Lost My Job

[Musician]

As my name says, I am a musician. Primarily for churches. I just lost my job at an Episcopal church through no fault of my own. I am relieved in one way because I really only want to play in Catholic churches, but it is a huge financial blow. I am willing to take a big or small church…the pay isn’t a huge issue. I am not sure what to do next. I feel as though I am at a loss. There are just no jobs open and yet even in my parish the music is awful. I have sent out resumes, called, etc…nothing. Are there any Catholic churches interested in good music anymore?
Please pray for me.

 

[1ke]

I am sorry you are having this difficulty. Have you contacted your diocesan office of Sacred Worship (or whatever they call it in your diocese)? Get to know the people in that office, who may be able to direct you to job leads. They may know of opportunities that are not parish based, such as for retreats, weddings, conferences, etc.

Also, though, I don’t know about where you are but where I am the musicians are all volunteer. Only at a really big parish would there be a paid musician. Ours is just a volunteer parishioner.

 

[englishredrose]

it a concept i can’t get used to that you guys get paid for it. i don’t know how that works really. the nearest i get paid for singing is when the choir is booked at weddings and there is a fee and as a choir long ago it was decided juniors get something and the rest go into a fund to pay for books gowns etc. I got paid about three times as a junior. I think i got about 50p per wedding before turning 16. No I can’t get used to the idea that people get paid for being at services is how i see it. though sorry that you in this situation

 

[Pax2u]

Sorry to hear this. I would suggest developing a secondary skill, so you are not totally depending on scarce church musician jobs for your support. It’s nice to be able to make a living at what you love, but not always possible.

I’ll say a prayer that something turns up soon.

 

[agapewolf]

it a concept i can’t get used to that you guys get paid for it. i don’t know how that works really. the nearest i get paid for singing is when the choir is booked at weddings and there is a fee and as a choir long ago it was decided juniors get something and the rest go into a fund to pay for books gowns etc. I got paid about three times as a junior. I think i got about 50p per wedding before turning 16. No I can’t get used to the idea that people get paid for being at services is how i see it. though sorry that you in this situation

No— we should just be volunteers:

Play 3-5 masses every weekend.
Play all extra holiday masses, holy day masses
Play all extra parish events (confirmation, first communion, may crowning, Bishop visit, living rosary, other special masses)

Music arrangements
Transcribing music
copying music (legally)
Getting rights to copy music legally
Songsheets/worship aids/programs

Calendar clear for weddings and funerals.
Meet with bride, families
Programs for weddings, extra meetings with brides

Liturgy committee meetings
Music planning meetings

Choir rehearsals (x as many groups there are)
Extra cantor rehearsals
Extra sectional rehearsals

Booking instruments for special events
Instrumental rehearsals

Staff meetings
Binders for music
Music filing
Emailing groups lineups/plans/schedules

Ordering music and keeping library
Budgeting

Instrumental upkeep/purchasing
Constant emails complaining or complimenting

and this doesn’t include if there is a school