Choristers Guild Institute 2025

Description

The Choristers Guild Institute is a three-year training program for leaders of children's and youth choirs (K-8) in churches and church schools. Each summer, participants receive week-long, intensive instruction and mentoring from a faculty composed of outstanding teachers and clinicians. Alumni sessions are also available for those who wish to continue to expand their skills.

The training process is designed to strengthen directors’ musical and instructional skills and to equip them to effectively integrate children in worship. Graduates of the program become part of a close and supportive nationwide network of Institute alumni. 
 

Who Should Attend
The Institute is designed for choir directors who are leading young singers, K-8, in a Christian church or school setting, and those preparing to be full-time, part-time, or committed volunteer directors.  Music students in college or graduate school are also welcome. As always, institute alumni who completed all three years are invited to return for renewal and inspiration. 

A degree in music is not required, but musical literacy is fundamental to success as a participant in the Institute. First-year participants should submit a letter of support from a supervisor or staff member to show commitment to the 3-year program. Please email these letters to institute@choristersguild.org at time of registration.

Faculty and Contributors
A distinguished group of faculty will lead courses throughout the week. You will not want to miss personalized study with this group! Click each name below to learn more. 

• Emily Floyd
• Katie Houts
• Karol Kimmell
• Michael Burkhardt
• Tom Shelton
• 2025 Helen Kemp Lecturer- Elizabeth Shepley

Click for schedule

START & END TIMES for Choristers Guild Institute 2025
    July 21, MONDAY        Registration: 12:00 - 1:20
                                          First class    1:30 p.m.

    July 24, THURSDAY     Final CGI event ends 12:30 p.m.

Curriculum

With classes geared expressly for those teaching and directing children’s choirs, you will finish the week with:
•    Understanding of Choral Methods, Pedagogy and Conducting 
•    Experience planning choir rehearsals
•    Full toolbox-for-teaching
•    Solid repertoire suggestions
•    Setting up a rehearsal room w/ visuals
•    Ideas for shaping a choir program
•    Colleagues & Mentors for the future

Housing

Housing is NOT included in registration fee, but we recommend making a reservation with Holiday Inn Express for a discounted rate:

Holiday Inn Express Richmond- Midtown
2000 Staples Mill Rd  | Richmond, VA 23230

Scholarships

A number of partial and full scholarships are available for Choristers Guild Institute attendees. 

• Scholarship Application: Visit our Scholarships page for more information and to complete an online application.
• Provide one letter of reference from someone who is either:  
  • 1. Employer or Music Professor
  • 2. Church Musician or Leader
  • Submit this letter of reference to institute@choristersguild.org 

Only completed applications submitted by the application deadline will be considered. 

Scholarship Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Online registration for the Institute will close July 9. After that date, please contact our office (469-398-3606) regarding the Institute.