Professionals in Sacred Music:

Prepare for every rehearsal, service and performance.

Develop skills in performance, improvisation, service playing, conducting, arranging and composing commensurate with their duties. Maintain skills through practice, and stay abreast of current developments in liturgy, hymnology, performance practice and musicology through continuing education. Become knowledgeable in the liturgy and traditions of the institutions they serve.

Acquire business and administrative skills to perform their duties.

Maintain courteous and respectful relationships with other staff members and members of their congregations, resolving potential conflicts as soon as they become evident. Supervise other musicians in a professional and caring manner.

Seek to educate those for and with whom they work in all aspects of sacred music. Accept education from those for and with whom they work in music and other work-related fields.

Agree to employment only after reaching a clear understanding of the position, the employer’s expectations and the lines of accountability. Expect compensation and benefits commensurate with levels of education and experience, work required and cost of living. Request written contracts that protect employee and employer equally.

Support colleagues in sacred music through friendly relationships, attendance at events and active membership in the American Guild of Organists and other professional organizations.