Explore our hymns thorough a theological lens – and our theologies through the lens of our hymns. This course will include an historic overview and an invitation to explore the future of our faith through music. Click here for details and link to register.
Training Requirements
The UU Theology for Musicians module is an online learning experience comprised of six 2-hour webinars with reading and other assignments for each session. Credit will be offered for full participation in the module. Full participation includes:
- Online attendance at six 2-hour sessions
- Reading and reflection to prepare for each session
- Completion of final project
- Submission of final evaluation within a week of the ending of the module
Goals of the Training
Participants will:
- Have a broader understanding of the history and theologies of Unitarian Universalism and the historical contexts in which these theologies developed;
- Have a broader understanding of the history of UU hymnody;
- Gain tools for identifying and contextualizing the music we sing;
- Learn how to use hymnody and liturgical music to help shape and reinforce UU identity and theology in our congregations;
- Identify points of conflict and growth within our hymnody;
- Affirm and support music professionals in their central role in positive, affirming, inclusive, and liberating liturgy in congregations and in the UUA.
Meet Your Instructors
Rev. Kimberley Debus is a community minister based in Takoma Park, Maryland, inspiring an artful and art-filled faith. She consults with congregations and religious professionals throughout the denomination. She is joyfully affiliated with the Unitarian Church of Lincoln, Nebraska, and has previously served at the Church of the Larger Fellowship as well as congregations on Long Island and Key West. Rev. Kimberley has written about (and sung) all 490 of the hymns in Singing the Living Tradition and Singing the Journey, at FarFringe.com.
Amanda Thomas is a retired UU music director and a member of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Oak Park, Illinois. She has been an active UU for 22 years, and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Association of UU Music Ministries and on the UUA’s Music Leadership Certification Committee. Amanda is now serving as a Troubadour and offering services as a freelance soloist, music/choir consultant, choral conductor, workshop facilitator, worship leader, vocal instructor and respite music director. Amanda believes we can each find our own joy and enlightenment through music. She enjoys the monumental task of creating ways to inspire, and to feed the souls of all individuals through music and rhythm.
The Music Leadership Courses provide professional development opportunities on specific topics useful to congregational musicians, other religious professionals, and lay leaders. The Music Leadership Courses form the backbone of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Music Leadership Certification Program. These courses be taken in any order and will build toward the requirements of music leadership certification.
Music Leadership Courses:
- Developing and Managing a Music Program
- Leadership of Congregational Singing
- Leading a Rehearsal
- Music and Worship
- Spiritual Care Training for Congregational Leaders
- Cultural Context for Music Ministry
- UU Theology and Hymnody
- System Theory
- A course on Interpersonal Leadership
For more information, visit the Music Leadership Certification Curriculum page of the UUA website.
The Music Leadership Certification Program (MLCP) is a program that:
- Summons music leaders to their calling of music ministry,
- Enriches their service to Unitarian Universalist congregations, and
- Enhances their professional perspective and skills.
Through the certification program, music leaders in our congregations develop a foundational understanding of three main areas of knowledge:
- Music skills and resources,
- UU heritage and values, and
- Leadership and interpersonal skills.
For more information, visit the Music Leadership Certification page of the UUA website.
