1. Learning from Others
When setting out with the aim of involving children and young people in the music of your church, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many churches are attempting the same thing, with plenty of examples of success, and lots of models of good practice in use today.
Take time to read about these models, and talk to those who are running them. Find out what works for others, and discover options for what you might try in your own church. Here are some ways you can do so.
Make contact with someone in another church
Make contact with someone in another church who is working successfully with children in music. Don’t tell yourself that they are different, that they have advantages which you do not. Find out what they actually had to do, learn about the opportunities and the pitfalls – what works and what doesn’t – and start to grow a mutually-supportive relationship. People who are rebuilding children’s involvement in church music are doing it because they are passionate about the opportunities. You will probably find that they are only too glad to help you do the same, and to learn from your experiences too.
Read about what is happening elsewhere
Church Music Quarterly regularly carries articles about churches which are involving children in their music. RSCM Members can access case studies through the links throughout the Toolkit. Sign up for diocesan or wider Church newsletters. Look out for local press or online stories, which might suggest ways of working or people from whom you might learn.
Get involved in events and discussions
The RSCM will regularly organise online and face-to-face events at which people who want to involve children in church music can come together to share their experiences, identify good practice and learn from each other and invited experts. You may also find events or groups organised by others in your diocese or region. Sign up for an event, join in the conversation and be inspired. Or why not start your own regular discussion group with people you know who are working in this field?
Join the conversation on social media
There are many useful discussions on social media, with lots of church music practitioners talking about the work they are doing. Follow the RSCM on all the platforms you use and join the RSCM Young Voices Network on Facebook. Look for other relevant Groups or Pages on Facebook or LinkedIn, such as Raise your Voices. Join or follow them, or link to people who regularly talk and share about children in church music on platforms including X, Bluesky or Instagram. Find out what hashtags are used to discuss this. Join in the conversations and start new ones of your own.
