Join the American Guild of Organists

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Membership in the American Guild of Organists is open to anyone who is interested in the field of church music and who supports the ideology (mission) of the National organization. You need not be a musician, nor do you need to be affiliated with any particular religious denomination.

Most members of the Guild are organists and choral directors employed by churches in part-time or full-time capacity. In general, the Guild focuses its attention on the organ and choral music within the Church, though topics of discussion broaden to include music theory, music history, music literature, choral conducting, and other aspects of music ministry programs, such as music for other instruments, the overall role of music or the relationship between clergy and musicians.

Membership is generally carried out through the local Chapters (such as the Detroit Chapter), which number more than 340 and are further grouped into nine geographical regions (of which Detroit Chapter belongs to Region V). Consistent with this type of organization, there are Chapter level meetings, Regional level meetings, and annual National Conventions. Discounted membership rates apply to seniors 65 or older, those under 21, full-time students, and the disabled. There are a number of different types of memberships, and each has its own fee structure and associated benefits.

Local chapters vary in their activities, but all offer member recitals and opportunities for members to learn more about their art. Often, the chapters sponsor professional organists or keyboardists in recital and may offer master classes in the music literature they rely on for their profession. Additionally, many chapters now help subsidize the academic pursuits of young musicians through scholarship programs. Inquire about this with individual chapters for more information. Youth are encouraged to learn more about the organ through chapter-sponsored "Pipe Organ Encounters" programs, a hands-on approach to learning more about the role of the pipe organ in church and recital. These multi-day events draw participants from all over the world and give youth a chance to visit and play various instruments, learn about their construction and history, and participate in classes and discussions that focus on the responsibilities of church musicians. In some cases, financial assistance is available to interested youth. Be sure to check out the upcoming event calendar for the Detroit Chapter.

The Guild offers a number of professional development certifications that parallel the accomplishments of academic degree programs. Some can be achieved on a chapter level, and others may require travel to an examination center. They offer an excellent way for musicians to hone their skills and advance themselves within the broad range of employment opportunities within the denominations. Inasmuch as many church positions are part-time and may not include employment benefits, the National organization offers comprehensive insurance plans to members at reduced rates. The National Site will explain more about insurance plans and benefits.

Become a Member of the AGO

If you're interested in joining the AGO, you may have membership materials mailed to you from the National Organization to review. Otherwise, join the Guild in one of these ways:

   • Contact the Detroit Chapter Membership Chairperson to join the National Organization through affiliation with the Detroit Chapter. You can decide whether to join with or without voting privileges. Being affiliated with a Chapter that is close to your home has numerous benefits, such as being kept informed of upcoming events, meeting other people in your area who share similar interests, having reduced fees (or no fees) for locally-sponsored events, etc. Fees for membership with Detroit Chapter affiliation must be submitted to the Detroit Chapter.

   • Visit the National Site to initiate Independent Membership online, without being affiliated with the local AGO chapter. You may have Independent Membership with, or without, voting privileges. In this type of membership, you can submit your membership fees to the National Organization.

Thank you for your interest in the American Guild of Organists.