Position
SpiritCare needs pianists to accompany the hymns used in services. At most services you will play 4 hymns, selected by SpiritCare which may be sent to you before the service. You may also play music when the residents receive bread and communion wine as part of the service. This is an ideal position for a church accompanist who would like to donate their time once a month. Most of our hymns are traditional favorites. You can see the type of hymns we use on our YouTube Playlists.
Sometimes you may also play "Happy Birthday" for residents or a seasonal song, like the National Anthem, around July 4th or a carol, around Christmas. Pianists sometimes play before and after a worship service. If you are not able to play regularly, then you may want to sign up as a backup pianist for when our regulars are on vacation.
Acoustic guitar players may also accompany worship services, with or without a keyboard player. Other instrumentalists like flautists, trumpeters and mouth organ players have also participated at SpiritCare events.
Musical groups and ensembles are also welcome to join SpiritCare. Ensembles may play regularly or they may play for a special event like a Volunteer Appreciation breakfast.
Sometimes you may also play "Happy Birthday" for residents or a seasonal song, like the National Anthem, around July 4th or a carol, around Christmas. Pianists sometimes play before and after a worship service. If you are not able to play regularly, then you may want to sign up as a backup pianist for when our regulars are on vacation.
Acoustic guitar players may also accompany worship services, with or without a keyboard player. Other instrumentalists like flautists, trumpeters and mouth organ players have also participated at SpiritCare events.
Musical groups and ensembles are also welcome to join SpiritCare. Ensembles may play regularly or they may play for a special event like a Volunteer Appreciation breakfast.
Essential Qualifications
For Musicians:
- Experience in playing the instrument of choice
- Ability to accompany services, setting the tempo and pitch with a solid introduction to songs and hymns
- A sensitivity of the noise level suitable for each situation - for example, if a care home has experienced some recent deaths then it may not want boisterous songs
- Flexibility if something unexpected happens, for example, a pastor may be delayed and you may have to play some music to keep residents engaged
Other Qualifications
- Sight-reading is not essential, but occasionally there may be a need to play a different tune from sight
- Ability to lower the pitch of high-pitched hymns that may be too high for people to sing comfortably
- Knowledge of tunes that seniors like
Typical Time Commitment
1 hour/month at a residence plus travel & prep time to full time. Rehearsal time may range from nothing to several weeks.
