Overview
Grace Lutheran Church ( in State College, Pennsylvania seeks an Organist/Pianist/Director of Music. The successful candidate will have a vision for bringing people into contact with the Divine by offering and coordinating diverse music (including from our musically rich musical heritage) that enhances quality worship and supports the Scriptures and mood of each week and season. The Organist/Pianist/Director of Music will support the mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by fostering worship in partnership with the Senior Pastor and pastoral team at the highest possible level while simultaneously encouraging the talents of lay musicians within the parish. The Organist/Pianist/Director of Music will work alongside the Director of Arts Ministries’ music outreach by providing accompaniment for soloists and ad hoc ensembles within worship services and major parish events (typically 2-3 per year) when requested.
Required Skills
The Organist/Pianist/Director of Music must have exemplary service‑playing skills (liturgy, hymns, psalms) and organ and piano skills to lead the people in worship. This includes accompanying the choir and volunteer musicians as well as inspiring, engaging, and encouraging musicians of all ages and skill levels (children, volunteer musicians, choirs, and paid section leaders) as well as instrumentalists for special services and presentations. Strong communication and organizational skills are needed along with a collaborative approach to serving the congregation and community. We are firmly and joyfully rooted in the Lutheran tradition, but likewise embrace creativity and innovation.
Music Responsibilities
Playing organ/piano, provide musical leadership for three Sunday morning Services of Holy Communion (two are organ‑led and one is piano‑led; all are traditional), as well as seasonal services (Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, weddings (additional compensation), funerals/memorial services, and approximately 13 Wednesdays (principally Advent and Lent) with mid‑day and/or early evening services). The Organist/Pianist also serves as the chief administrator and accompanist for an annual one‑week summer worship and fine arts (music) camp. The person who is hired will support the adult choir director by accompanying the choir for one 90‑minute weekly evening rehearsal (Sept.-May) and on Sunday services (and occasional evening services) as well as accompanying other lay musicians who enrich worship with music and occasional parish festivals. Other accompaniment duties include serving as the principal organist/pianist for other worship and community events, especially the Lenten Ecumenical Choir (7 Sunday afternoons and one Wednesday) and the Christmas Eve 9 PM choir (6 rehearsals that are separate from the adult choir).
This position also coordinates pastor‑approved guest recitalists, ensembles, and other musicians (2–4 times per year). Responsible for scheduling substitute organists/pianists to fill in on vacation days as well as caring for the keyboard instruments and arranging for instrument tuning and professional care twice annually as well as coordinating additional tuning as required when guest artists are approved to give recitals or concerts. This position also schedules and trains new lay cantors for all 9 and 10:30 services where the choir is not scheduled to sing. The successful candidate will foster relationships within the church and with Penn State School of Music and other local musical resources for potential enrichment of music in worship, local concerts, etc. Regular attendance at weekly Tuesday morning staff planning meeting is expected.
Administrative Requirements
The organist works with the pastors on recommending hymns for worship; ensuring all licensing and streaming permissions are obtained, archived, and reported; finding and reporting substitute music from the church audio streaming library when music that has been selected for live worship may not be legally streamed; and reporting all permissions internally as well as to OneLicense and other relevant licensing agencies.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or graduate degree in a field of music (preferred) with a strong proficiency in organ and piano or equivalent professional experience. Strong interpersonal skills are required and familiarity with Lutheran liturgy is preferred.
Compensation
Approx. $50 K salaried position and benefits (health insurance, retirement contribution, vacation, and continuing education/professional development). Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will reside in the greater State College area or live within a short commute. Assistance with relocation expenses is negotiable.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a cover letter detailing interest and qualifications, a resume (two-page maximum), and names and contact information of two professional references. Applicants should also send a partial list of current sacred organ repertoire as well as video links to representative samples of both hymn playing and organ repertoire. Review of applications begins immediately, with June 15 2026 application deadline. Inquiries and application materials should be addressed to Laurel Sanders, Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner Street, State College, PA 16801, or by email to both Laurel Sanders ( ) and Pastor Schul ( ).
Additional Information
Hours per week: 40; intended to be a fully in‑person position.
When position is available: As soon as possible after July 1 2026
Salary Range: commensurate with qualifications and experience; health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacation.
Contact Name: Pastor Scott E. Schul and Laurel Sanders, Director of Music & Arts Ministries
Street Address: 205 S. Garner Street, State College, PA
Zip Code/Postal Code: 16801
Phone: 814‑238‑2478