These instructions can help provide an understanding of principles, policies,
and procedures regarding music in the Church.
Importance of Music
Hymns and other appropriate music, whether played or sung, are important in
Church meetings, in homes, and in personal lives. In a revelation to the Prophet
Joseph Smith, the Lord said, "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart;
yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered
with a blessing upon their heads" (D&C 25:12).
The First Presidency said:
"Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns
invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as
members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.
"Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns
move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the
weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end" ( Hymns,
page ix).
Music in the Home
Priesthood leaders and music leaders should encourage Church members to use
uplifting music in their homes, to have a copy of the hymnbook and the
Children's Songbook, and to sing this music as families. Concerning the
importance of music in the home, the First Presidency said:
"The hymns can bring families a spirit of beauty and peace and can inspire
love and unity among family members. Teach your children to love the hymns. Sing
them on the Sabbath, in home evening, during scripture study, at prayer time.
Sing as you work, as you play, and as you travel together. Sing hymns as
lullabies to build faith and testimony in your young ones" ( Hymns,
page x).
Members may use Church–produced recordings to accompany singing and to help
them learn the hymns and Primary songs. These recordings are listed in the
annual Church Materials Catalog .
Parents should encourage their children to receive instruction in musical
skills (see "Music Training," pages 293–94 of the Church Handbook of
Instructions, Book 2).
The bishopric could assign sacrament meeting speakers to talk about using
music in the home. Occasionally a family could sing a favorite hymn or Primary
song as a musical selection in sacrament meeting.
Music in Church Meetings
Appropriate Music for Church Meetings
Stake presidencies and bishoprics determine whether musical selections or
instruments are suitable for a particular meeting. Careful selection and proper
performance of music can greatly enhance the spirit of worship. Guidelines are
provided in the following paragraphs.
The hymns of the Church are the basic music for Latter-day Saint meetings and
are standard for all congregational singing. Hymns are also encouraged for
prelude and postlude music, choir music, and special selections. If other
musical selections are used, they should be in keeping with the spirit of the
hymns of the Church. Texts should be doctrinally correct. (See "Hymns for
Congregations," Hymns, pages 380–81.)
Music in Church meetings should help members worship, feel the sacred spirit
of the Sabbath, and feel the spirit of revelation. This music should not draw
attention to itself or be for demonstration. Some religiously oriented music in
a popular style is not appropriate for sacrament meetings. Also, much sacred
music that is suitable for concerts and recitals is not appropriate for a
Latter-day Saint worship service.
Organs and pianos are the standard instruments used in Church meetings. If
other instruments are used, their use should be in keeping with the spirit of
the meeting. Instruments with a prominent or less worshipful sound, such as most
brass and percussion, are not appropriate for sacrament meeting.
Live accompaniment is normally used in sacrament and other ward meetings. If
a piano, organ, or accompanist is not available, appropriate recordings may be
used. Such recordings are listed in the annual Church Materials Catalog
.
Music in Church meetings should usually be sung in the language of the
congregation.
Standard Musical Elements in Church Meetings
Prelude and Postlude Music
Quiet prelude and postlude music creates an atmosphere of worship that
invites the Spirit into Church meetings. The organist or pianist usually plays
hymns or other appropriate music for five to ten minutes before and after a
meeting. Playing hymns helps members review gospel teachings in their minds.
Occasionally ward or stake choirs may also provide prelude music.
Congregational Singing
Most Church meetings are enhanced by the singing of hymns. Priesthood leaders
and music leaders should encourage all members to participate in congregational
singing.
Special Musical Selections
Musical selections that are presented by choirs can contribute greatly to the
beauty and spirituality of Church meetings. Selections that are presented by
vocal and instrumental soloists and small groups can also enhance Church
meetings and can supplement choir music for sacrament meetings. Hymns and other
appropriate selections may be used.
Music for Stake Meetings
Under the direction of the stake presidency, the stake music chairman
arranges for the music at stake conferences and other stake meetings. The
presiding authority at a stake conference reviews all proposed musical
selections for the conference early in the planning stage.
Music for the general session of stake conference normally includes four
selections. The congregation sings the opening and intermediate hymns. A choir
may sing the other two selections, perhaps after the invocation and at the close
of the meeting. At least one of the choir's selections should be a Latter-day
Saint hymn or hymn arrangement. Choirs may be composed of ward choirs or may be
special choirs of children, youth, priesthood holders, Relief Society sisters,
or families.
Music for Ward Meetings
Sacrament Meetings
Opening and closing hymns in sacrament meetings are usually sung by the
congregation. The sacrament hymn is always sung by the congregation.
Special musical selections or a congregational hymn may be scheduled
following the sacrament or between speakers. Such selections may be presented by
the ward choir, other choirs, small groups, or individuals. The bishopric
decides what music is appropriate.
If a musical program is presented, it should be simple, reverent, and short
enough to allow a spoken message. Sacrament meetings should not be turned over
to outside musical groups. Recitals, concerts, and pageantry are not appropriate
in sacrament meeting.
The ward choir should sing in sacrament meeting at least once or twice a
month.
Priesthood and Auxiliary Meetings
The bishopric oversees music in ward priesthood meetings. Relief Society,
Young Women, and Primary leaders oversee music in their organizations' meetings
(for more information, see the section for each organization).
Music for Special Meetings
Baptisms
Music for baptismal services may include prelude music, an opening hymn, a
special musical selection, interlude music or hymn singing while participants
dress, a closing hymn, and postlude music. Well-known hymns and Primary songs
are most appropriate.
Weddings
Music for a wedding ceremony that is held in a home or Church building might
include prelude music, hymns, special musical selections, and postlude music.
When a wedding ceremony is held in a Church building, a wedding march is not
appropriate.
Funerals
Music for funerals might include prelude music, an opening hymn, special
musical selections, a closing hymn, and postlude music. Simple hymns and other
songs with gospel messages are most appropriate for these occasions. Opening and
closing hymns are usually sung by the congregation.
Activities
When stakes, wards, quorums, or auxiliaries plan activities that will include
music, they can get help from the stake or ward music chairman and from the
stake or ward activities music specialists. These music leaders may be asked to
organize or recommend music for road shows, cultural arts evenings, dances,
choral groups, and other programs. These music leaders also may work with youth
leaders to recommend meaningful music activities for youth.
Some cultural and recreational music may be presented in the chapel on
weekdays. Often, however, the cultural hall is a more appropriate setting for
such music. Local priesthood leaders resolve questions about what music is
appropriate for the chapel. Applause is usually not appropriate in the chapel.
For information about calling activities music specialists, see page 273 in
the "Activities" section of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2.
Choirs
Ward choirs and other special choirs can teach and inspire Church members.
Choirs are encouraged to use the hymnbook as their basic resource because the
hymns teach the truths of the restored gospel. Hymn arrangements and other
appropriate choral works may also be used. (See "Appropriate Music for Church
Meetings," page 289 in the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2.)
Information about using the hymns for choirs is also provided in Hymns,
pages 381–83. Additional information about conducting choirs is in the
Conducting Course manual, pages 73–83.
Auditions are not usually conducted when organizing Church choirs.
Ward Choirs
Every ward should have an active ward choir. Priesthood leaders establish a
time for choir rehearsals that is free from scheduling conflicts. Rehearsals
usually do not exceed one hour.
The ward choir should sing in sacrament meeting at least once or twice a
month. Choirs can be used to help members become more familiar with the hymns
and to introduce them to lesser-known hymns.
Other Choirs
In addition to the ward choir, other choirs from the ward, including Relief
Society, priesthood, youth, children's, and family choirs, may be invited to
sing hymns and other appropriate musical selections in Church meetings.
Stake and Multistake Choirs
Stake and multistake choirs may be organized with priesthood leaders'
approval for stake and regional conferences and for other occasions such as
community events. After the performance, the choir is disbanded until other
occasions arise. These choirs should not interfere with members' participation
in ward choirs.
Stake Music Leadership
Stake Presidency
The stake presidency oversees stake music.
Stake Music Adviser
The stake presidency appoints a high councilor to be the stake music adviser.
Under the presidency's direction, he supervises the music program in the stake.
He also advises the stake music chairman.
He communicates information between the stake presidency and the stake music
chairman. He also represents the music program in stake council meetings. He may
present proposals for stake music training, stake music programs, and music for
stake meetings to the stake presidency for approval.
With the stake presidency's approval, the stake music adviser may issue
callings for members to serve in stake music positions.
Stake Music Chairman
A member of the stake presidency or an assigned high councilor calls and sets
apart a stake music chairman. A man or woman may serve in this calling. The
stake music adviser may recommend whom to call.
Under the direction of the stake presidency, the stake music chairman has the
following responsibilities:
- Serve as a resource to the stake presidency on music matters.
- Schedule music and musicians for stake conference sessions, stake general
priesthood meetings, stake priesthood leadership meetings, and other stake
meetings and events as directed.
- Assist ward music chairmen by meeting with them at ward conference time or
by communicating at other times as needed.
- Serve as a resource to stake auxiliary leaders in providing music training
and meeting other music needs as requested.
- Recommend and supervise music training programs in the stake.
- Recommend and implement stake music programs.
- Recommend music specialists for stake music programs, activities, and
training.
Stake Music Specialists
A member of the stake presidency or an assigned high councilor may call stake
music specialists. The stake music chairman may recommend whom to call. Under
the direction of the stake presidency, these specialists may be assigned to
provide music for a particular stake meeting every time that meeting occurs.
They also may be assigned to provide music training in the stake (see pages
293–94 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2).
Stake Activities Music Specialist
See page 273 in the "Activities" section of the Church Handbook of
Instructions, Book 2.
Stake Primary Music Leader
See page 230 in the "Primary" section of the Church Handbook of
Instructions, Book 2.
Ward Music Leadership
Bishopric
The bishopric oversees ward music.
Ward Music Adviser
The ward music adviser is a member of the bishopric. He coordinates music in
the ward and oversees the ward music chairman. He recommends members to serve in
ward music positions, counseling with the ward music chairman as needed.
The ward music adviser communicates information between the bishopric and the
ward music chairman. He also represents the music program in ward leadership
meetings. He may present proposals for ward music training and ward music
programs to the bishopric for approval.
Ward Music Chairman
A member of the bishopric calls and sets apart a ward music chairman. A man
or woman may serve in this calling.
Under the direction of the ward music adviser, the ward music chairman has
the following responsibilities:
- Serve as a resource to the bishopric on music matters.
- Arrange for effective, appropriate music in sacrament meetings and other
ward meetings. This includes obtaining a schedule of future sacrament meeting
topics from the ward music adviser, overseeing the ward music director in
selecting hymns that correlate with the topics, and giving the recommendations
to the ward music adviser for approval. The chairman may follow a similar
process for other ward meetings as needed. He or she also arranges for the
performance of special musical selections in sacrament meetings and other ward
meetings and events.
- Serve as a resource to ward auxiliary leaders in providing music training
and meeting other music needs as requested.
- Recommend and supervise music training programs in the ward.
- Recommend and implement ward music programs.
- Recommend members to fill ward music positions as requested by the ward
music adviser. Supervise the ward music staff in their responsibilities.
- Meet or communicate with the stake music chairman as needed to obtain help
and direction in these responsibilities.
Ward Music Director
A member of the bishopric calls and sets apart a ward music director. Under
the direction of the ward music chairman, the music director recommends and
conducts the congregational hymns for sacrament meetings and for other ward
meetings as requested. To recommend hymns for sacrament meetings, the music
director obtains a schedule of future topics from the ward music chairman,
selects hymns that correlate with the topics, consults with the organist, and
gives the recommendations to the ward music chairman to obtain the bishopric's
approval.
Ward Organist or Pianist
A member of the bishopric calls and sets apart a ward organist or pianist to
provide prelude and postlude music and accompaniment for hymns at sacrament
meeting and other ward meetings as requested.
Ward Choir Director
A member of the bishopric calls and sets apart a ward choir director. The
choir director recommends music to be sung by the choir, coordinating with the
ward music chairman. The director also rehearses the choir and conducts choir
performances.
Ward Choir Accompanist
A member of the bishopric calls and sets apart a ward choir accompanist. He
or she accompanies choir rehearsals and performances.
Ward Choir Officers
The bishopric may call a ward choir president. He or she sees that choir
members are encouraged to attend rehearsals and performances. The president also
arranges for prayers and conducts choir business.
As needed and with the bishopric's approval, the ward choir director or
president may appoint choir members to the positions of choir secretary,
librarian, and section leaders.
The secretary records choir attendance and helps the president encourage
choir members to attend.
The librarian works with the choir director and meetinghouse library staff to
obtain, store, and return the music used by the choir.
Section leaders help the choir director rehearse sections of the choir and
encourage attendance.
Ward Choir Members
Ward members may participate voluntarily in the ward choir, or the bishopric
may invite or call them to participate. Choir members should be dependable in
attending rehearsals and performances and contribute to the success of the
choir.
Priesthood Music Director and Pianist or Organist
A member of the bishopric calls and sets apart a priesthood music director
and a priesthood pianist or organist.
Under the direction of the bishopric, the music director recommends and
conducts the hymns for the opening exercises of priesthood meetings. He consults
with the pianist or organist in making these selections.
The pianist or organist provides prelude and postlude music and accompaniment
for hymns in the opening exercises of priesthood meetings.
Ward Activities Music Specialist
See page 273 in the "Activities" section of the Church Handbook of
Instructions, Book 2.
Ward Auxiliary Music Directors and Pianists
See page 198 in the "Relief Society" section, page 218 in the "Young Women"
section, and page 232 in the "Primary" section of the Church Handbook of
Instructions, Book 2.
Music Training
Organizing Music Training Programs
With the approval of priesthood leaders, stake and ward music chairmen may
arrange for music training courses, seminars, and workshops. They may recommend
to priesthood leaders the names of qualified instructors who could provide this
training. Training may also be provided to individuals as needed. No fee is
charged for Church-sponsored training.
Music training programs may be provided for those who are currently serving
in music positions and those who may serve in the future. Participants could
include stake and ward music directors, choir directors, pianists, and
organists. Groups of other interested youth or adults, including prospective
missionaries, could also participate.
Ward music chairmen should help find opportunities for developing musicians
to use their talents.
Providing Regular Music Training
Stake and ward music chairmen could establish a schedule of regular music
training. An annual pattern of training could include ward conducting courses,
training for choir directors, ward keyboard courses, and stake or ward organ
training courses.
Subjects of instruction could include organizing the music program, improving
congregational singing, strengthening ward choirs, and making sure that music in
Church meetings is appropriate. Other subjects could include encouraging members
to use music in their homes, identifying members who have musical talent,
providing training programs, and working with activities music directors or
cultural arts directors to plan music activities.
The Basic Music Course can be used in music training. It helps members learn
to conduct hymns, play them on the piano, and teach conducting and keyboard
skills to others. The course has two parts: the Conducting Course and the
Keyboard Course. The Conducting Course should be completed first. The Music
Training videocassette can also be used in training sessions, in auxiliary
meetings, and in the home to introduce members to conducting skills.
The stake music chairman organizes training for choir directors. If a stake
specialist is not available to provide this training, ward choir directors could
meet together to exchange ideas, or the stake presidency could request help from
outside the stake. The Conducting Course manual, pages 73–83, provides
basic instruction for organizing and conducting choirs.
When there is no reasonable alternative, priesthood leaders may authorize the
use of meetinghouse pianos and organs for practice, paid private instruction,
and recitals involving members of the units that use the meetinghouse. No
admittance fee should be charged for recitals.
Obtaining and Using Music
An initial supply of hymnbooks is provided to new meetinghouses. Additional
hymnbooks, choral music, and other music should be purchased with stake or ward
budget allowance funds. Priesthood leaders may invite stake and ward music
chairmen to submit annual budgets for this music. Music that is purchased with
stake or ward budget allowance funds is usually kept in the meetinghouse library
and belongs to all units that share the library. The stake or ward music
chairman may help librarians create an index of this music.
Copyright Guidelines
Church members should strictly observe all copyright laws. Only copyright
owners may authorize duplication (copying) of their work. Duplicating printed or
recorded music without authorization from the copyright owner is illegal and
dishonest. Stakes and wards must not use music that has been illegally
duplicated.
Music in Church publications such as Hymns and the Children's
Songbook may be copied for noncommercial Church or home use if it (1) bears
a copyright notice indicating that it is owned by the Church or Intellectual
Reserve, Inc. (IRI) or (2) includes instructions that allow such duplication.
Each copy should include any existing copyright notice.
Music that is not owned by the Church or IRI may not be copied unless the
copyright owner has given permission, the copyright notice states that the work
may be duplicated, or the work is in the public domain (the copyright has
expired).
For additional information on copyrights, see pages 322–24 in the "Selected
Church Policies" section of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book
2.
Pianos, Organs, and Keyboards
Guidelines for Use
If an organ is available, it is normally used for prelude and postlude music
and hymn accompaniment. The piano may be used for these purposes when an organ
is not available.
Using the piano and organ at the same time is not standard for Church
meetings, but these instruments may be used together occasionally, especially
for selections written with both piano and organ parts.
A portable electronic music keyboard may be used when a piano or organ is not
available.
Obtaining Musical Instruments
Church buildings are usually supplied with an organ, pianos, or electronic
music keyboards. Priesthood leaders may consult the Purchasing Division at
Church headquarters or the area administration office for information about
acquiring new or replacement instruments.
Maintaining Musical Instruments
The agent bishop for the building and the stake physical facilities
representative (a high councilor) are to see that pianos and organs are tuned,
maintained, and repaired as needed. |
Church Music 
