As well as established church musicians, young people with potential talent should be sought out and encouraged. The program's ultimate goals are to give participants an increased sense of vocational awareness, 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 that are appropriate to the liturgies of the Lutheran and Episcopal Churches and their members' life of faith. Summary of Courses and Workshops YEAR ONE Leadership and Accompaniment of Congregational Song Techniques are introduced for leading congregational singing using a wide range of musical styles, including those, which are expressive of cultures other than one's own. Approaches to developing liturgical leadership skills using other instruments or voice alone may also be included as requested. Good Liturgy A study of the basic ordo of the Christian church, and how our specific Lutheran and Episcopal lenses, including the Book of Common Prayer and the Augsburg Confession, color our liturgies.
Attention is given to how the role of the cantor flows from our understanding of the liturgy.
Two five-week courses Conducting for Church Musicians, and Voice Training for Choirs. Includes analysis of music as well as techniques useful in introducing new texts and music. Group presentation in each session assists to embolden shy people and build public leadership confidence. Resources for an Effective Music Ministry Attention is given to the many facets of music ministry resources including interpersonal and group dynamics as well. A Philosophy of Church Music Intended to be an overarching course interacting with study in all other areas.