THE SUMMER INSTITUTE OF CHURCH MUSIC PRESENTS
Sing up! Sing out! Sing on!
Celebrating and Strengthening the Singing church
July 21-24, 2025
In person at All Saints Anglican Church, Whitby, ON
Online across Canada
Join us as we gather to uplift and energise the singing congregation.
Whether you’re a music leader, choir member, or someone who simply loves the power of voices joined in song, SICM 2025 is your chance to celebrate and grow with others passionate about church music.
Together, we equip one another and our home churches to:
Sing UP!
Offer praise to God through vibrant, communal worship.
Sing OUT!
Share music and the Gospel to our churches and communities.
Sing ON!
Enrich physical, mental, spiritual and institutional well-being for brighter futures.
Register Today!
Register before June 1, 2025 to take advantage of Early Bird registration rates!
Bursary Fund
The SICM Bursary Fund was created to support participants who demonstrate financial need, aspire to develop their skills and passion for church musicianship, and through their work and professional demeanor, align with the Summer Institute of Church Music’s mission of ‘helping church musicians to flourish’. Two bursaries are available annually to cover the cost of registration (online session or in person) for the next available SICM in July. The Bursary Fund does not cover travel cost to the SICM.
Deadline to apply: June 1, 2025
SICM 2025 Faculty
SICM 2025 participants will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from Canada’s leading church music pedagogues.
Bruce Harding
Theme Presenter
Bruce Harding, a singer, songwriter, and intercultural song leader from New Westminster, BC, inspires congregations across Canada and beyond to sing with spirit and conviction. At SICM 2025, he will lead music for Thursday’s Chapel Communion Service, deliver the keynote on “Sing Up, Sing Out, Sing On,” and introduce the United Church of Canada’s centenary digital hymnal, Then Let Us Sing!
Dr. Patrick Murray
Choral Instruction
Patrick Murray, Director of Music at St. John’s Elora, leads the professional Parish Choir and serves as Artistic Director of Chor Amica and the University of Toronto Scarborough Concert Choir. Passionate about sacred music and community building, he will join SICM 2025 to lead the Chorale and offer sessions on choral techniques and conducting.
Dr. Debbie Fingas
Keyboard Instruction
Dr. Debbie Fingas, an accomplished organist, pianist, choral director, singer, and flautist, serves as Minister of Music at Trinity United Church in Cobourg, Ontario, and Associate Director for La Jeunesse Choirs. At SICM 2025, she will lead music for Wednesday's Chapel Service, present on keyboard and music leadership skills, and accompany the SICM Chorale for rehearsals and the closing performance.
Dr. Daniel Ramjattan
Special presenter – Performance Anxiety
Dr. Daniel Ramjattan, a celebrated Canadian classical guitarist, has performed internationally and released his acclaimed album Inspirations: New Works for Solo Guitar. At SICM 2025, he will draw from his research on performance anxiety to empower church musicians and foster confident, committed congregational singing.
Christopher Dawes
SICM Board member & Organ Recitalist
Christopher Dawes, a prominent Toronto musician, serves as Organist and Director of Music at Rosedale Presbyterian Church and as Collaborative Pianist at the University of Toronto. At SICM 2025, he will lead music for Tuesday's Chapel Service, host sessions, and perform the organ recital for the SICM Chorale's closing concert.
Who We Are
What is the Summer Institute of Church Music?
For over 50 years, the Summer Institute of Church Music (SICM) has provided a unique program of professional development, study, and retreat for church musicians, worship leaders, and choristers of all levels and denominations. SICM offers mentorship and teaching from Canada’s leading experts in church music, fostering learning, renewal, and community.
Testimonials
“SICM is a welcoming community of church leaders — musicians, clergy, lay people — who inspire each other by willingly sharing ideas in an environment that successfully balances professional and spiritual issues. You will be changed for the better by getting involved in this wonderful organization."
Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt
2021 SICM Faculty
"Over the years I have observed that being a church musician can be both a fulfilling vocation, as well as a sometimes frustrating and lonely existence. But, as I witnessed when I was invited to lecture at SICM in 2019, people clearly enjoyed meeting with others, sharing experience, gaining insights and being nourished as, rather than lead music, they are led. I highly commend this experience to all who, part or full time, are responsible for music in worship."
Rev. John L. Bell
2019 SICM Faculty
