Leadership Program for Musicians

The Leadership Program for Musicians for Musicians (LPM) is a cooperative project of the Episcopal Church, ELCA, Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and the United Church of Christ Musicians’ Association, covering key areas in church music education.  This empowering program will be offered at First Lutheran Church in Temple, TX (see brochure) .  It is open to musicians, pastors, lay persons, everyone!  The first Saturday session will be an Open House where interested parties can observe LPM in action.

LPM seeks to respond to many needs:

• Church musicians working in small churches struggle with new ways of doing things and new materials.

• Young people, who have the potential skills to be a congregation's musician, need encouragement and support.

• Established musicians value an opportunity to gather and learn from one another. 

• Pastors and laity with an interest in church music need a boost to their worship lives.

 

The program can be taken in part or whole; in other words, you can take only the classes that interest you.  However, if all course requirements are met, the LPM certificate is awarded at the successful completion of the program. Classes call on participants' imaginations and creativity, asking them to explore the different opportunities music in worship presents.  Attention is particularly given to the needs and ways of small churches. 

 

The program's ultimate goals are to give participants an increased commitment to music ministry, and self worth as lay ministers, to improve their musical, pastoral, and leadership skills, and to expand their own and their parishes' visions of the variety of music and leadership practices.

What's in it for me?

A summary of each course:

Philosophy of Music Leadership/Ministry

This course helps participants define their role as leaders in music and worship.  You assess your own parish's situation and the importance of recognizing and using the gifts members of your congregations have to offer.  Students are asked to write a short paper summarizing their understanding of church music. The course was completely rewritten in 2007.

Teaching New Music to the Congregation

This course helps you train both congregations and less able choirs.  The background and analysis of hymns and tunes, and ways in which to introduce different kinds of music not previously experienced by your congregation, are studied.  Hands-on practice with the group is included so that all can "have a go" with the encouragement of their peers. 

Leadership of Congregational Song

This course helps you develop the skills to lead the congregation in singing hymns, songs, and service music.  Teaching is given both to keyboard players (whether on organ, piano or synthesizer), cantors, and to those who play a non-keyboard instrument (guitars or other instruments).  Emphasis is placed on adapting music to a given situation, and you learn to adapt music and prepare arrangements. 

The Hymnody of the Christian Church

This survey covers historical analysis and playing and singing of materials in various styles. You also explore the resources of the hymnal's accompaniment edition and look particularly at material new to denominational hymnals.

Liturgy and Liturgical Planning: Foundations for Christian Worship

This course uses hymnals and supplements, with emphasis on developing cooperation between pastor and musician. Aims include developing awareness of the congregation's pastoral needs and the use of negotiating skills, the church year, and the role of silence in worship.

Resources for an Effective Music Program

This course looks at the congregations and worship committees, and at the help we need for our jobs, local resources, methods of communication, networks, and collegial assistance. It also covers practical concerns such as simplifying music for particular situations, arranging hymns and service music as anthems, children/youth choirs, handbells, and developing skills in critical thinking and analysis as a help in decision making.

Principles of Choral Leadership

This class consists of two five-week courses: Conducting for Church Musicians and Voice Training for Choirs

LPM prepares capable and confident worship leaders who will enable their congregations to sing well and take their part in the liturgy of the church. 

If you have ANY questions about the LPM program, contact Marsha Seale: mkseale52@msn.com A descriptive brochure with complete information is available. For general information about the Leadership Program for Musicians, visit www.lpm-online.org.