Organist/ Pianist - Newman Residential College

Exciting Opportunity: Casual Organist/Pianist at Newman College.

• Casual Role: Approximately 275 hours per academic year, offering a perfect balance with your other commitments.
• Highly Competitive Hourly Rate: Generously reflecting your skills, experience, and dedication to excellence ($100 per hour)
• Inspiring and Collaborative Setting: Be part of a vibrant community on a historic campus that celebrates music and tradition.

Become an integral part of our vibrant community as a casual Organist/ Pianist at Newman College, where your musical talents will shine in a dynamic and fulfilling environment.

About Newman College

Newman College is a co-educational residential College affiliated with the University of Melbourne, providing accommodation for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students from metropolitan and regional Victoria, as well as interstate and overseas. The College is home to a vibrant and diverse community, supported by staff including the Provost, Deputy Provost, the two Deans, and the Rector of the Jesuit Community.

About the opportunity

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Organist/ Pianist to join our team at Newman College. Reporting to the Newman College Director of Choir, the successful candidate will serve as the Organist/ Pianist for Sunday Church liturgies and act as an ambassador for our music program to cultivate an active and vibrant musical community.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our liturgical life and collaborate with students, the choir, staff, and the wider College community.

While this is primarily an Organist position, we welcome applications from skilled pianists who are open to performing on a chamber organ.

What You will Do

• Play for major liturgies, including Sunday services (during the academic term), Easter celebrations, and special occasions such as the carol service, weddings, funerals, and more
• Accompany the College Choir for rehearsals (Thursday evenings and Sundays) liturgies, and concerts.
• Perform organ and piano music for concerts, formal dinners, and other special events as specified by the Director.
• Participate in the annual Choir Camp, retreats, workshops, and extra rehearsals to prepare for concerts and key occasions.
• Coordinate the music arrangements for weddings.
• Collaborate with the Director in selecting meaningful and inspiring music for liturgies and Choir performances.
• Oversee the maintenance and care of the organ and piano, including coordination of tuning and repair schedules.
• Assist in the selection of new instruments for the Chapel as needed.

What we are Looking For

• Passion and Flexibility: A genuine love for liturgical music and the flexibility to work outside regular hours for special events.
• Expertise: Proven experience as an accompanist and liturgical organist/pianist, with exceptional skills in sight-reading, score reading, transposition, and improvisation.
• Value alignment: A genuine passion for working within a faith-aligned environment, with a strong commitment to the values of the Catholic Church.
• Collaboration: Strong communication skills and the ability to foster an inclusive, positive environment, particularly with younger people.
• Professionalism: Relevant qualifications in music and the ability to prepare, organise, and deliver outstanding musical experiences.

How to Apply

If you believe your skills and experience align with this position, we would love to hear from you! To submit an application, please click apply and provide a copy of your current resume and a cover letter.

Please note: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, if you believe this role might be for you, please apply as soon as possible.

Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.