St Peter’s Catholic Church, Surry Hills, NSW seeks a Director of Music and/or Parish Organist to lead and accompany our parish choir, comprised of semi-professional volunteer singers, at our vibrant and welcoming inner-city parish.
Director’s key responsibilities
- Plan and organise music for Sunday Mass, including chant, hymns, and choral motets.
- Direct the choir during Sunday Mass.
- Lead choir rehearsals.
- Coordinate with the Parish Priest to plan music according to the Liturgical season.
- Maintain the parish music library.
- Recruit, train, and foster choristers.
Organist
- For the Director role, ability to play organ is preferred but not essential — the Parish will consider employing both a Director and Organist depending on candidate suitability.
- Candidates may apply for either or both roles (i.e. Choral Director and/or Parish Organist).
- About the parish organs: www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/SurryHillsStPeters.html
Hours
The position will become available from mid-August 2026 but is negotiable for the right candidate.
Baseline hours: 7.5 hours a week.
- Sunday rehearsal and Mass: 2h 15min
- Monday evening rehearsal: 1h 45min
- Weekly music preparation (Director only): 3h 30 min
Additional hours:
- Available for other commitments throughout the year including (but not limited to) Easter Triduum, concerts, special Masses, and charity events.
Wages will be benchmarked against Federal Award rates, and will depend in part on the successful candidate’s experience. Prospective applicants are warmly invited to contact Chantal Nguyen at the contact details below to discuss the anticipated remuneration and role structure before applying.
Examples of our choral singing
- Beatus Vir, Monteverdi (SV 268): https://youtu.be/2hhHOMGtimM?si=8jZntFpb3nhDoKau
- Cantate Domino, Rutter: https://fb.watch/vds5W1Vqda/
Ideal candidate
- Practising Catholic with a collaborative team-based attitude.
- Strong musical performance skills and (for the Director) role choral conducting / leadership ability.
- Experience with Catholic Liturgy and sacred music, including Gregorian chant and polyphony.
- Ability to motivate and train volunteer choristers and support parish life.
- Has or is willing to obtain a Working With Children Check and National Police Check.
To apply
Send your CV to [email protected] and [email protected]
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be considered as they are received, and suitable candidates shortlisted.
Contact
For more information please contact Chantal Nguyen at [email protected] or on 02 8226 2300.
Applications closed 01/08/2026.
Posted on 04/05/2026.