“19. Music,” Selections from the General Handbook (2023).
“19. Music,” Selections from the General Handbook
19.
Music
19.1
Purpose of Music in the Church
Sacred music increases faith in Jesus Christ. It invites the Spirit and teaches doctrine. It also creates a feeling of reverence, unifies members, and provides a way to worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
19.2
Music in the Home
Through His prophets, the Lord has encouraged individuals and families to use uplifting music in their daily lives.
Recordings of Church music are available from the following sources:
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Sacred Music app
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Gospel Library app
19.3
Music in Church Meetings
19.3.1
Planning Music for Church Meetings
Ward and stake music coordinators work with priesthood leaders to plan music for worship services. They select music that enhances the spirit of worship in the meetings.
19.3.2
Music in Sacrament Meeting
Music in sacrament meeting includes congregational singing of hymns to open and close the meeting and before the administration of the sacrament. The sacrament hymn should refer to the sacrament itself or to the sacrifice of the Savior.
Prelude music is played as members gather before the meeting. After the closing prayer, an instrumental postlude is played as members leave the meeting.
A sacrament meeting could also include an additional congregational hymn sung in the middle of the meeting—for example, between spoken messages.
19.3.3
Music in Classes and Other Ward Meetings
Leaders encourage teachers to use the hymns and other sacred music to enhance their teaching.
19.3.6
Musical Instruments
Live instruments are normally used for prelude and postlude music and for hymn accompaniment in Church meetings. Where they are available and where members can play them, organs and pianos are the standard instruments. Bishoprics may approve the use of other instruments to accompany congregational singing, for prelude and postlude music, and in other musical selections.
If a piano, organ, or accompanist is not available, recordings may be used (see 19.2).
19.3.7
Choirs
19.3.7.1
Ward Choirs
Where there are enough members, wards may organize choirs that sing in sacrament meeting regularly.
In addition to the ward choir, families and groups of women, men, youth, or children may be invited to sing in Church meetings.
19.4
Music Leadership in the Ward
19.4.1
Bishopric
The bishop is responsible for ward music. He may assign this responsibility to one of his counselors.
19.4.2
Ward Music Coordinator
The ward music coordinator serves under the direction of the bishopric. He or she has the following responsibilities:
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Be a resource to the bishopric and other ward leaders on music matters.
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Work with the bishopric to plan music for sacrament meetings (see 19.3.1 and 19.3.2).
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As requested by the bishopric, recommend members to serve in ward music callings. Orient those who serve in these callings, offering support, instruction, and training as needed.
19.4.3
Additional Callings
The bishopric may call members to serve in the following callings.
19.4.3.1
Ward Music Leader
The music leader conducts the congregational hymns for sacrament meeting and for other ward meetings as requested.
19.4.3.2
Ward Accompanist
The ward accompanist provides prelude and postlude music and accompaniment for hymns during sacrament meeting and other ward meetings as requested.
19.7
Additional Policies and Guidelines
19.7.2
Use of Meetinghouse Instruments for Practice, Private Instruction, and Recitals
When there is not a reasonable alternative, priesthood leaders may authorize the use of meetinghouse pianos and organs for practice, paid private instruction, and recitals involving members of the units that use the meetinghouse.