Duke Chapel Organ Scholar

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 277145

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: CENTRAL ADMIN MANAGEMENT CTR

Date: Nov 12, 2026

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Organ Scholar

Duke University Chapel
Durham, North Carolina
Academic Year 2027–2028 (August 2027 – June 2028)
Full-Time | Benefits Eligible | Housing Provided

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the unique talents every team member brings to our community. As the Organ Scholar, you will join a distinguished music ministry and academic environment where artistic excellence, liturgical leadership, and professional growth are deeply valued.

Established in 2015, Duke University Chapel's Organ Scholar Program provides an immersive experience for emerging professional organists seeking advanced training in liturgical music, choral accompaniment, service playing, and church music leadership. Working alongside nationally recognized musicians and clergy, you will contribute meaningfully to the worship life of Duke Chapel while refining your artistry on some of the finest instruments available in higher education.

You'll have access to Duke University Chapel's renowned organs, the instruments at Duke Divinity School, a Bösendorfer grand piano, multiple harpsichords, and numerous practice instruments within Duke University's Department of Music.

Be Bold.

As an integral member of the Chapel Music staff, you will help shape worship experiences and musical programming while developing your professional skills through mentorship, performance opportunities, and hands-on leadership experience.

What You'll Do

Lead and Support Liturgical Music

Serve as the principal accompanist for the Evensong Singers, supporting anthems, psalmody, and congregational hymn singing.
Prepare and perform preludes, postludes, and additional service music for worship and special events.
Assist with organ demonstrations and educational presentations featuring the Chapel's historic instruments.
Attend and actively participate in worship services, rehearsals, sectionals, and special musical events.

Collaborate with Ensembles and Musicians

Support the musical activities of the Chapel Choir, Evensong Singers, and Schola Cantorum.
Learn and perform continuo accompaniments and solo repertoire for early music programming.
Participate in major sacred music presentations, including potential performances of Bach cantatas and Handel's Messiah.
Engage in regular meetings, coaching sessions, and lessons with Chapel Music staff.

Advance Professional Development

Maintain a consistent practice schedule utilizing Chapel, Divinity School, and Department of Music instruments.
Research and prepare program notes and educational content for Evensong services and special worship events.
Develop specialized skills in service playing, choral accompaniment, improvisation, conducting, continuo realization, or other areas of professional interest.
Prepare for recital performances and professional certifications, including American Guild of Organists (AGO) examinations, under the mentorship of Chapel Music staff.

Serve the Broader Duke Community

Serve as organist for approximately fifteen weddings during the academic year.
Support academic ceremonies, funerals, and special university events as opportunities arise.
Contribute to a welcoming and collaborative environment that supports the Chapel's mission of worship, learning, and service.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Organ Performance, or equivalent professional certification through the American Guild of Organists (AGO) or Royal College of Organists (RCO).
Demonstrated commitment to a career in church music and liturgical leadership.
Experience accompanying choirs and supporting ensemble rehearsals and performances.
Advanced proficiency in public performance of organ repertoire.

Preferred Qualifications

Exceptional sight-reading skills.
Experience conducting choirs or ensembles.
Strong oral and written communication abilities.
Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Ability to thrive in a professional, service-oriented environment.

Growth and Development Opportunities

At Duke, you'll have opportunities to:

Perform on world-class instruments in one of the nation's premier university chapels.
Work closely with experienced church musicians and educators.
Expand expertise in liturgical performance, accompaniment, conducting, and sacred music leadership.
Build a professional repertoire and performance portfolio.
Pursue professional certifications and recital opportunities with individualized mentorship.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is consistently recognized for excellence in education, research, healthcare, and community engagement. As a member of the Chapel Music team, you'll become part of a vibrant and collaborative environment where artistic excellence and professional growth are encouraged and supported.

What We Offer

Competitive full-time compensation.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Housing provided.
Access to exceptional musical instruments and facilities.
Professional mentorship and development opportunities.
A collaborative and supportive artistic community.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply through Duke Careers and submit:

A one-page cover letter describing your qualifications and professional interests.
Curriculum vitae and repertoire list.
A document containing URLs for up to five recordings demonstrating organ performance, congregational leadership, choral accompaniment, or continuo playing.
Contact information for three professional references.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by December 1, 2026. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

Join us and help inspire worship, learning, and musical excellence at Duke University Chapel.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $26.05. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).