MOM's that don't sing or teach parts (but can play their socks off!!)

[kys23]

Do you know of any MOM's that don't sing or teach parts? I've heard of it, but it's kind of new to me. I know of one MOM that supposedly doesn't sing or teach parts, but he's a sick organist. And he also has famous cats like Deitrick Haddon, Kiera Sheard ect coming through his church all the time. Also what other duties are there besides teaching parts and leading the choir for a MOM? Can't really think of any besides choosing the music, leading the band, use of new technology, backing up the preacher/singers (some of these  are really musician duties to me). Please help me out LGM. Thanks.

[JoanHall]

My understanding of a Minister of Music is the person who oversees everything that happens in the Music Ministry.  The particular part they perform themselves may vary.

I'm the MoM at my home church.  I don't play the organ any more, we have someone else who does that, and he "answers to" me as the MoM.  I do the thing that I'm best at, teaching and directing the choir (I also sing backup on the Praise Team).  I choose the music and give the musicians guidance about how I want them to sound on it.  I give direction (to a small degree) to the sound technician, but not much since I'm still growing in my understanding of the sound equipment.

At the other church where I work, the Music Director (MoM) plays bass in the band.  He hired me to direct the choir.  He decides what songs the choir will learn, and then it's my job to study those songs and teach the parts.  The musicians learn the songs and play them.  The boss plays the bass.

So I could imagine a scenario where perhaps the MoM might not do anything themselves, just make decisions and supervise the people who perform the tasks in the music ministry.  I don't think that would happen very often, but it would be possible.

[kys23]

My understanding of a Minister of Music is the person who oversees everything that happens in the Music Ministry.  The particular part they perform themselves may vary.

I'm the MoM at my home church.  I don't play the organ any more, we have someone else who does that, and he "answers to" me as the MoM.  I do the thing that I'm best at, teaching and directing the choir (I also sing backup on the Praise Team).  I choose the music and give the musicians guidance about how I want them to sound on it.  I give direction (to a small degree) to the sound technician, but not much since I'm still growing in my understanding of the sound equipment.

At the other church where I work, the Music Director (MoM) plays bass in the band.  He hired me to direct the choir.  He decides what songs the choir will learn, and then it's my job to study those songs and teach the parts.  The musicians learn the songs and play them.  The boss plays the bass.

So I could imagine a scenario where perhaps the MoM might not do anything themselves, just make decisions and supervise the people who perform the tasks in the music ministry.  I don't think that would happen very often, but it would be possible.

Cool. Thanks for your reply! I was mentioning a scenario similar to the one you described where the MOM plays bass. I like your definition of MOM also. That's the way I see it as well. However is kinda hard to sell this idea to a choir that's used to having an MOM that does it all (play, teach parts, direct, preach, teach...). Also its great that you were hired $$$ at the other church. It's a lot of work to learn songs and teach/direct the choir which to me deserves compensation.

[jonesl78]

Coincidentally, I've worked with two MOM who played bass and did not sing or teach parts. They were both extremely organized and overall very professional. Running a music ministry has more to do with administration rather than music anyway.