Music

Worship in the historic sanctuary of Zion Church is enriched by a fine music program.  Zion is frequently complimented on the excellence of the organ music and its choir, under the direction of Organist and Choir Director Nathan Ringkamp.

Zion’s pipe organ, restored in 2014 by Patrick J. Murphy Organ Builders, is central to the liturgy and supports congregational singing.  The three-manual organ consists of 34 stops, 43 ranks and 2,500 pipes and is highly praised for its voicing and expressive qualities.

The organ was dedicated on September 21, 2014 with a festive recital performed by renowned organist Eric Plutz (see video below).  Zion has since hosted several nationally acclaimed guest artists, among them John Schwandt, Isabelle Demers, and Nathan Laube.  Local organists Henry Lowe, Jordan Prescott, and several Peabody organ students have also played recitals at Zion.  With the advantage of its quality organ and excellent acoustic space, Zion offers opportunity as a local music venue.

Zion Church of the City of Baltimore is seeking a part-time Organist and Music Director to lead our music ministry beginning July 2025. 

Founded in 1755, Zion Church of the City of Baltimore is the mother church of Lutheranism for the Baltimore metro region.  We believe Music is an essential means for us to connect with God and one another. Our congregation has a history of traditional and inspiring music that has nurtured our congregational life during our worship services in English and German.  Therefore, our Music Director is a vital leader in the mission we share.

Job Responsibilities

  • Prepare and provide inspiring music appropriate to the liturgical calendar for two worship services every Sunday (9:30 a.m. German and 11:00 a.m. English) to include preludes, hymns, liturgy and postludes (service times may change in the future).  
  • Provide organ music for weekly Wednesday mid-day prayer services at 12:20 p.m.
  • Provide organ music for seasonal services, including, but not limited to Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Christmas Eve, and other special worship occasions.
  • Review musical aspects of the worship services with the Pastors on a weekly basis. 
  • Develop a choral music program to enhance worship services within Zion’s Music budget. Tasks would include recruiting singers, selecting repertory, and facilitating rehearsals.
  • Arrange for substitute organists and contract for additional instrumentalists, as needed. 
  • Develop professional competency by participating in continuing education activities specific to church music directors. 
  • Supervise maintenance of the organ and other musical instruments owned by the church, entrusting that work to qualified and trained professionals. 
  • Oversee maintenance of Zion’s music library. 
  • Attend monthly Worship and Music committee meetings.
  • Work with the Pastors and families to coordinate the music components for weddings, funerals, installations, etc.
  • Collaborate with the Pastors and Worship and Music Committee in hosting concerts by guest musicians or ensembles.  

Compensation and Work schedule: This is an exempt part-time position. The normal work schedule of 20 hours will include Sundays and Wednesdays, and dates of special services along with attendance at meetings and gatherings as determined by the Pastors.  Additional work hours to meet job requirements will be agreed upon between the candidate and the Pastors. 

Salary $22,000-$27,000, commensurate with qualifications, responsibilities, and experience.

Organ:  Patrick J. Murphy & Associates, Opus 60.   Built in 2014 the organ has 3 manuals, 43 ranks and 2,500 pipes. 

Reports to: The Pastors 

Start Date: July 1, 2025

Required Education and Professional Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in music.
  • Experience and proficiency in keyboard (organ and piano) performance. 
  • Knowledge of varied church music styles and the role of music in Lutheran worship.
  • Experience and proficiency in choral direction and performance. 
  • Successful parish music experience leading and directing traditional/liturgical services.
  • German language proficiency helpful, although not required. 
  • Complete and pass a background check. 

Key Skills and Competencies: 

  • Excellent communication skills, ability to work as a team member with a spirit of collaboration, and open to feedback.
  • Proficiency in building strong relationships with key positions in leadership, staff, and volunteers. 
  • Ability to lead with kindness and flexibility thus inspiring others to worship God through music. 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and activities, establish and set priorities, and is able to multi-task. 

++++++

Zion Church of the City of Baltimore is part of the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We have two worship services on Sunday – German Service at 9:30 a.m., and English Service at 11:00 a.m. as well as one service on Wednesday midday at 12:20 p.m. Our average weekly attendance is approximately 40 people.