This certificate gives recognition to the status of ministry in the work of church musicians. Salisbury Diocese wishes to raise the profile of church musicians and recognises the need for the wide range of skills required by the ministry of music in worship.

Who is this Certificate for?

This certificate has been designed to provide an informal pathway of study for anyone interested in how we use music in our worship. You may be someone who directs or simply takes part in the use of music in your church. Musicians, clergy, worship planners, lay leaders or members of congregations may all benefit from the course. Practical music skills are not required to take part.

It is hoped that this opportunity to set aside time for study at home will provide an attractive incentive at a manageable training level. For those with little time to spare and who may not want to take on the commitment or expense that a higher level of study involves, the course provides a range of study opportunities that can be explored with others of similar background and interests.

The course content crosses denominational boundaries yet focuses on Anglican worship and the C of E Lectionary.

How is the Certificate delivered?

The Diocesan Certificate in Church Music is now available as a distance learning course. This means that you are able to download or request hard copies of the modules available and to study them in your own time at home.

Single modules may be requested for study at any time and written work will be informally assessed and a record kept until the required number of modules have been completed. Modules 1 and either 5 or 10 are required to be taken to complete the course. There is no limit on the number of modules you choose.

A minimum of six modules must be studied and written work presented. Written work will enable students to present their own thoughts and conclusions in the light of their own situation at their church.  Those taking the course will be able to meet together once a term when a presentation will be given by a visiting speaker.

What will I be studying?

The areas of study will contain the following:

·        the role music plays in worship

·        worship - shapes, origins and development

·        repertoire and the church year

·        the use of instruments in music

·        hymnody, psalmody and worship songs

·        worship planning, management and working together

·        using technology in worship

·        connecting school with church

The Modules

Module 1          The Role of Music in Worship

Module 2          The Liturgical Year and Repertoire 1:

                           Holy Week - Easter

Module 3          The Singing Voice in Worship

Module 4          Instruments in Worship 1

Module 5          Eucharistic Shape and Music

Module 6          Using Psalms in Worship

Module 7          Worship Planning and Management

Module 8          The Liturgical Year and Repertoire 2:           

                           Advent - Christmas 

Module 9          Using Technology in Worship

Module 10        Morning and Evening Prayer

Module 11        Instruments in Worship 2

Module 12        Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Module 13        The Liturgical year and repertoire 3:

                           Easter - Pentecost 

Module 14        Children and Parish Worship

Module 15        Alternative Forms of Worship

Module 16        Contemporary Hymnody

Are there any qualifications required for entry?

There are no academic entry requirements to the course. Some level of musical skill or interest in practical music making, however basic, will be helpful. Modules 4 and 11 contain material suitable for those involved in leading worship bands or arranging music for instruments.

What resources are there?

Repertoire resources will be available to members of the course from the Church Music Resource Library at Sarum College, Salisbury. Those taking part will be encouraged to become members of Sarum College Library where required books for the course are also available. Details will be provided in the course literature and details of cost are available on the Sarum College Library website: www.sarum.ac.uk/library/index.htm.

A dedicated website will be available for those enrolled on the course and will include details of all materials available for further study.

How long do I have to complete the course?

With six pieces of written work to complete, the course could take you from one to two years, depending on other commitments. This would provide from between two months or a generous four months for each module. The longer you take, the more background reading you can do and the more group sessions attended.

How much written or practical work is required?

q              One written assignment on Module 1,

         The Role of Music in Worship.

q             One written assignment on either Module 5, 

         Eucharistic Shape and Music or Module 10,

         Morning and Evening Prayer.

q             Four shorter written assignments drawing from any

         other subject covered.

Guidance on written work is provided. In your writing, you will be asked to comment on the material as it relates to your own church situation. The length of the assignment will depend on personal circumstances and interests. Generally, the length for the main assignments (module 1, 5 or 10), has been around 1000 words and the shorter pieces of work around 700 words.