Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Music Leader
"Music is of enormous importance in our worship services. I believe that
those who choose, conduct, present, and accompany the music may influence
the spirit of reverence in our meeting more than a speaker does. God bless
them." Boyd K. Packer, October 1991, General Conference.
Music in Primary
Remember to Follow the Handbook! Follow the Handbook! Follow the Handbook! Don’t go
astray. Follow the Handbook! Follow the Handbook! Follow the Handbook! It knows the way!
“In selecting music... music leaders consider the feeling they want the songs to create. They
choose songs that are familiar to the children...They also recognize birthdays and baptisms by
having the children sing an appropriate song.” (Handbook of Instructions, Book 2 Section 5, p. 236)
2
Visual Aids
Keep the visual aids clean looking and easy to follow.
While visual teaching helps keep the attention of the
children, it can remain simple and it does not require
artistry. Be sure that your visuals do not confuse
message of the song.
Make sure that the visual aids you use are in harmony
with gospel teachings. A good idea is to use pictures
from: The Gospel Art Kit, The Friend (Ensign, Liahona,
or The New Era), Primary manuals, and/or from
www.lds.org/newsroom. The pictures contained at
these places are all approved by Church Headquarters.
b. What questions can I ask that will encourage the children to listen to the song?
(Ask questions that help the children understand the gospel message— for example,
What? Where? Who? When? Why? State the questions in such a way that
children can discover the answer as you sing the song.)
c. How can I encourage the children to sing the song? (Invite the children to sing the
phrases that answer the questions. Vary the tempo and the volume to add meaning.
3
Ask the children to listen to their singing without accompaniment. Expect the
children to sit tall and to watch you carefully.)
d. What testimony can I leave with the children that will strengthen them? (Bear your
personal testimony, or read testimonies recorded in the scriptures.)
! Teach songs with suggested actions or have the children help you improvise actions.
! Assign small groups to sing different sections or verses. (Have a child sing a solo or ask a
group of children to sing.)
! Use songs that have two parts to sing together or optional parts such as descants,
ostinatos, and obbligatos. This can challenge children and allow them to experience
harmony.
! Arrange a medley of two or more songs that have similar messages or that tell one story.
4
Working with pianists
It’s helpful to the pianists to know (in advance) what songs will be sung on Sunday. Give the
pianist a list with page numbers in case practice is necessary. It helps keep reverence if
everyone can follow along and can be ready when it’s time for the children to sing.
Final Note
You don’t know where your influence will end. Enjoy your calling and have fun!
5
Internet Resources
JollyJenn’s Visual Aids:
www.jollyjenn.com
SugarDoodle:
www.sugardoodle.net