Last month, the Music Director Search Committee surveyed 59 parishioners across both services to determine what our congregation wants in their next Director of Music Ministry. The findings reveal strong preferences for contemporary, praise-band music, while wanting to maintain a mix of styles that includes hymns, contemplative music, and more. Parishioners emphasized seeking a collaborative leader who will mentor new musicians, particularly young people; and placed a high priority on vibrant, multi-generational, participatory liturgical music.

Survey Respondents

The respondent distribution reflects active engagement across both primary Sunday morning services

• 10:30 a.m. Nave Service (In-Person): 35 respondents (59.3%)
• 9:00 a.m. All-Ages Service (In-Person): 15 respondents (25.4%)
• Both Services Regularly: 9 respondents (15.3%)

Congregational Musical Preferences

Parishioners evaluated seven musical styles and performance formats on a five-point scale measuring how strongly each element fosters an uplifted spiritual experience and closeness to God. The responses reveal that St. Timothy embraces a broad, pluralistic liturgical identity rather than a single musical genre.

Musical Style / Performance Format	Overall Average (n = 59)	9:00 a.m. All-Ages (n = 15)	10:30 a.m. Nave (n = 35)	Both Services (n = 9)
Contemporary Songs	4.5	4.1	4.6	4.6
Special Solo / Ensemble Performances (duets, choral, instrumental)	4.1	3.9	4.1	4.0
Traditional Hymns (e.g., The Hymnal 1982)	4.0	3.8	3.9	4.3
Gospels & Spirituals	4.0	3.5	4.1	4.2
Paperless / Call-and-Response (e.g,. Music that Makes Community)	3.9	4.1	3.7	4.1
Contemplative Music (e.g., Taizé and Iona chants)	3.8	3.8	3.7	4.3
Special Solo Instrument Performances (e.g., piano, organ)	3.8	3.9	3.9	3.2

Contemporary songs achieved the highest overall score registering peak enthusiasm at the 10:30am service (4.6) and among dual-service attendees (4.6). The 9am service showed an equal affinity for contemporary songs (4.1) and accessible, participatory formats, rating paperless call-and-response music at 4.1 alongside . Traditional hymns and choral ensemble offerings remain pillars of parish life, averaging 4.0 and 4.1 overall.

Congregational Instrumentation Preferences

Parish feedback suggests songs played by the band are particularly appreciated, followed by songs played on the piano. 

Candidate Priorities for the New Music Director

When selecting the top three qualifications for the incoming director, respondents coalesced around four core competencies:

• Vision for Multi-Generational Musical Engagement: Broadly prioritize across all age cohorts to ensure children, youth, and adults are integrated into musical worship.
• Strong Musical Expertise (Keyboards, Conducting, Arranging): High demand for a skilled musician capable of arranging across diverse styles and leading both instrumentalists and vocalists.
• Ability to Encourage Congregational Participation: Strong preference for a director focused on drawing out the voice of the assembly rather than presenting a detached performance.
• Versatility Across Band and Choral Leadership: Demonstrated competence in directing both contemporary bands and traditional choral ensembles, supported by sound system and streaming familiarity.

Themes from Qualitative Parish Feedback

Written comments provide clear pastoral and practical guidance for the search committee and the prospective director:

• Music Prayed, Not Performed: Parishioners repeatedly emphasized that music should foster collective prayer. The incoming director should prioritize singable ranges, clear vocal enunciation, and accessible harmonies that invite the entire congregation to participate actively.
• Honoring Two Distinct Liturgical Cultures: The 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. liturgies serve complementary needs. The 9:00 a.m. service requires engaging, accessible music suitable for growing children (without feeling juvenile). The 10:30 a.m. service balances contemporary praise with Anglican choral heritage. The parish needs a leader who values both styles without flattening their distinct identities.
• Youth Mentorship and Training: Children and youth expressed enthusiasm for singing and playing instruments, asking for opportunities such as learning drums, singing in all-ages choirs, and exploring challenging harmonies under patient guidance.
• Pastoral Sensitivity and Volunteer Care: Active musicians and choir members stressed the importance of warmth, patience, and mutual respect. Rehearsal flexibility—with Sunday afternoons and pre-service warm-ups emerging as practical options—alongside a collaborative spirit will be vital for sustaining volunteer commitment.

Thank you and Next Steps

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey.  The Music Director Search Committee will be working on a job description and job ad next.