Excerpt from "Grant Fuels Music Education"

(reprinted by permission from the Virginia Episcopalian)

By Emily Cherry

While the Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is a certification program, designed to provide continuing education for musicians, clergy and lay leaders, the program goes beyond those basic goals. It also fosters a sense of collegiality with fellow musicians, as well as a partnership with church colleagues, explains the Rev. Eric Moehring, pastor of Christ Church Lutheran, Richmond and an LPM faculty member.  The focus of LPM is on churches that might not otherwise have access to these continuing education resources. LPM “helps musicians in middle size and smaller congregations who may not have had extensive training to be able to work with their pastor or rector to provide strong leadership,” said Mr. Moerhing.  But LPM’s courses are not just for musicians. An important part of LPM is its inclusivity. The program encourages church musicians, choir members, worship/ liturgy committee members, vestry members, clergy and parishioners to attend.  Mr. Moehring urges that “clergy support and vestry support are really important” to the collaborative nature of LPM.

Courses in the two-year program vary in format and structure—some are lectures, some are more hands-on—and range from studying the philosophy behind church music to how to teach new music to a congregation.  Participants not only learn valuable skills, but also build a network of colleagues. “Hymnody of the Christian Church” offers a study of the schools and styles of hymns, while “Principles of Choral Leadership” focuses on choral conducting and voice training. “Liturgy and Music” explores the foundations of the Christian Church by examining the church year, the lectionary and theology. “Resources for an Effective Music Ministry” emphasizes the nuts-and- bolts approach to finding tools and ministry to facilitate your job.

Although LPM started in the Episcopal Church, it’s grown to be an ecumenical program, including members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as well as others.  But overcoming differences between the denominations, said Mr. Moehring, is not an obstacle: “We find . . . that our theology and biblical basis for worship is all the same.”

After completing two years’ worth of sessions, participants earn a certificate. But they also earn increased musical, pastoral and leadership skills, as well as a better understanding of how music and liturgy interact in the church setting.

LPM Graduation Pictures from May 14, 2011

A graduation service for three students who completed the two year program was held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.  The graduates planned the entire service and participated as musicians and lectors.  Board President, The Reverend Ruth Partlow, was the celebrant.  Faculty member, The Reverend Eric Moehring, presented the Homily.  Shown in the pictures below: Barbara Stefan reads the lessons for the service and is shown receiving her LPM certificate. Barbara Stefan, Becky Stewart, and Carrie Hillman are pictured after the service.