Church gigs are a great way for musicians to get paid work. With Holy Week just around the corner, churches are looking for singers for these services. Church music during Holy Week can range from entire requiems, to cantatas, to special solos. I spent seven years as a director of music ministry with the United Methodist Church and have also sung for many other denominations. Through these varied experiences I have come to understand much about what goes into hiring musicians for church services. Here are a few things to consider when trying to get a church gig.

Good sight-reading skills are worth their weight in gold. 

Often church choirs work with little rehearsal time. Build your sight-reading skills so you are ready to jump into any section of the choir. If you are a pianist, it is helpful if a director can hand you a piece of music and have you play it with little rehearsal time.

Vocal flexibility is extremely useful.

Modern church music is wide ranging, and it seems to become more diverse every year. It is common to have everything from spirituals, to chant, to Bach, to honky-tonk old-timey hymns in one service. Be prepared to switch between vocal styles very quickly. Recognize this will take a certain understanding of both your own voice and best practices for vocal technique. Understand the stylistic nuances of the music you will be singing. It is also helpful to bring different styles of music to a church gig audition. This way, the director can see what you are comfortable with and capable of. 

You will likely have to work with many amateur musicians and non-musicians.

I have worked in many environments where the person who plays organ for the service is a member of the congregation who simply enjoys playing. I have also worked with many singers who want to sing because they love church music and want to praise God. You are going to have a different experience at a small rural church in the hills of Pennsylvania than you will have in the middle of New York City. Amateur musicians are an integral part of church music. Instead of getting frustrated, help the other members of your choir and your worship leader with the music.

Have a general understanding of what the service means and what you are singing.

It is helpful to have a general knowledge and understanding of the service, the church’s liturgy, and the purpose of music in the service. If you are singing a Catholic mass and you are unfamiliar with how a mass works, take the time to get to know the mass parts. Watch a mass on YouTube to get a feel for what the service looks like. Know what the particular church service is about, especially if it is a special service. What are they celebrating? How does this tradition celebrate it? Why am I singing this piece? What significance does music have in this service?

Dressing well goes a long way.

I would advise over-dressing and staying away from anything considered casual. For men, dress pants, a button up shirt, and tie is appropriate. For women, dress slacks or a skirt with a blouse, or a dress is a good choice. Observe what the other members of the church and choir are wearing. For example, if you are singing with a praise band, jeans may be okay. However, unless you hear specifically that jeans are warranted, I would dress in business attire for all church gigs. 

Service are different depending on the denomination.

If you have a question, ask! Every church functions a little differently in terms of a service or mass. Ask where to sit, stand, kneel and walk. Looking involved in the service will keep you engaged and help you get hired again. Assume nothing. This is a mantra I have as a musician and a teacher, but it has also served me well as a church musician. Be over-prepared and over-organized. Have your music in order in a binder and have the accompanist’s music ready to go. Treat your church gig like a performance.

If you are a soloist choosing your own repertoire, know that simpler is better.

Generally speaking, people in a church do not want to hear Schoenberg at their weekly service. A well-done version of “How Great Thou Art” or “Deep River” will always go over better than something the general church population does not know. If you would love to sing a piece, but you are aware that it is not well known, ask the worship leader if you can speak a little bit about the piece in the service, or have something written about it in the bulletin. It is also helpful if you have a standard set of church solo repertoire you can pull for a last minute gig. Have a few spirituals, hymn arrangements, and modern Christian songs ready. Moreover, make sure your repertoire is sacred text and is appropriate for the denomination you are singing for. If you are unsure, ask the worship leader, music director, or celebrant. 

Money can be a very complicated ordeal in churches.

Most music directors will tell you how much you are going to get paid the day you land the gig. If you they do not, do not be afraid to ask them. Additionally, follow up about payment immediately after the gig. Music directors are usually organized and make sure a check gets to you immediately after the service, but in the case it slips his or her mind, take responsibility for your own payment. Understand the finances of the church do not usually lie in the hands of the music director and/or the worship leaders. It is usually in the hands of a committee. It is common for a check to take a few weeks to get to you due to budgeting and other concerns. 

Church people want to get to know you.

Many churches have coffee hour after the service. This is a time to mingle and meet people. Most church leaders want to get to know you and show their appreciation. Use this time as an educational and networking opportunity. The church is grateful for your gifts and they want to show their appreciation!