847
    Personally, I wouldn't take any job, even a single gig like this, without first meeting and speaking face to face with the pastor or DoM. Delay the process... this requires them to step up and dignify you as a musician who is going to play at their liturgy, for heavens sake! Also, you want to get (at least) a handshake looking them in the eye, on what they will remunerate you for your efforts. If they don't give you the respect on this level, walk away.
    Thanked by 2CharlesW JacobFlaherty
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,985
    Sounds a bit disorganized and may drive you nuts if you take the job.
  • Diapason84
    Posts: 81
    Delay the process...


    I can't. I agreed to play and that was presented as part of the interview process before I was told I might not meet the MD afterward. If I ask to delay and play only if a meeting face-to-face happens beforehand, I think I'll have kissed the job goodbye.
  • francis
    Posts: 10,847
    It is unclear to me about the 'interview'... did that actually occur? If so, what was the interview like?
  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,332
    --Do I think this is a bit unusual? Yes, I do.

    --Do I think you should allow this to be a deal-breaker? Not based on what you've said so far. I think it's entirely possible that all they're looking for here is:
    a) competent organist
    b) will show up and do what we tell you to do for the wage we're offering
    c) able to get along reasonably well with everyone

    Basically, will you show up, play acceptably, and not tick everyone off due to your anti-social behavior? As long as you check those boxes, you're hired! It might not need to be a particularly elaborate interview process to establish those things.
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