Opportunities for Professional Development

Do musicians in the Canadian Reformed Churches have opportunities to participate in professional development? We are a small federation, spread out, with limited resources. Nevertheless there are tremendous opportunities. Let’s explore a few options. 

First, the local music school or music educators. It is possible to take music lessons, and at an older age one can discuss the path of learning and topics with the teacher. In some cases it is possible to take group lessons and learn in that way from each other. With a private teacher it is sometimes possible to arrange lessons periodically, i.e. not every week, or study a composer, a style, time period, or another specific subject.

Second, If close to another congregation one could set up meetings with musicians  of the other congregations  and meet to play, exchange experiences, invite a guest speaker, etc. this group could also include musicians that don’t play in church but can be of support.

Third, When located in a larger city one could join the RCCO. This organization has a wealth of resources in materials and people for church musicians. In 2003 the RCCO Centre of Vancouver organized a set of workshops in the Canadian Reformed Maranatha church in Surrey BC. Montreal organist Marc D’Anjou was one of the lecturers, and all of the local church musicians were invited to participate. Organist Jan Overduin gave a concert and organ workshop in the Langley Canadian Reformed church in 2009, where all travel expenses and fees were paid by the RCCO. Only two examples of many, which are possible by involvement, interaction and initiative as a member.

Fourth. Another aspect of RCCO are the certifications. The test for the Accompaniment Diploma examines for skills and knowledge of congregational accompaniment, and pre- and post service music. Passing the exam gives an indication that the student is capable of accompanying the congregation, using preludes and postludes, and select appropriate church music before and after the church service. It also indicates that the candidate is determined to increase skills and abilities, and takes the musical task serious.

Fifth, there are DVDs available, which can be watched individually or together. The AGO has done a great job by publishing Master Classes with talented and skilled organists. Most of them have a lifetime of experience with playing an instrument and more important accompanying congregations. Another 80 minute DVD is published specifically about accompanying the congregation. This is a lecture and workshop at the same time. Last year some workshops at the annual AGO convention are recorded and available on DVD (such as an improvisation workshop). Excellent material to study and evaluate together determining the application for ourselves.

Sixth, invite a clinician for a workshop in your own church. Provide the clinician with a few topic(s) where he or she can choose from. Invite musicians from other congregations as well. This event increases in value when there is a follow up meeting the following week to evaluate and discuss the application of the workshop locally.

Seventh, the RCCO and the AGO organize annual conferences. During these conferences there are lectures, workshops, concerts that can be attended for a week long. Music publishers are displaying new sheet music and some electronic organ companies demonstrate their latest models. Organized visits to worthwhile local organs, especially when they have historical value. The RCCO conference is small in setup and provides excellent opportunities to connect with other Canadian musicians. The AGO conference is grand, with a wealth of resources, workshops, events, and concerts.

These are some examples that church musicians can utilize to increase their knowledge and skills, and through interaction with other musicians gain enouragement, motivation and regain dedication to the task at hand.

To conclude, church musicians could benefit from professional development and congregations benefit from the professional development of their church musicians. There are opportunities for professional development for church musicians, however these opportunities are not always leveraged to their full potential. 

Participation requires a willingness to learn, being open, and even being vulnerable to a certain extend. It could be uncomfortable, for the person who has a desire to play in church one day, and for the person who has played for decades, and created a comfort zone.

What could be done? Church musicians, get together and brainstorm about your options with an open mind, maximizing the opportunities. Let cost not be a limiting factor – that is for the church to decide.
Consistories, mandate your church musicians (music committee) to design an annual plan for professional development and let them report on the results in the future. Also make resources available, which could be funds, time, good instruments, etc. Church music should be an ongoing priority, and have office bearers  continuous interest.
Church members could encourage their church councils, as well as their church musicians. It is very important to hear, “Very nice this morning, that piece before the service” after the organist spent six weeks of practice to master this piece. When the singing improves and organists become more unified, it would be wonderful to let the organists know. After all church musicians also need Gods grace; their work is not perfect. Yet, their work is Soli Deo Gloria – as J.S. Bach always wrote on his compositions.