Cantor Formation Workshops
With degrees in Voice and Theater, Susan spent years entertaining. Then, in 2002, God called her to serve the church in a bigger way. God's messenger was Fr. Neil Sullivan, VF, who asked her to cantor the Chrism Mass and Ordinations for the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA and to teach the cantors of the diocese. That began a beautiful journey to helping others grow in their ministry as leaders of sung prayer who encourage assemblies toward full, active and conscious participation in liturgy. Residing in Bryan, TX, Susan enjoys opportunities to provide cantor training in the Diocese of Austin and the Arch-Diocese of Galveston-Houston.
A member of the Cantor Steering Committee of the National Association of Pastoral Musician (NPM), Susan is editor of the liturgically seasonal "NPM Cantor Newsletter", an e-publication sent to NPM Cantor Section members and those who have achieved NPM Basic, Intermediate and/or Cantor Colleague Certifications. In 2018, she launched a new feature in the Newsletter called "Cues for Cantors!", offering tips and tools for growth in cantor ministry by sharing the wisdom of experts in Catholic pastoral and liturgical music ministry.
Beyond achievement of NPM Cantor Certifications, Susan is further certified by NPM as a Cantor Trainer. With broad knowledge and experience in formation of vocal, liturgical and spiritual skills and knowledge, Susan uses encouragement and humor to help both novice and seasoned cantors and psalmists take their ministry to the next level. Becoming the psalm, becoming a servant of the Holy Spirit, is a life-long journey. Susan promotes the use of Master Classes with on-the-feet and at-the-ambo practice: it is a very effective learning method, both for the cantor and the peers in class acting as the assembly. The technique, art and spirit of singing chant psalmody is a favorite teaching.
Contact Susan for information on options to offer workshops and master classes for your singers and cantors.
If you are not familiar with NPM, please visit www.npm.org to see what it can do for you and your ministry!