Workshops

Susan loves helping others grow in their ministry as singers, cantors and psalmists. With broad experience and knowlege of the spirtual, liturgical and vocal/practical skills and knowledge needed, Susan uses encouragement and humor to help both novice and seasoned cantors and psalmists take their ministry to the next level. The technique and art of singing chant psalmody is a favorite teaching. Susan encourages on-the-feet practice as a very effective learning method, for both the participants and observers. The following workshop options can be customize and combined to meet the needs of the presenter: 

  • Master Classes 
  • Three-Hour Cantor Workshops 
  • Adjudications for National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) Cantor Certificates 

Susan's Qualifications: 

  • Degrees, Certifications and Trainings: 
    • B.Mus. in Voice & B.A. in Theater from the University of Notre Dame 
    • Certified NPM Cantor Colleague (highest NPM Cantor Certificate) 
    • Certified NPM Adjudicator for NPM Cantor Certificates 
    • Candidate for Certification as NPM Cantor Trainer
    • NPM Cantor Intensives
    • NPM National Conferences (years???)
    • Southwest Liturgical Conference (when in Houston)
  • 40+ years' experience singing and serving as cantor and psalmist, including: 
    • Cantor at the University of Notre Dame, around the world, and for parishes in NY, PA, OH and TX 
    • Cantor at Masses celebrated by her cousin, Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR, in New York City
    • Cantor for the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA
    • Cantor for the Diocese of Austin, TX 
    • Since 2009, cantor/psalmist and interim music director (twice) at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station, TX 
  • 12 years’ experience training cantors and psalmist 
    • Developed a Cantor Institute for the Diocese of Harrisburg with then-Director of the Office of Worship, Fr. Neil Sullivan: a 9-hour training in three 3-hour workshops
    • Cantor clinician in parishes of the Diocese of Austin, hired directly or collaboration with the NPM Austin Chapter
    • Cantor clinician in parishes of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, hired directly or in collaboration with the NPMGH Chapter 
  • Memberships & Associations: 
    • Roman Catholic her entire life (with one lapse and reversion in NYC in the mid-80s) 
    • Member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians 
      • Member of NPM Cantor Steering Committee 
      • Editor of the NPM Cantor Newsletter and its "Cues For Cantors!" articles of timely tips and tools for growth in cantor ministry, written by experts in pastoral music
    • Member, Leadership Team Member, clinician, past Secretary and currently a Coordinator of Hospitality for the NPM Austin Chapter