Organist/Director of Music

About the job

West London Synagogue is Britain’s oldest and foremost Reform Synagogue with approximately 3,000 members worshipping at our beautiful Grade 2 listed building near Marble Arch in London. We are seeking an exceptional Organist who will also enhance and develop our strong musical tradition through the creative direction of all aspects of music, including leadership of our outstanding professional mixed Choir. Our glorious organ is a large 4-manual instrument built by Harrison and Harrison and was beautifully restored in 2008 and is unusually perfect as both an accompanying and as a solo instrument. 

The role is expected to take up c 15 hours a week for 46 weeks of the year (primarily for Friday evening and Saturday morning services plus weddings etc) and c 40 hours a week during the 6 weeks prior to and during the High Holy Days (usually around September/October). Please send CV and reasons for applying, together with how you heard of the vacancy. 

Essential Experience and Skills

1. A talented organist and musician who is highly proficient as a liturgical accompanist and has a wide range of experiences in music.
2.  Previous experience of playing the organ and/or leading, organising, inspiring and training Choristers in religious services.
3. Has proven ability to arrange music.
4. Has strong organisational skills.
5. Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Has the musical and personal skills to enthuse the Rabbis and Choristers.
7. Is able to relate warmly to adults and children.
8. Is able to work creatively and committed to their own professional development.

Desirable Experience and Skills

1. Will have had some experience of playing the organ and/or leading Choristers in Jewish services for Shabbat services and festivals.
2. Proven ability to be pro-active, working alongside WLS’s existing musical cultural programmes.
3. Some knowledge of Hebrew would be very helpful.
4. Demonstrate creativity in music composition.
5. Experience of doing own research in music and composition.
6. Ability to engage with social media on behalf of WLS’s music.
7. Has excellent IT skills and is able to work on sound effects and other IT aspects in directing the music.

Qualifications and Memberships

Minimum bachelor’s degree in Music and/or equivalent in organ playing.

For more information about West London Synagogue, visit www.wls.org.uk or download the full job description below.