Vocal Skills Grant

        The purpose of this grant is:

• To encourage professional development among pastoral musicians in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the surrounding dioceses.
• To elevate the quality of liturgical music by encouraging vocalists of any level to further develop their talents.
• To inspire people already excelling in another area of music ministry to develop new vocal talents.
• To increase the number of well qualified liturgical musicians by encouraging highly skilled musicians from other fields of music to study sacred choral music.

        Applicants for this grant should be:

• A member of (or sponsored by a member of) the Association of Church Musicians in Philadelphia.
• An active pastoral musician or should demonstrate a desire to become an active pastoral musician.
• Prepared to interview and audition to demonstrate vocal abilities. The audition will include:
  • A test of basic music theory
  • Singing a hymn set to one of the following hymn tunes:
    • Aurelia
    • Thaxted
    • Nettleton
  • Singing one hymn or tune in a language other than English
  • Singing a Responsorial Psalm with a chanted verse (Respond & Acclaim, Guimont, etc.)
  • Sight reading one piece of music, which will be provided by the committee
• At least 16 years of age or have completed two years of high school.

        Funds from this grant can be used toward:

• Tuition for non-matriculated or matriculated vocal/choral study at a college or university.
• Costs associated with private vocal lessons or coaching by a vocal teacher approved by ACMP.
• Costs associated with attendance at a vocal/choral workshop or institute approved by ACMP.

        To apply for this grant:

• Complete the ACMP GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIP application at: https://forms.gle/uRsN8NAJwQPNJA5h8
• Provide an explanation of why you would like to receive this award and how concepts learned will be applied to your current or anticipated role in liturgical music ministry.
• Follow the directions on the application for submitting a letter of recommendation from your pastor.

        Please note:

• The amount awarded will depend upon the availability of funds and the chosen area of study.
• People applying for a grant or scholarship do not have to demonstrate monetary need, however, priority will be given to applicants with a proven financial hardship.
• Grant applications will be reviewed quarterly.