Church music in Scotland: crossroads survey

This research was undertaken in the context of the University of St Andrews MLitt in Sacred Music curriculum planning, to gather information about education and training gaps in the Scottish context. Recent national census data in Scotland has identified active membership in ‘mainline’ Christian churches to be in rapid decline, which is impacting all areas of worship practice. This report analyses data from an online survey run by the researcher in autumn 2024, asking Christians in Scotland, reached via networks of those particularly interested in worship music, to comment on the value and function of music in worship, current approaches for delivery and repertoire, and their memories and wishes for making worship music more effective in worship. The survey provided respondents with Biblical prompts about traditions and renewal, and although the data sample size is small, the quality of the responses provides some interesting insights into current aspirations and hopes. While the report is in the first instance intended for St Andrews curriculum planning, the response from church networks during the survey process indicates that it will also be of interest to those charged with music and ministry in the wider Scottish context.