What is the Young Musicians Partnership?
YMP is a growing network of congregations who encourage youth in the music traditions of the church by establishing a local scholarship of at least $500. In doing so, your congregation will receive the benefits of partnership:
10% tuition discount for all member youth. Just one scholarship qualifies multiple youth members for this partner-only discount.
33% match (up to $500 from LSM) to the church's scholarship.
Partner resources and a network of congregations committed to building the next generation of church musicians.
The Opportunity
As a member of the Young Musicians Partnership (YMP), your congregation provides a local scholarship for member youth to attend LSM. Those dollars are then matched by LSM at 33%. Any youth member of your congregation who attends LSM also receives a 10% discount, regardless of whether or not they are a scholarship recipient.
Partner churches establish scholarships in various ways. Many churches hold fundraisers or special concerts to collect funds. Others provide for the scholarship through their annual budgets or foundations. We can provide you with many tools for fundraising and can connect you to a network of Partnership congregations to find and share ideas.
The Benefits
LSM provides one of the only opportunities for youth to explore spiritual and musical growth while being immersed in the musical heritage of the church. For over 25 years, Lutheran Summer Music has seen alumni become church organists, choir directors and music leaders in their communities. Join us to ensure that church music remains strong by supporting your youth as they explore not only excellence in music but also their place in those traditions.
How to Move Forward
Determine the amount of your local scholarship and communicate with us what you plan to provide so we can set aside matching monies.
Communicate the scholarship within your church: host an LSM Sunday, notify your youth choir, etc. We have many resources available, from worship bulletin inserts to student musicians in your area. Contact us; we are happy to assist.
Enroll. We will confirm your enrollment as soon as it is received and follow up with you along the way.
What They Say
Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) provides an opportunity for youth to experience worship through the traditional liturgies and hymnody of the church. LSM gives them a place to grow both musically and spiritually, as they prepare to serve with their musical gifts in worship at your congregation.
Here are some quotes from LSM students who attended the 2009 Academy because of local scholarships provided by churches who are now a part of the Young Musicians Partnership.
"Music is the heart of worship. It helps me to connect to God on a different level than words can."
"I believe that in worship, music can both inspire and illustrate God’s message. Music is both a demonstration of God’s creation and a medium by which to give God praise."
"Worship is the opportunity to give God the glory with others who help to enhance the experience. It is celebrating and thanking God in fellowship with others."
"Worship has always been for me a gathering in community to share faith and music with each other to worship God."
When students were asked if they were planning to serve musically in their home congregations, 97% responded that they were.
Questions?
Contact Susan Olstad at
or 612-230-3291.
