A cantor or lead singer must master more than simply the music of the liturgy. For as worship leader, the cantor has an important responsibility for making worshipers feel welcome and comfortable in their role in the service. Nonverbal communication by gestures is one important aspect of the cantor’s task.
The cantor played an important role in biblical and ancient worship. The role of the cantor is being recovered in contemporary worship. This article explains how and where to use the cantor in the liturgy, with reference to Roman Catholic liturgy in particular.
A vocal soloist can function in much the same way as a choir, leading the people’s song and presenting additional music that may be required by the structure and theme of a given order of service. This article addresses several practical concerns related to this role.
Children’s choirs need not be relegated to simply providing entertainment in worship. Instead, they should function as important worship leaders. The imagination and energy that children are capable of bringing to this role will enrich the service and challenge them in their own spiritual journey.
Choirs play very different roles in various denominations and traditions. This article describes three different types of choirs based on their role in the worship service, commending an approach that integrates the choir’s contribution within the structure of the whole worship service. Although written from a Reformed perspective, the insights found here have applications for all traditions.
The choir does not participate in worship for its own sake, but rather for the sake of the whole of the worshiping people. It leads the worshiping people in their song and contributes additional music as the liturgy or pattern of worship requires. Ideally then, a choir should be a group of facilitators, not performers, a role defined in this article.
Accompanying congregational singing is an extraordinary challenge, requiring careful practice and disciplined creativity. The following article outlines many of the musical matters that every organist must consider, along with suggestions for the creative interpretation of the texts that are sung.
Excellence is not a negotiable quality for church music: our worship of God demands our very best. This premise extends to the complex art of composing music for use in worship. This article outlines liturgical, textual, and musical guidelines for composers who seek excellence in composing music for the church.
Musical leadership is a great challenge, with musical and pastoral demands. It is also a great privilege, with opportunities to celebrate the gospel and work among God’s people. This article describes the practical life of the church musician in terms of these challenges and privileges.