Are you going to be interviewed for a worship position? Any job interview can be unnerving. Here are 99 great questions to think through, to help you prepare for that important interview.
Don’t let the questions intimidate you—just be prepared to give honest answers. What other questions have you been asked in an worship interview?.
Hiring a new church musician can be an exciting yet daunting task. As music plays such a vital role in worship services and other church activities it is crucial to find someone who is not only technically skilled but also a great fit for your church’s culture and needs. When interviewing potential candidates asking the right questions will help you get to know them and determine if they have what it takes to thrive in your environment.
Here are some of the key questions to consider when interviewing church musicians
Their Musical Background and Skills
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What musical training and education do you have (degrees, teachers, institutes attended, etc)? This will give you insight into their foundational knowledge.
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What instruments do you play and what is your proficiency level with each? This will help you know if they can cover the range of instruments you utilize in worship.
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What vocal skills can you offer (sightreading, range, solo/choral experience, leading hymns etc)? Even organists may need to lead music from time to time.
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What experience do you have accompanying choirs or instrumentalists? Can you provide examples of pieces you’ve accompanied? This will demonstrate their collaboration abilities.
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What times in music history do you know the most about? It helps if you know a lot about classical, baroque, or other types of music.
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Are you open to lessons/coaching to expand your skills if needed? Growth mentality is a plus.
Their Liturgical Experience
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In what types of churches have you played music? Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant can be very different.
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How familiar are you with our denomination’s worship format, liturgy, and terminology? Look for knowledge of the specifics that matter most to your tradition.
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Describe the flow of a typical service and what your role is at each stage. You need someone who is used to the sound of a church service.
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How do you choose preludes/postludes to complement other elements of the liturgy? See if they intentionally support the theme.
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Describe your process for selecting hymns each week. Do they consider the lectionary, sermon topic, and more?
Leadership and Working Style
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How do you typically prepare and communicate with choirs/musicians you lead each week? Positive rapport is key.
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If you disagreed with the pastor or worship leader about a musical choice, how would you handle it? Conflict management skills are vital.
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Tell me about a time you successfully implemented changes to a church music program. Are they a proactive changemaker or maintain the status quo?
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What are your weaknesses as a church music leader? How are you addressing them? Self-aware team players recognize their limitations.
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What do you love most about serving the church through music? Look for genuine passion and sense of call.
Goals and Hopes
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What draws you to our church and this role? Ensure there is good alignment between their desires and your church.
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What musical dreams or goals do you hope to accomplish with us? See how they envision their contribution.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years in church music? Are they invested long-term or just passing through?
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How do you measure the success and impact of your ministry? See if they value discipleship impact beyond music skills.
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What support do you need most from church leadership to thrive in this role? Make sure you can provide the empowerment they require.
Taking time to thoughtfully engage potential candidates on questions like these will help reveal much more about them than their musical prowess alone. Listen closely not only to their answers, but how they respond and carry themselves. With the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance, you will be able to discern whom God is calling to fill this vital ministry role.
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FAQ
What are the duties of a church musician?
How important are musicians to church?
What questions should you ask a minister of music?
During your interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your experience leading a choir or playing an instrument, as well as your understanding of the role of music in a church service. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips for answering common interview questions for a job as a minister of music.
What questions did they ask during your interview about music?
* 4. Has music had an effect on your mood? * 5. Have you heard of Music Therapy? * 6. Have you ever used Music Therapy? * 7. If you have used Music Therapy, did you find it helpful? * 8. Would you consider taking part in a more detailed interview on music and mood?
How do I get a church music job?
Most interviews for a church music job include an audition. The specific repertoire and skills will vary widely according to the kind of job you are applying for. (For example, organists usually play hymns, music suitable for preludes/postludes, and maybe choral accompaniments and related skills like open-score sight reading.)
How do I get a job as a minister of music?
If you’re looking for a job as a minister of music, you’ll likely need to go through an interview process. During your interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your experience leading a choir or playing an instrument, as well as your understanding of the role of music in a church service.
