LPM Information

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 1988 asked the Standing Commission on Church Music to find ways to help musicians in small churches, especially those with fewer than 100 communicants. Under the direction of Dr. Marilyn Keiser, Dr. Carol Doran and Dr. Raymond Glover, the present design of LPM was created. This is a two-year program that is taught and administered by capable local clergy and musicians, and related to its local diocese or synod. The program takes into account the musician's need for liturgical education and spiritual formation, as well as musical skills. It is intended to include interested clergy, to build community and to result in continuing collegiality among those participating.

Course writers were selected and the first Leadership Conference was held in July of 1995 to instruct appointed attendees from fifty-six dioceses how to set up and administer a local LPM program. At this point the six courses offered were:

Leadership of Congregational Song (organ and guitar)
Hymnody
Liturgical Planning
Vocal Training
Teaching New Music
Resources for an Effective Music Ministry
Philosophy of Church Music

In 1999, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was invited to become a full partner in this endeavor. This ecumenical union has resulted in revising the curriculum and creating an exciting plan for cooperative programming. The above courses have been reorganized and expanded:

Leadership of Congregational Song (now includes voice and piano)
Principles of Choral Leadership (choral conducting and voice)
Philosophy of Church Music (extended to cover both years)

To date more than 40 dioceses and synods have begun programs and twenty-three classes have graduated with more than 275 certificates awarded. Participants from other denominations have also found the courses offered through LPM to be helpful in the worship life of their churches.

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