Apply for LSM 2025

We have much to celebrate together as we reflect on 2024 and eagerly anticipate all that 2025 has in store. Through these pages, you’ll experience the profound and deeply personal impact LSM has on students, alumni, supporters, event attendees, schools, congregations, and more.

LSM is thrilled to announce the 2025 worship faculty of The Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program under the direction of Chad Fothergill (LSM 2000), Cantor. Highly respected in their fields, these gifted leaders advance LSM’s legacy as a laboratory for creativity and innovation that fuels the future of sacred music and educates the next generation of church music leaders.

Since the founding of Lutheran Summer Music, churches from across the country have acted as Young Musicians Partner (“YMP”) congregations, sending students to LSM and financially supporting their attendance. These partnerships make LSM possible for dozens of students each year, as the majority of students who require financial aid have benefited from a YMP congregation’s support.

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to present the recipient of the 2024 Carl Schalk Award: Naomi from Grand Marais, MN. LSM has established this award to recognize students who embody the same passion for church music, and by their desires to use their musical gifts to the service of the church. Read Naomi's full interview here.

LSM is pleased to present the recipient of the 2024 Peter Wessler Award: Nicolas from Palmetto Bay, Florida. LSM established this award to honor Peter Wessler, LSM's Academy director for 17 years before his death in 2020. Nicolas (Nico) was chosen as the designee for this award due to his notable contributions to the student community at LSM. Read Nico's full interview here.

Lutheran Summer Music has received a legacy gift from Peace Lutheran Church of Plymouth, a Twin Cities congregation that is closing and selling its building. This generous contribution will go a long way in supporting young musicians and ensuring the continuation of LSM's mission to educate future leaders in classical and sacred music.

The 2024 LSM Alumni Award was presented to Rev. Michael D. Costello during LSM 2024 at the annual Board of Directors Reception on Saturday, July 27, 2024. With over 100 guests in attendance, the event was an inspiring reminder that LSM touches the lives of countless people. Read Rev. Costello’s moving acceptance speech here.

Lutheran Summer Music is pleased to announce a transformational gift from the Christopher Family as part of the Strength and Stay Campaign. The Christopher Family’s longstanding support has been crucial in furthering the mission of Lutheran Summer Music, and their recent major gift has created eight new endowed faculty chairs, enriching the educational experience for students and nurturing musical talent for generations to come.