The Curriculum
The curriculum through which candidates develop professional skill and knowledge in Music Skills and Resources, Unitarian Universalist (UU) Heritage and Values, and Leadership and Interpersonal Skills is delivered by the program through a series of six core courses and additional professional development opportunities. The courses will be offered at the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network (UUMN) annual summer conference in a rotation of two courses offered each year. In addition, preceding the conference there will be a Professional Development Day (PDD) offered. The courses and the PDD’s are mandatory for all candidates unless waived. All waivers of these courses must be approved by the UUMN Leadership Development Board (LDB).
Document:
- Waiver Application Form (PDF, 2 pages)
Core Courses
Leadership of Congregational Singing
The course addresses techniques of leadership of congregational singing using a wide range of musical styles. Skills may include inviting and supporting the congregation in singing, giving clear upbeats, steady rhythm, basic ear training, simple improvisation, score reading, lining out a song, modeling good vocal production, leading rounds and simple harmonies, pitching a song for successful singing, hand motions, varied accompaniments, and conducting from the keyboard.
Documents:
- 2009 Syllabus for Leadership of Congregational Singing (PDF, 3 pages)
- Leading as a Vocalist (PDF, 8 pages)
- Music as Ministry (PDF, 4 pages)
Rhythm, Pitch and Timbre: The Elements of Multicultural Competence for Musicians
Using music as a bridge and a guide, this course introduces musicians to the basic elements necessary to uplift and sustain multiracial, multicultural congregations and communities. Through experiential-learning techniques, participants will consider their role in helping to create Unitarian Universalist communities of love and justice.
Document:
- 2009 Syllabus for Rhythm, Pitch and Timbre (PDF, 7 pages)
Integrating Music and Worship within UU Musical Heritage
The skills developed in this course include creating music services, working with service leaders, exploring the use of instrumental and vocal music, movement, and silence in sacred space, selecting appropriate repertoire for UU congregations by using the UU hymnal and supplement and understanding the musical culture of the UU congregation, and working collaboratively with the Minister, DRE, and other service leaders.
Document:
- 2007 Syllabus for Integrating Music and Worship (PDF, 2 pages)
Developing and Managing a Music Program
The music committee, music program budget, staff skills, and collaborative relations with professional and lay leadership, knowing the culture and history of music in your congregation, and how to build an effective program will all be addressed.
Document:
- 2007 Syllabus for Developing and Managing a Music Program (PDF, 2 pages)
Leading a Rehearsal
Candidates will practice score preparation, conducting, pacing, and teaching a new piece, finessing a learned piece, and working effectively with children, youth and adults
Documents:
- Syllabus Leading a Rehearsal 2008 (PDF, 3 pages)
- Ensemble Evaluation Form for Leading a Rehearsal (PDF, 1 page) (Word)
Care and Ethics for the Music Leader
This course will include detailed discussions of ethical behavior, moral decision-making, implications of the UUMN Code of Professional Practice, boundaries, self-care, and maintaining a personal spiritual practice. It will also explore case studies of ethical issues and values.
Document:
- 2008 Syllabus for Care and Ethics (PDF, 7 pages)
Professional Development Day
What does it mean to be a music leader in UU congregations? What skills and knowledge are needed beyond excellent musicianship and best practices in professional conduct? This annual course called Professional Development Day (PDD) is meant to help hone the skills that round out those necessary for an enriching and successful music ministry, and will address some aspect of the following UU professional development topics:
- UU Theology and History
- Congregational Structure
- Interpersonal Leadership
PDD will currently be offered on the day before the UUMN conference. The course will be divided into three sessions: two plenary sessions for all candidates and interested conference registrants and a seminar for candidates only.
Documents:
- Syllabus for 2009 (PDF, 2 pages)
- Syllabus for 2008 (PDF, 2 pages)
- Pre-class Reading: Arius in the Mirror (PDF, 25 pages), by Mark Belletini
For more information contact mlcredentialing @ uua.org.
Last updated on Monday, October 5, 2009.
