Music in Ministry

pianofingers Martha has over five and a half decades of experience making music in churches of every denomination. Although she has held full-time Director of Music positions in the past, Martha is currently Principal pianist/accompanist at Our Lady of Peace RC Church in south Minneapolis.

Martha has a strong reputation for her hymn accompaniment skills, understanding as she does very well that hymn playing is an art that requires a sensitivity toward and leadership of the singing congregation. Martha is capable of providing a seamless liturgical musical framework in any denominational setting, leading the service through her music ministry.

Martha and Dana have both initiated and participated in successful Music Department Benefit Concerts and Church Concert Series, providing organization and direction, engaging talented musician performers and providing a fresh, eclectic product full of tasteful presentations to delight every audience. Browse below to see the specific services we offer and then contact us for rates and booking.

REGULAR OR SPECIAL SERVICE MUSIC EXPECTATION

Martha will work with the Director of Music to determine the overall service needs, from the theme of the service to particular musical requirements
Martha will rehearse the choir and/or other musicians ahead of the service
Martha will meet with the Liturgist and/or Pastor ahead of the service to coordinate any special requirements
Martha and Dana will provide a prelude, a postlude, an offertory, gifts of music (special music), hymn accompaniment, liturgical music, incidental background music and accompaniment for any special music
Martha and Dana will play for special services, such as Baptisms, Lessons and Carols, Candlelight Services, Christmas Eve, Lent, Capital Campaign Kickoff, Rally Day

CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS (Separate from immediate service preparation)

Martha can conduct rehearsals of ensembles and/or soloists (from the piano) in preparation for regular church services or in preparation for special music events (benefits, cantatas, Lessons and Carols, etc.)

WEDDING SERVICES

Martha will provide the bridal couple with a “Bridal Sampler” CD which has suggestions for all aspects of wedding service music. Martha will then work with the bridal couple to determine appropriate musical selections.
Martha will rehearse with any featured musicians ahead of the ceremony
Martha will coordinate with the wedding planner to assure the smooth execution of the ceremony’s music
Martha and Dana will provide gathering/prelude music and exit/postlude music in an appropriate length before and after the ceremony
Martha and Dana will provide liturgical music, incidental music and accompaniment for featured musicians as the service requires.
Martha has a portable electronic keyboard and amp available to bring (cartage fee applies)

FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICES

Martha will work with the family ahead of the service to develop an appropriate musical framework for the service and will make every effort to fulfill any appropriate special musical requests they may have.
Martha will rehearse with any featured musicians ahead of the service
Martha and Dana will provide gathering/prelude music and exit/postlude music in an appropriate length before and after the service
Martha and Dana will provide liturgical music, incidental music and accompaniment for featured musicians as the service requires.

GUEST PERFORMER IN A CHURCH SERVICE

Martha will work with the Director of Music to determine the theme of the service and the particular musical requirements for the service
Martha will provide any hymn, choir accompaniment or any other service music required.
Martha and Dana will be prepared with the appropriate feature selections to fit the service needs.

BENEFIT OR CONCERT SERIES PROJECTS

Martha and Dana work with the Director of Music and/or Event Planner to arrange all logistical details
Martha and Dana work with the marketing people, providing all appropriate material to enable proper marketing
Martha and Dana create and develop an appropriate program, engaging other artists to perform with them
Martha and Dana rehearse with all artists to assure a quality performance

Some of the churches in the Twin Cities area where one or both of the Mathewsons have played:

St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church, Eagan, MN
Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN
Spirit Of Hope United Methodist Church, Golden Valley, MN
Spirit Of Christ Community Lutheran Church, St. Louis Park, MN
Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, West Campus, Victoria, MN
Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Retreat Center, Lakeville, MN
Parkway U.C.C. Church, Minneapolis, MN
Unitarian Universalist Church, Minneapolis, MN
Nativity Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN
Faith Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN
Epiphany Church, Robbinsdale, MN
Unitarian Society, Minneapolis, MN
Brooklyn United Methodist Church, Brooklyn Center, MN
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley, MN
Westwood Community Church, Excelsior, MN