Responsibilities of the Church Musician Education of the Church Musician

From the Open Files of: Eastern Minnesota Resource Center, 2481 Como Ave. St. Paul. MN 55108-1445 Contributed by: Grace Notes • Newsletter of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians: Kurt Amolsch - Professional Concerns

Responsibilities of the Church Musician and Education of the Church Musician. The intent in drawing up the Responsibilities list was to present as complete a picture as possible of all those things a church musician might do. Hopefully, the list will be an empowering tool in the church-to recognize the church musician's capabilities in the parish, and to paint a broader vision of activity and ministry in church music. It is not the intent of the document to intimidate or limit. Responsibilities of the Church Musician This is a list of potential responsibilities. Some musicians will do everything listed here; most will do much less. Please do not be intimidated or limited by this list. 1) Administrate all aspects of the music life of the Parish/school -schedule rehearsals -interview and hire additional staff (professional and volunteer) -coordinate all music for worship -select classroom music and worship curriculum -determine and administrate annual music budget -maintain music library and supervise maintenance of all instruments 2) Relationship with the Pastor - regular meeting time - engender partnership - determination of worship responsibilities - worship planning 3) Plan music - select the music for congregational song (liturgical ordinary, hymns, psalms) - select attendant choral, organ, and instrumental music. 4) Practice - for worship - for rehearsals 5) Play for all services of the church, as well as weddings and funerals 6) Rehearse, educate, train choirs, soloists, instrumentalists 7) Meet with standing committees of the church - especially Worship and Music - engender relationships - lead and teach regarding worship matters - awareness of and coordination with other committee work in the church 8) Teach - in rehearsal - in adult education settings - in church 9) Write for the parish -in the Sunday bulletin -in the newsletter 10) Compose music for the parish 11) Plan concert series 12) Spend social time with the people-at and away from church 13) Recruit 14) Continue to grow professionally - join professional organizations - read journals - attend workshops/seminars 15) Bring new resources and ideas to the parish worship life The second document presents a list of learning categories for the complete education of the church musician. Hopefully, the document will serve as a reference to Lutheran colleges and seminaries, as well as to Lutheran church musicians and their parishes. Thus, the list might stimulate discussion regarding church music curriculum, encourage young musicians to further education in acknowledged deficiencies, and motivate all church musicians to a life of learning. Education of the Church Musician A musician seeking to serve the church should - seek musical training which would include: - music theory - music history - conducting - keyboard (in a diversity of styles) - voice and vocal pedagogy - philosophy and principles of music education - seek training in church music which would include: - basic Biblical studies - basic Lutheran theology - history of church music - Lutheran tradition and practice - worship planning and materials - pastoral care - seek to develop leadership capabilities which would include: -ability to engender and develop personal relationships -organizational skills -communication skills -educational skills -openness to lifelong learning All ALCM members are encouraged to view these additions and revisions also on our website: www.alcm.org Kurt Amolsch Professional Concerns

[ MUSIC ] • [ HOME ] © Copyright 2001 by the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center. Please see our usage policy. NW Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center