Summer Conferences for Church Musicians (2020 Edition)
Summer is the perfect time to learn and develop your musicianship skills and catch up on some professional development, don’t you think?
Summer conferences help us stay connected with others in the field; develop new skills (playing, singing, directing, and teaching); be inspired; get fresh ideas for creating meaningful and engaging worship services; and learn about all the latest music releases: choral, handbell, children's choir resources, curriculum, instrumental collections, etc.
Today, I’m sharing my annual round-up of summer conferences and events that are specifically geared toward church musicians, directors, accompanists, choir members, students, worship leaders, pastors, and liturgists (and pretty much everyone in between), including the one I’ll be attending in June.
I hope you find one that’s a good fit for you!
16 Summer Conferences for Church Musicians
Montreat 2020: A Great Cloud of Witnesses
Hosted by: Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Dates: June 21-26 & June 28-July 3, 2020
Location: Montreat, NC
For worship leaders, musicians, clergy, laypersons, choirs, youth groups, and families
About the conference:
A wonderful opportunity to experience inspiring worship and beautiful music in a picturesque setting. Learn from leaders in the field through week-long choirs and ensembles, a drama group, and a variety of classes and workshops. Continuing education credits are available.
This year’s clinicians include Eric Nelson (adult choir/chamber choir), Mark Patterson (senior high/chamber choir), Victor Johnson (middle high choir), Anne McNair (children’s choir), and David Harris (handbells).
Music and Worship Arts Week: 20/20 Vision
Hosted by: Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts
Dates: June 21-26, 2020
Location: Lake Junaluska, NC
For church musicians and worship leaders, choir members, instrumentalists, students, artists, dancers, actors, and pastors
About the conference:
I’ve attended Music & Worship Arts Week (MWAW) for almost half of my life. I learn something new every year and love the opportunity to connect with friends old and new. I always enjoy observing the choral clinicians and attending their afternoon seminars. There are also numerous reading sessions throughout the week from a variety of sacred music publishers. Continuing education credits are available.
This year’s clinicians include Anton Armstrong (adult choir), Amanda Quist (chamber choir), Jackson Henry (young adult choir), Mark Miller (senior high choir), Vincent Oakes (middle high choir), Amanda Page Smith (children’s choir), and Martha Matthews and Hyosang Park (handbells).
P.S. I’ll be at MWAW this summer, accompanying the Children’s Choir! Will you be there?
Sacred Music Colloquium
Hosted by: Church Music Association of America
Dates: June 22-27, 2020
Location: Tampa, FL
For church musicians, singers, priests, deacons, and seminarians in the Catholic tradition
About the conference:
“The CMAA’s Sacred Music Colloquium continues to be the largest and most in-depth teaching conference and retreat on sacred music in the world. The CMAA Colloquium is primarily focused on instruction and experience in chant and the Catholic sacred music tradition, participation in chant choirs, lectures and performances and daily liturgies. During the week, you’ll be able to participate in ordinary and extraordinary form Masses, in Latin, Latin/Spanish and English, Vespers, and daily sung morning and night prayer.
As a participant, you are an integral part of the beautiful music from the Roman Catholic tradition. Experience not only the traditional Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony of the church’s musical treasure, but also new compositions of English propers and ordinaries by various composers, as well as modern motets. For the third year, the Sacred Music Colloquium will also offer Mass in Spanish, with Spanish propers.”
Called from Living Waters
Hosted by: National Association of Pastoral Musicians
Dates: July 7-10, 2020
Location: Louisville, KY
For church musicians and pastors
About the conference:
This annual convention features a variety of workshops, plenary sessions, masterclasses, breakout sessions, and this year, includes the 10th National Catholic Handbell Festival.
Why We Sing: The Song, The Singer, The Singing
Hosted by: The Hymn Society
Dates: July 12-16, 2020
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
For church musicians, organists, pastors, and liturgists
About the conference:
This annual conference includes worship services and hymn festivals, an organ recital, and a variety of plenary and workshop sessions.
“The Hymn Society Annual Conference is a 5-day event each July that features three plenary speakers, four hymn festivals, and many breakout sessions that all focus on congregational singing."
The 70th Sewanee Church Music Conference
Hosted by: The Sewanee Church Music Conference
Dates: July 13-19, 2020
Location: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN
For church musicians and liturgists in the anglican tradition
About the conference:
“The Sewanee Church Music Conference was founded in 1951, and since then it has been a leader in continuing education for liturgical church musicians. The opportunity not only to learn new skills and refresh old ones but also to share experiences and ideas with colleagues from across the country is invaluable.”
National Seminar
Hosted by: Handbell Musicians of America
Dates: July 13-20, 2020
Location: Orlando, FL
For handbell ringers and directors
About the conference:
Geared toward handbell ringers and directors of all experience levels, the conference includes a few different tracks to choose from (including one specifically for 8th-12th graders) and a variety of educational classes and inspiring performances.
FABM Conference for Church Musicians
Hosted by: Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians
Dates: July 19-25, 2020
Location: Green Lake Conference Center (Green Lake, WI)
For church musicians, choir members, and handbell ringers
About the conference:
This year’s clinicians include Paul Hondorp (adult choir), C. Michael Hawn (children’s choir), and Heather Sorenson (piano).
Let All the Peoples Praise You!
Hosted by: Region 1 of Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
Dates: July 20-23, 2020
Location: Valparaiso, IN
For church musicians, pastors, and worship leaders
About the conference:
"This special, four-day Hearts • Hands • Voices event invites participants to strengthen their gifts and learn new skills through practical workshops, discussions, and hands-on learning opportunities that explore topics such as percussion, handbells, keyboard, composition and arranging, working with aging voices, and much more.”
For more local mini-conferences and day-long workshops sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, see this schedule of events.
Choristers Guild Institute
Hosted by: Choristers Guild
Dates: July 20-24, 2020
Location: Roswell Presbyterian Church, Roswell, GA
A certification program for children's choir (K-8) directors in a church or school setting (full-time, part-time, or volunteer)
About the institute:
"The [3-stage] certification process is designed to strengthen directors’ musical and pedagogical skills and to equip them to effectively integrate children in worship . . . . A degree in music is not required, but musical literacy is fundamental to success as a participant in the Choristers Guild Institute."
This year’s clinicians include Michael Burkhardt, Tom Shelton, Amanda Page Smith, Emily Floyd, Karol Kimmell, and Katie Houts.
Alleluia: Many Voices, One Song
Hosted by: Baylor University
Dates: July 21-24, 2020
Location: Waco, TX
For worship leaders, church musicians, children's choir leaders, and keyboardists
"The Alleluia Conference is a one-of-a-kind enrichment event featuring superb clinicians who re-energize and inspire worship leaders, music ministers, children’s choir leaders, and keyboard ministers.”
This year’s clinicians include Andre Thomas (conducting); Molly Ijames, Victor Johnson, Lloyd Larson, Joseph Martin, and Michael John Trotta (composers); Andrea Baxter, Kimberly Ingram, Angela Leonhardt, and Terry Taylor (children’s music); Joyce Jones (organ); and Bob Avant and David Harris (handbells).
Tuning @ Tahoe
Hosted by: Zephyr Point
Dates: July 26-31, 2020
Location: Lake Tahoe, NV
For church musicians and choir directors
About the conference:
"Tuning @ Tahoe is a conference for traditional church choral professionals from all denominations and church sizes. Through seminars, classes and workshops we focus on conducting skills, vocal pedagogy, worship design, rehearsal techniques and 10 reading sessions featuring more than 20 publishers.”
Will You Come and Follow Me
Hosted by: Association of Disciple Musicians
Dates: July 26-31, 2020
Location: University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
For church musicians, handbell ringers, and choir directors
About the conference:
Topics include handbell techniques, beginning keyboard improvisation, reading sessions, worship planning, choral conducting, and an organ masterclass.
Touch the Earth Lightly
Hosted by: Massanetta Springs Bible and Music Conference
Dates: July 26-August 1, 2020
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
For church musicians and worship leaders, choir members, pastors, children, and youth
About the conference:
This annual conference features worship and music, ensembles for all ages, and a series of classes, reading sessions, forums, and workshops.
"April 22, 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. There are movements across the country and around the world focused on caring for this one and precious planet. However, rising seas, raging fires, overflowing landfills, and a host of other problems remind us daily of how much work is left to do in caring for and restoring God’s wonderful creation. How can we better heed the poetry of Shirley Erena Murray’s hymn to, ‘Touch the earth lightly, use the earth gently, nourish the life of the world in our care?’ How do we remember and honor the reminder of Psalm 24 that, ‘The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it?’
Through worship and workshops, sermons and singing, forums and fellowship, join us for the Bible and Church Music Conference, where we will explore how to better, ‘Touch the Earth Lightly.’"
Virginia Wesleyan Worship & Music Conference
Hosted by: Virginia Wesleyan University
Dates: July 27-August 1, 2020
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
For church musicians, worship leaders, music teachers, and all interested in the sacred arts
About the conference:
This annual non-denominational conference offers continuing education opportunities rooted in the Wesley tradition of “training minds and warming hearts.” Academic credit is available.
Handbell Conference: The Journey Home
Hosted by: Zephyr Point
Dates: August 23-27, 2020
Location: Lake Tahoe, NV
For handbell ringers and directors
About the conference:
"At the Zephyr Point Handbell Conference there are opportunities for ringers of all levels. Each day, participants have the chance to break up into smaller ensembles – the ‘Mountains’ and the ‘Lakes’ – under the exceptional leadership of a skilled team of handbell directors and composers. There is also a slate of additional optional classes for participants to choose from to help them improve in specific ringing skills. Daily mass rehearsals help all ringers prepare for the final rehearsal in which everybody participates making incredible music, all on the majestic and inspiring shores of Lake Tahoe!"
Staying home this summer?
(Coronavirus, anyone?)
Jump-start your choir year with helpful music education resources designed specifically for you. Sign up for a self-paced online mini-course and learn from the comfort of your living room! Start whenever you’re ready and work at your own pace.
Directing a Church Children’s Choir 101
Created specifically for children's choir directors, this self-paced 4-week online training course will help you develop practical skills and useful step-by-step processes to plan, direct, and teach children's choir on a weekly basis, and grow your choir ministry.
Topics include: fostering spiritual growth, planning the choir year, choosing music, working with children’s voices, creative teaching strategies, developing musicianship and introducing music-reading, and more.
Music Education & Leadership Skills
for the Adult Choir Director
Designed for adult choir directors in church settings, this self-paced 2-hour mini course includes a brief overview of relevant educational theories about how adults learn, and a variety of practical tools and resources you can use in your ministry and teaching.
Topics include: vocal technique and choral methods, developing music-reading skills, choosing music, and rehearsal planning.
Music Education & Leadership Skills
for the Youth Choir Director
Develop the essential skills and teaching strategies you need to direct with confidence in this 2-hour mini course.
Topics include: working with changing voices, choosing music, planning rehearsals, and creating meaningful experiences.
Music Education & Leadership Skills
for the Handbell Choir Director
Designed for handbell choir directors in church settings, this course will equip you with the practical tools and resources you need to lead and teach with confidence.
Topics include: getting set up, care and maintenance, instrumental technique, developing sight-reading and music-reading skills, working with non-music-readers, choosing music, planning rehearsals, and working with children's handbells.
Where are you headed this summer? What skills do you hope to learn or develop?