Professional Standards

Members of the American Guild of Organists are guided by two documents — the Code of Ethics and the Code of Professional Standards. Members of the American Guild of Organists dedicate themselves to the highest standard of professionalism, integrity and competence. The following principles are guidelines for the conduct of members in fulfilling their obligations as professional musicians.

Code of Professional Standards Download PDF

Skills:

1. Members develop and maintain skills in performance, improvisation, service playing, conducting, arranging, and composing commensurate with their duties.

2. Members stay abreast of current developments in liturgy, hymnody, performance practice, and musicology through continuing education.

3. Members become knowledgeable in the liturgy and worship traditions of the institutions they serve.

4. Members acquire business, administrative and interpersonal skills to perform their duties.

Employment Matters:

1. Members agree to employment only after reaching a clear understanding of the position, the employer’s expectations, and the lines of accountability.

2. Members request written contracts that protect employee and employer.

3. Members maintain courteous and respectful relationships with other staff members and members of their congregations, making an effort to resolve potential conflicts as soon as they become evident.

4. Members address differences with employing institutions through appropriate channels, including, but not limited to, their contract, the institution’s personnel policies manual, and the Guild’s Procedures for Dealing with Complaints about Termination

Respect for Colleagues:

1. Members supervise other musicians in a professional and courteous manner.

2. Members respect the intellectual property rights of composers, authors and publishers by complying with the Copyright Law and licensing requirements regarding reproduction, recording, distribution, broadcasting and performing rights.

3. Members address differences with other members of the American Guild of Organists by following the procedures outlined in the Discipline.

4. Members do not discriminate against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, religious affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (including, but not limited to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Approved by National Council 7/02/00, as amended 4/16/07

See also Code of Ethics and Grievance Procedures.