I’d like to know what kinds of music are appropriate for sacrament meeting. I’ve heard that everything from religious “pop” and folk music to heavy classical has been used. Is there a policy on this?

Michael Moody, administrative assistant, Church Music Department Appropriate music for sacrament meeting is music that contributes to the spirituality of the meeting and inspires or strengthens the members in their desire to live the gospel. Although some music may have merit for other occasions, if it does not achieve these results it is probably inappropriate for sacrament meeting.

The following guideline is given in the Handbook for Church Music, 1975, page 18:

“Those responsible for selecting music for Church meetings should make certain that music and text are sacred, dignified, of high quality, in harmony with the spirit of Latter-day Saint worship, and suitable to the occasion and circumstances. The text should be doctrinally correct. Since there is so much worthy music, it is not necessary to select music of questionable propriety. The Church Music Department does not dictate what may or may not be used, but offers only general guidelines in this matter. Final determination should be made by the presiding priesthood leader in consultation with appropriate music personnel.”

Another area of concern seems to be the use of instruments. The Handbook for Church Music, page 17, includes a statement on this subject:

“Organs and pianos are the standard instruments used in sacrament meetings. Other instruments, such as orchestral strings, may be used when appropriate, but the music presented must be in keeping with the reverence and spirituality of the meeting. Brass and percussion instruments generally are not appropriate.”

Of course circumstances vary, and it’s possible that a given piece of music might be appropriate on one occasion but not on another. For example, if a family is speaking in sacrament meeting before leaving the ward, “Ye Simple Souls Who Stray” might not be the best choice for a closing hymn! The way a piece of music is presented can also make a difference. For example, an appropriate selection performed in an irreverent manner would render it inappropriate. Those who select and perform music need to use good judgment in applying the general guidelines to specific situations. The question should not be “How far can I go?” but rather “What will be the most effective and the most appropriate?”

Music for our church meetings should strike a responsive chord in the hearts of Latter-day Saints. Although we vary in our musical preferences and are conditioned to appreciate different kinds of music, there is one kind of music that ought to be a common denominator for all members of the Church—the hymns.

When I say “the hymns” I don’t necessarily mean all hymns—I mean hymns (and even songs and anthems) that are characteristic of our worship services—hymns that are known and loved by the Saints, like “How Great the Wisdom,” “High on the Mountain Top,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and “Redeemer of Israel.” Hymns are such an integral part of our worship experience that we learn to respond to them spiritually. They speak to all, and they bring the Holy Spirit with them.

Those responsible for music in our services should see that the musical selections are well suited to the occasion. But we not only need good music for our meetings, we also need good listeners. If the music is in tune but the hearer is not, there will be no harmony and no response to the music. Sometimes we as listeners “tune out” because the music isn’t to our personal liking—perhaps too “high brow” or too “low brow” for us. When we do this, we deny ourselves an opportunity to partake of the inspiration that could be there for us. We who listen should be involved, not in making musical judgments, but rather in participating with glad hearts in the spirit of worship.