The Certification Program For Unitarian Universalist Music Leaders

A Program of the
Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network

Funded in part by a generous grant from the UUA Funding Program 

The Certification Program for Unitarian Universalist Music Leaders was developed to:

• Summon music leaders to their calling of music ministry
• Enrich their service to UU congregations
• Enhance their professional perspective, skills and standing in the UUA

Through this program, the candidate is expected to develop and demonstrate specific competencies:

• Leading congregational singing
• Leading musical rehearsals
• Planning and conducting worship services
• Familiarity with musical resources, including hymnody
• Practical knowledge of how to build and organize a music program
• Understanding of UU history and values
• Familiarity with UU congregational structure and governance
• Application of professional ethics and standards of conduct
• Implementation of basic pastoral care
• Understanding of congregations as emotional systems
• Competency in collaborative leadership and church staff skills
• Ability to clearly articulate a personal creative vision of music as ministry within Unitarian Universalism

 The Curriculum is designed on three foundational areas of knowledge:

Music Skills and Resources
UU Heritage and Values
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

The Curriculum consists of six core courses, developed by the UUMN:

• Music as Ministry and Service (three-year course)
• Leadership and Accompaniment of Congregational Song
• Integrating Music and Worship within UU Musical Heritage
• Developing and Organizing a Music Program
• Leading a Rehearsal
• Care and Ethics for the Music Leader

In addition to these courses, candidates will complete coursework with their colleagues at UUMN gatherings and other UU venues to be determined. Candidates are expected to sign the UUMN “Code of Professional Practices”, complete one Music Ministry service project, and attend three denominational gatherings in addition to the UUMN conferences. The certificate program is designed to be completed in 3 years, but candidates may take as many as 5 years to complete the program.

Who is eligible?

Candidates must …

• Be a member of UUMN
• Have served as a professional musician in a congregation for at least one year
• Have a passion for music ministry and the potential for excellence in their work
• Be able to meet the time and financial commitments of the three to five year certification process

Where will these courses be offered?

Currently, all UUMN-developed courses will be offered at the UUMN annual conferences. However, these courses have been designed to be portable and are intended to be offered in districts, according to demand.

How does it work?

Each candidate will work with an Advisor, an experienced UUMN colleague, and a Sponsor, a supportive leader in the candidate’s congregation, to develop musical leadership and create a portfolio demonstrating these competencies. The Leadership Development Board (LDB) will evaluate this portfolio after the requisite coursework is completed. This Board will recommend the candidate for certification, which will then be conferred by the uumn board of directors.

Admittedly each candidate will possess a unique array of skills and experiences. The evaluative process is not designed to limit this diversity but to evaluate the effectiveness of the candidate’s musical leadership.

Congregational Support

The tuition for each candidate will be $350 a year; this does not include fees for the UUMN conference or the workshops and courses taken outside of the conference. Ideally, the congregation will provide the funding as part of the Music Leader’s professional development budget. It is important that the congregation understand the significance of this program and make a commitment to support the music leader through this process.

For More Information:

Donna Fisher
UUMN Administrator
2208 Henery Tuckers Ct.
Charlotte , NC 28270

uumn@uumn.org

800-969-8866

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Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network
Donna Fisher, Administrator
2208 Henery Tuckers Court
Charlotte, NC 28270
1-800-969-UUMN (8866)