This program is free to participants and their parishes.
The Future of Music Ministry
The future of Music Ministry is at a crossroads. Across the Diocese—and the country—there is a growing shortage of musicians to lead congregational singing at Mass. As seasoned musicians age out, very few younger musicians are stepping into this vital role, leaving parishes struggling to sustain vibrant music ministries.
To address this challenge, the Saginaw Chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians (NPM) has launched an innovative mentorship program: the Catholic Church Musician Mentorship Initiative (CCMMI). This program is designed to prepare the next generation of pianists (and eventually other instrumentalists) to confidently accompany the music at Mass and lead congregational singing.
Program Overview
The CCMMI is open to participants aged 12 and older, including adults. Through personalized mentorship, participants will learn the necessary skills, techniques, and liturgical knowledge to support music ministry effectively. The program is not intended to replace regular piano lessons but to serve as a supplemental resource for mastering the art of accompanying at Mass.
Hands-On Mentorship
Participants will gradually begin accompanying Masses with their mentor present, providing real-time support and guidance. This hands-on approach allows participants to build their confidence and skills in stages, moving from co-accompanist to lead accompanist as their abilities grow. Mentorship sessions will take place at both the hosting parish and the participant’s home parish, ensuring a well-rounded experience.The mentor—a highly regarded liturgical musician with over 40 years of experience—will remain available to participants until they are ready to accompany independently. Once participants reach this milestone, they will receive a certificate of completion to attest to their readiness to serve in music ministry.
Program Structure and Timeline
Applicants accepted into the program will have approximately 4–6 hours of one-on-one sessions with the mentor each month, typically spread over two or three meetings. The program’s timeline is flexible, with most participants completing it within 3–4 months, depending on their background and experience. Mentorship sessions can begin as early as January 2025, with phone calls and schedules being set in December to arrange workable schedules and locations.
Additional Support and Resources
Participants will also gain access to a permanent FaceBook group where they can ask questions, share experiences, and access supplementary resources. Additionally, they will have phone access to the mentor for guidance throughout the program.
Thanks to the support of the Saginaw Chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians, there is no cost to participate in the program, ensuring that the program is accessible to all who are interested.
Join Us
This mentorship program offers a unique opportunity for musicians to expand their skills to become church accompanists. For more information or to apply, contact Deb Kraklow at (989) 859-7417 or at debk@stasaginaw.org. Participants can start as soon as they’d like. Or schedule a later start time.
By investing in young musicians today, we can ensure the rich tradition of music ministry continues to flourish in our parishes for years to come.
Catholic Church Musician Mentorship Initiative Program
Transforming keyboard musicians into skilled Catholic liturgical accompanists