Paul Westermeyer The Church Sings Martin Luther praised God’s “excellent gift of music [which] has been instilled and implanted in all creatures,” then explained that “when musical learning is added . . . which refines the natural music. . . there is nothing more amazing in this world. . . [N]ext to the Word of […]

Charlotte Kroeker, Ph.D. Executive Director, Church Music Institute The music of Advent and Christmas may be the last shared music in the English speaking world. Patriotic music, including the “Star Spangled Banner,” is almost unrecognizable as sung at sports events. Folk songs nearly have disappeared along with Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul & Mary who […]

By Robert C. Mann Resource Library Director Gordon Young (1919-1998) was a prolific American composer of choral and organ music familiar to several generations of church musicians. Young was born in McPherson, KS and took a bachelor’s degree in music at Southwestern College, Winfield, KS. He later studied organ with Alexander McCurdy at the Curtis […]

“How is the Church Music Institute funded?” is a frequent question when introducing CMI to friends and potential users of CMI resources. It is a reasonable question. The $75 membership fee giving access to thousands of titles of curated music can’t possibly fund CMI . Church musicians and clergy who are paid modestly at best […]

By Dr. John Howard Many people involved in traditional music ministry in churches these days find it a much more uphill struggle than it once was. The culture in America has changed and church attendance is the exception more than the rule. On top of that, a greater and ever-increasing divide exists between classical music […]

This lovely example of an Advent Lessons and Carols liturgy comes from Dr Don Horisberger, recently retired from the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Illinois. Dr Horisberger encourages church musicians to consider planning such a service: “One word of advice would be that anyone wishing to do this type of a service […]