Being a Better Song Leader In Sunday School

Music adds so much to Sunday school. It is an important way of teaching and emphasizing the study of the day. There are many things that need to be considered, relating to the music in our Sunday school, but one of the keys is the song leader. When you have a good, enthusiastic song leader, the singing reflects that enthusiasm. Here are a few tips for song leaders to keep in mind:

1. Keep it fun. Music is fun; it makes people happy. The song leader who enjoys him or herself and allows that enjoyment to be seen in their facial expression and actions will add much to the enjoyment of the congregation or class.

2. Be positive. An encouraging "Sounds great!" will do much, much more than an embarrassing "I can’t hear you!"

3. Be prepared. Have the songs that you are going to use picked out in advance. Be sure that the pianist or other accompanist knows what songs you are planning to sing. When selecting songs, try to select ones that tie in with the theme or lesson study of the day. When making your plans, you should also plan what, if anything, you will say between songs or to introduce the songs.

4. Learn before you lead. Be sure that both you and the pianist know the songs that you are about to sing. If you are using a song that is new, you must know the song well before you can begin to teach it to others.

5. Keep it varied. Variety is the spice of life. When planning to use group singing with your Sunday school program, it is important to keep the selection of songs varied, some fast, some slow, some traditional hymns, some choruses. Introducing a new song keeps the group interested, too.

6. Support it with prayer. When you pray for God’s blessing on your Sunday school, don’t forget to ask for his help and blessing on the musical part of your program. And pray for his help so that you might be a better and more effective song leader, to God’s glory.

(This article appeared in the "Winter, 1991-92" issue of "The Herald.")