Director of Music
228 Years. One Extraordinary Opening.
Are you called to lead one of the most distinguished sacred music programs in American church music?
The Invitation
We are seeking a Director of Music, Organist, and Choral Conductor.
Since 1798, St. John United Methodist Church has been a vibrant and welcoming pillar of spiritual and cultural life in Augusta, Georgia. Under Jamie Council Garvey’s leadership for the last 45 years, the music program has become the church’s calling card to the local community and beyond. The choir has served in residence at Westminster Abbey, recorded two professional albums, and worked with prominent guest conductors including John Rutter, Joseph Flummerfelt, Alice Parker, Ann Jones, Mack Wilberg, Andre Thomas, Henry Leck, Eric Nelson, Brad Holmes, and Amanda Quist. The church is also home to a three-manual Dobson pipe organ from the same builder behind the organs at Verizon Hall, St. Thomas Church New York, and Merton College, Oxford. Our congregation is accustomed to the best in traditional sacred music.
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The Foundation
St. John is fully invested in its music ministry, most recently demonstrated by the replacement of a Steinway grand piano lost to Hurricane Helene with a new instrument imported from Germany. The Dobson organ, the professional recordings, the Westminster Abbey residency — none of it happened by accident. This is a congregation with a deeply rooted and well-funded commitment to musical excellence.
The Chancel Choir is more than an ensemble. Our choir is a community of friends.
As Jamie transitions to Director of Music Emeritus, you inherit deep roots in Augusta’s arts community and a program built to last. What you bring is your vision. The foundation is yours.
The Role
This is a full-time, salaried position centered on Sunday morning worship at 11:00 a.m. The full Chancel Choir sings every Sunday. Wednesday evenings belong to rehearsal. The role also includes oversight of the Concerts with a Cause series and coordination with children’s, youth, and handbell choirs. The rest of the week is yours to plan, prepare, and build.
You will work alongside a pastor and congregation who take the music ministry seriously — and invest in it accordingly.
What We’re Looking For
A musician with exceptional proficiency in organ and piano, experience leading choirs, and the interpersonal gifts to inspire volunteers. A deep personal faith, an understanding of music as theology, and a passion for helping people encounter God through music are as important as the performance credentials. Connections in the church music world are a plus. Bachelor’s degree required. Background check required.
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Life in Augusta
Augusta is Georgia’s second-largest city, a 290-year-old river city, home to Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, and the city that gave the world James Brown and Jessye Norman. The broader Central Savannah River Area, a bi-state region spanning eastern Georgia and western South Carolina, is home to 750,000 residents and growing. The cost of living runs 15 percent below the national average, with a median home price of $225,000 and housing costs 35 percent below the U.S. norm.
Housing inventory is healthy and varied, from downtown lofts and restored historic homes, to newer construction in surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. St. John is connected to a local realtor who can help candidates get oriented before making any decisions.
Atlanta is 2 hours west. The South Carolina coast is 2.5 hours southeast. The North Georgia mountains are 3.5 hours northwest.
Compensation
Salary Range: $60,000-$75,000 (Commensurate with experience) plus Benefits
The Process
Deadline to apply: July 5, 2026. Auditions begin in late August.
Submit a résumé, short biography, two contrasting organ performance videos (unedited, fixed camera, no more than one year old), and three references.
Final candidates will lead a Chancel Choir rehearsal and the Sunday 11:00 a.m. service — playing the organ and conducting the choir. A prelude of their choice (5 minutes maximum) and postlude (8 minutes maximum). Service anthems and responses will be provided two weeks prior to the audition.
St. John is an inclusive and reconciling congregation. Everyone who walks through our doors is welcome here.
Learn more: stjohnaugusta.org/inclusion-statement/
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Email: Jobs@stjohnaugusta.org
Or visit stjohnaugusta.org and select the Apply portal on the home page.
Questions? Contact Rev. Jenny Anderson (770) 855-4012
St. John United Methodist Church | 736 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901