Appropriate Music for Sacrament Meeting

1. Does the Church have a policy that only hymns can be used as music in sacrament meeting?
   "The hymns of the Church are the basic music for worship services and are standard for congregational singing. However, in addition to the hymns, other appropriate selections may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir music, and special musical selections" (First Presidency letter, Nov. 7, 2002).

2. Who makes the final decision regarding music for Church meetings?
   "Stake presidencies and bishoprics determine whether musical selections or instruments are suitable for a particular meeting" ("Music," section 14 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 289).

3. Should we just sing hymns familiar to our congregation?
   "In addition to using hymns already known and loved, members are encouraged to become acquainted with new or less familiar hymns. Try to achieve a good balance between familiar favorites and less well-known hymns" (Hymns, 381).

4. Should we choose sacrament hymns only from the "Sacrament" section in the hymnbook's table of contents?
   Hymns throughout the hymnbook may be used as sacrament hymns if they follow this guideline: "The sacrament hymn should refer to the sacrament itself or to the sacrifice of the Savior" (Hymns, 380).

5. Should we sing every verse of a hymn?
   "You need not feel compelled to sing all the verses of a hymn unless the message is otherwise incomplete. However, do not routinely shorten a hymn by singing just the first one or two verses. Singing the verses printed below the music is encouraged" (Hymns, 381).

6. May we stand to sing the national anthem? How about standing for the intermediate hymn?
   "Members may stand for national anthems in church meetings according to local custom and priesthood direction" (Hymns, 381). "An intermediate hymn provides an opportunity for congregational participation and may relate to the subject of the talks presented in the meeting. The congregation may stand during this hymn as appropriate" (Hymns, 380).

7. Is there an official list of "banned" or "approved" music or composers for sacrament meeting?
   No. No official list of "banned" or "approved" selections or composers exists. Members and priesthood leaders are expected to review the general principle-based guidelines and then, with the guidance of the Spirit, apply the guidelines to a particular circumstance, adjusting to the occasional exception as appropriate. "Music in Church meetings should help members worship, feel the sacred spirit of the Sabbath, and feel the spirit of revelation" ("Music," 289). In keeping with these guidelines, music for sacrament meetings should be chosen and performed with the intent of promoting worship, rather than bringing attention to the performance itself.

8. May we use hymns from other denominations for special selections?
   Yes. However, musical texts should be doctrinally correct (see "Music," 289).

9. May we use classical music for special selections?
   "In addition to the hymns, other appropriate selections may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir music, and special musical selections" (First Presidency letter, Nov. 7, 2002). "Much sacred music that is suitable for concerts and recitals is not appropriate for a Latter-day Saint worship service" ("Music," 289). In keeping with these guidelines, music for sacrament meetings should be chosen and performed with the intent of promoting worship, rather than bringing attention to the performance itself.

10. May we use popular music that is written for a Latter-day Saint audience in sacrament meetings?
    "Some religiously oriented music in a popular style is not appropriate for sacrament meetings" ("Music," 289).

11. May we use classical music for prelude and postlude music in sacrament meetings?
    "In addition to the hymns, other appropriate selections may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir music, and special musical selections" (First Presidency letter, Nov. 7, 2002). "Much sacred music that is suitable for concerts and recitals is not appropriate for a Latter-day Saint worship service" ("Music," 289).

12. May the guitar be used in sacrament meeting?
    "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" ("Music," 289).

13. May brass instruments be used in sacrament meeting?
    "Instruments with a prominent or less worshipful sound, such as most brass and percussion, are not appropriate for sacrament meeting" ("Music," 289). "Careful selection and proper performance of music can greatly enhance the spirit of worship" ("Music," 289).

14. Is it possible to use recorded accompaniment for special selections in sacrament meetings?
    "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," 289). Karaoke-type accompaniment is discouraged.

15. Should the performer of a special musical selection use the microphone?
    The use of a microphone would not be appropriate in sacrament meeting if it were to detract from the spirit of the meeting, creating the semblance of a popular performance. However, a microphone may be used if the performer's voice or instrument needs to be amplified.

16. What is the policy regarding cantatas for Easter and Christmas meetings?
    "If a musical program is presented, it should be simple, reverent, and short enough to allow a spoken message. . . . Recitals, concerts, and pageantry are not appropriate in sacrament meeting" ("Music," 290).

17. May the piano and organ be used together?
    "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" ("Music," 294).

Other Questions

1. When will the Church publish a new hymnbook (or Children's Songbook)?
   Hymnbooks based on the current hymnbook are still being translated into many languages throughout the world. It is unlikely that a new English edition will be published. Look for other music in the Church magazines and on the Church music Web site.

2. May the meetinghouse organs and pianos be used for paid private instruction? What about recitals?
   "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" ("Music," 294).

3. Who is responsible for keeping the musical instruments tuned and in repair? What is the procedure?
   "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" ("Music," 294).

4. May we use original songs in Primary?
   "The Children's Songbook is the basic resource for Primary music. Hymns from the hymnbook and songs from the Friend are also appropriate. Occasionally, patriotic or holiday songs that are suitable for Sunday and for the children's ages are also appropriate. The use of any other music in Primary should be approved by local priesthood leaders" ("Primary," section 5 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 236).

5. What are the guidelines for music in Relief Society?
   Music for Relief Society follows the pattern for other Church meetings.

6. What are suggestions for the Relief Society five-minute music period?
   "Suggested ideas for the music period include learning hymns, discussing the use of music in the home, learning musical skills, listening to good music and discussing its qualities, and singing in parts" ("Relief Society," section 3 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 198).

7. What is the standard format for Latter-day Saint 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" ("Music," 290).

8. What music is appropriate for weddings held in the chapel?
   "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" ("Music," 290).

9. What are the guidelines regarding forming multistake or area choirs or orchestras?
   "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" ("Music," 291).

10. Should choir members be called and set apart?
    "Ward members may participate voluntarily in the ward choir, or the bishopric may invite or call them to participate" ("Music," 293).

11. Can we have someone come to our area to do a workshop or seminar?
    Wards and stakes have the responsibility for music training. From time to time, priesthood leaders may approve multistake workshops that are organized in the area and taught by local musicians.