|
|
From Notes to Praise
Practical Skills for Parish Musicians
This five-week short course, offered by the Archdiocesan Commission on the Liturgy and led by Dr Anthony Young, offers an enjoyable and practical introduction to singing and music reading for parish and school musicians.
Through hands-on learning and shared music-making, participants will gain confidence in using their voices, reading and interpreting written music, and singing in harmony. The sessions will draw on familiar sacred repertoire—music that can be used immediately in parish settings—while deepening understanding of how music serves the Church’s prayer.
Whether you’re a cantor, choir member, teacher, or instrumentalist, this course will equip you with the foundational skills and renewed enthusiasm to support the sung worship of your community.
Through hands-on learning and shared music-making, participants will gain confidence in using their voices, reading and interpreting written music, and singing in harmony. The sessions will draw on familiar sacred repertoire—music that can be used immediately in parish settings—while deepening understanding of how music serves the Church’s prayer.
Whether you’re a cantor, choir member, teacher, or instrumentalist, this course will equip you with the foundational skills and renewed enthusiasm to support the sung worship of your community.
Aims / Objectives
Key Content / Topics
Dates and Session Times
Venue
Cost
Audience
- Develop confidence in using your voice for liturgical singing, with attention to pitch, tone, vocal technique and expression.
- Gain foundational music-reading skills, including understanding rhythm, melody, notation, and key signatures.
- Learn to sing in parts and create harmony within a group setting.
- Apply new skills to familiar sacred repertoire, enhancing participation in parish and school liturgies. Finding easy ways to improve the musicianship of those we lead.
- Deepen understanding of the role of music in the Church’s worship, recognising how musicians serve the prayer of the assembly.
- Build community through shared music-making, fostering collaboration and joy in ministry.
Key Content / Topics
- The basics of music notation – rhythm, pitch, key and time signatures.
- Reading and interpreting melody lines from common liturgical repertoire.
- Developing vocal technique – breath, tone, and projection for congregational singing.
- Singing in harmony – understanding intervals and part-singing through practical exercises.
- Making music together – learning by doing through sacred pieces used in parish life.
- Connecting music and liturgy – exploring how musical choices support the prayer and rhythm of the Mass.
- Resources for ongoing growth – simple ways to continue developing music reading and vocal skills beyond the course.
Dates and Session Times
- Tuesday 4 November 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Tuesday 11 November 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Tuesday 18 November 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Tuesday 25 November 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Tuesday 2 December 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue
- Hanly Room, St Stephen’s Cathedral Precinct
- Cathedral carpark available
Cost
- $75 for the 5-week course
Audience
- Parish musicians (keyboard players, guitarists, singers, choir directors) and parishioners
- Teachers and liturgy coordinators in schools
- Anyone involved in parish music ministry wanting to strengthen foundational skills
REGISTER NOW
STEP ONE: Provide your details
STEP TWO: Purchase your ticket
After purchase, you will receive a PDF ticket via email.
You can bring this ticket with you on the day if you wish, but it is sufficient to have your name ticked off the list at the registration desk.
You can bring this ticket with you on the day if you wish, but it is sufficient to have your name ticked off the list at the registration desk.
