In 1988, The General Convention of the Episcopal Church asked the Standing Commission on Church Music to find ways to help musicians in small churches, especially those with fewer than 100 communicants. Under the direction of Dr. Marilyn Keiser, Dr. Carol Doran and Dr. Raymond Glover, the present design of LPM was created. This two-year program is taught and administered by capable local clergy and musicians, and related to its local needs. The program takes into account the musician's need for liturgical education and spiritual formation, as well as musical skills. It is intended to include interested clergy or anyone who believes in the mission of building up music in churches, and to build community and continuing collegiality among those participating.
Course writers were selected and the first Leadership Conference was held in July of 1995 to instruct appointed attendees from across the United States how to set up and administer a local LPM program. At this point the six courses offered were:
- Leadership of Congregational Song (organ and guitar)
- Hymnody
- Liturgical Planning
- Vocal Training
- Teaching New Music
- Resources for an Effective Music Ministry
In 1999, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was invited to become a full partner in this endeavor. This ecumenical union has resulted in revising the curriculum and creating an exciting plan for cooperative programming. The above courses have been reorganized and expanded:
- Leadership of Congregational Song (now includes voice and piano)
- Principles of Choral Leadership (choral conducting and voice)
- Philosophy of Church Music (extended to cover both years)
In 2005, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) joined LPM. The United Church of Christ Musicians' Association became our most recent partner in 2007.
New methods of bringing LPM to local venues have been created - LPM on the Road makes LPM workshops available to give a boost to begin or renew their local programs. In 2006-2007, Coordinator/Recertification Training by national board members was made possible through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Coordinator/Recertification Training opportunities fare offered each year. Graduates of the coordinator/recertification training are listed on this website.
In July 2007, the first online delivery of LPM course materials became available (see New LPM, or LPM Curriculum Online).
In 2007, revisions were completed for Liturgy and Philosophy. Hymnody course revisions were completed in 2008.
To date, more than 40 local programs have been started. Some 85 classes have graduated with more than 563 LPM certificates awarded. Participants from other denominations have also found the courses offered through LPM to be helpful in the worship life of their churches. LPM is open to everyone!
The Leadership Program for Musicians, Inc. (LPM) seeks to prepare capable and confident musical leaders who will enable their congregations to sing well and take their part in the liturgy of the church.