Dr. Michael Burkhardt explores the complexities of supporting and leading effective congregational song – and sometimes just getting out of the way!

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Registration closes Friday, September 25 @ noon. 

Dr. Michael Burkhardt is internationally known for his sacred choral and organ compositions, hymn festivals, and for his creative work with children.

Dr. Burkhardt is Artist-Professor of Organ at Eastern Michigan University, and Founder-Artistic Director of hearts, hands and voices Worship and Fine Arts Program for Children in Southeast Michigan. From 2013-2018 he served Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Livonia, Michigan, as Cantor and from 2001-2007 he served on the faculty of Carthage College (ELCA) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as Director of Choral Activities, College Organist, and Artist in Residence. Dr. Burkhardt holds an undergraduate degree from Carthage College, a M.M. from Southern Methodist University, and a D.M.A. from Arizona State University.

He has performed and led seminars at both national and regional events for the American Guild of Organists, the Hymn Society, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, and the American Choral Directors Association, and since 2003 he has made nine performance-teaching tours to South Korea and Singapore.

In addition to his many sacred organ and choral compositions, Dr. Burkhardt also is author of Singing with Understanding  (a curriculum utilizing the great hymns, folksongs and spirituals of the Church to share faith stories and to teach the elements of music and worship), Read ‘n Ring (a graded curriculum for teaching literacy to and exploring musicianship for handbell/handchime ringers), and Worship for the Young Child (a worship resource providing engaging, inclusive worship experiences for young children with teaching guides), and Creative Hymn Playing (a hymn-based improvisation method-resource for organists).