Music plays an important role in the worship services at the Eliot Church. Dr. Stephen James is the Music Director for the church and is a member ex-officio of the Music Committee.

Dr. James performs on the organ and the piano in services. A prelude and postlude, drawn from the sacred classical music repertoire, are played on the organ to begin and end each service. Hymns are sung by the congregation: both the Pilgrim Hymnbook and the Singing The Living Tradition Hymnbook are used. In addition, two interludes are played on the piano during the service. These come from a variety of sources, including traditional classical pieces, spirituals or gospel music, jazz or contemporary music, often composed by Dr. James. Guest soloists-- vocalists or instrument players-- are engaged six to eight times a year and typically perform at this time, accompanied by Dr. James.

The church has an active adult choir called the Sacred Harp Singers. This group performs in worship services about once a month and sings a style of religious folk music that had its roots in New England in the early 1700’s. The music performed is drawn from The Sacred Harp, a songbook first published in 1844. It is sung a cappella in four parts.

Music is a part of the Children’s Religious Education program at the Eliot Church. Children’s musical performance is featured in three special worship services each year.

The Eliot Church strives to bring music to the Natick community in non-worship settings. The Church is often host to musical performances and the space and acoustics are excellent for a wide variety of music. Dr. James performs at least one piano concert per year. The church is available to rent for musical performances that are appropriate to the setting and the church’s outreach activities.