The Guild of Church Musicians (GCM) was founded in England in 1888 as The Church Choir Guild and renamed The Incorporated Guild of Church Musicians in 1905. The Guild was initially a Church of England organisation until its centenary year, when membership was opened to those of any Christian denomination, In 1988, the Archbishop of Canterbury invited the Archbishop of Westminster to become a joint patron. The GCM is now an international organisation with members in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and South Africa.
The Guild’s Australian Advisory Council (now known as the Australian Council (AC)) was inaugurated in 1998, and is the governing body of the Guild in Australia under the authority of the parent body in the United Kingdom. 1998 also saw the appointment of Australian patrons, the Anglican Primate of Australia and the Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney. The AC comprises members of several different denominations (musicians and clergy) and both professional and amateur musicians, to ensure that as many as possible of the diverse interests in Australian church music have Council representation.
The Guild exists to encourage all musicians within the church, whether amateur or professional, to foster the highest attainable standards of music in the worship of Almighty God. Membership is open to all members of the Christian Church. The Guild does not focus on any one church music genre, but is rather a guild of individuals and groups [such a church choirs] who care about church music, and who wish to make the best of whatever resources and technical ability they have, in whatever worship style is appropriate in their Christian community. The membership reflects the rich diversity of Australian church music – it includes professionals and amateurs from cathedrals and suburban churches, choristers, cantors, organists, choral and instrumental directors and leaders, guitarists, keyboard players, instrumentalists, clergy, and members of most Christian denominations.
The Guild offers formal study courses in support of its aims (for more information see the Examinations page), but offers many other benefits, not least of which is the opportunity for contact with fellow church musicians from different backgrounds, yet with a shared purpose, which provides encouragement and a sense of perspective for an individual’s work in their own worship situation.
Benefits of Membership (both individual and corporate)
- Eligibility to undertake the Guild’s study courses
- The Guild’s journal, Laudate
- Regular opportunity to discuss church music issues, both practical and conceptual, with other committed church musicians
- Regular updates on the work of the Guild in Australia through an AC newsletter
Cost of Membership
The annual cost of Guild membership for Individuals is A$45, while Corporate membership (e.g., for a choir) is A$85. Membership is renewed at the beginning of each calendar year.
To apply to become a Member of the Guild of Church Musicians in Australia, complete the form below. Your application will be considered by the Australian Council and, if approved, will become active upon the payment of your membership fee.