SE06 EP01 - Priests and Musicians Working Together: Salaries, Contracts, and All the Practical Stuff - with Michael Olbash
Feb 24, 2024
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Explore the dynamics of salaries and contracts between musicians and priests in the realm of sacred music with guest Michael Olbash. Learn about the expectations and responsibilities of musicians in parish settings, hiring the right fit for music director and organist positions, and navigating stable employment amidst pastoral changes. Discover fair compensation schemes for musicians in parish settings and considerations for substitutes and fair compensation.
Church musicians should expect fair employment terms including salary, health insurance, and clear job descriptions.
Pastors should prioritize sacred music in the parish, allocating significant budget, and aligning with church precepts.
Musicians are responsible for various tasks including conducting choirs, arranging music, and adhering to copyright regulations.
Deep dives
Expectations for Church Musicians
Church musicians can expect terms of employment similar to any employer, including salary, health insurance, vacation, and clear job descriptions. Specific to Roman Catholic Church musicians, full support for fulfilling duties in line with church precepts is expected, alongside integration into parish spiritual life and involvement in professional organizations.
Expectations for Pastors
Pastors are expected to evaluate the role of sacred music in the parish, aligning it with church precepts and planning for significant financial allocation towards music programs. The rule of spending about 15% of the parish budget on sacred music is suggested, varying based on the parish size and budget. Pastors should prioritize the worship of God through a well-structured sacred music program.
Musician's Responsibilities
Musicians are expected to conduct choirs, play instruments, arrange music, coordinate with parish activities, maintain music libraries, organize worship materials, and adhere to copyright regulations. Balancing multiple responsibilities may necessitate prioritization based on available time and resources.
Determining Full-Time vs. Part-Time Positions
Most church music positions should be considered full-time to ensure dedication to parish duties. Evaluating the number of ensembles, masses, and office hours required, pastors should aim for a musician who can fully commit to the parish's musical needs. It's crucial to articulate clearly defined job expectations to enhance effective music ministry.
Managing Vacation and Substitutes
Vacation policies for church musicians should align with diocesan regulations and consider the structure of parish liturgical seasons. Pastors and musicians should agree on vacation terms, including the handling of substitutes and budgeting for extras such as weddings and funerals. Open communication and fairness in compensating subs during musician vacations are essential for a harmonious working relationship.
Join us as we discuss the expectations musicians and priests should have in working together, and some best practices for working out all the practical details. Our guest is Prof. Michael Olbash, director of sacred music at the Boston seminaries of St. John Seminary and Pope John XXIII Seminary.