Empowering and connecting ensemble musicians
Growing together in music and faith
Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation (CLEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and connecting ensemble musicians who serve the Church. Through education, community, and free Catholic music resources, CLEF supports musicians of all levels as they grow in skill and confidence to lead sung prayer that fosters full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy.
Music is one of the most powerful forms of prayer that opens the hearts of the faithful so God can better reach and shape them. CLEF exists to support the musicians, both paid and volunteers, who make those moments of prayer possible week after week.
Many ensemble musicians serve with limited time, varied training, and little formal support, yet their ministry plays a vital role in the prayer life of the Church. CLEF walks alongside them with practical resources, formation, and support.
Free resources for ensemble musicians
CLEF Life provides free online Catholic music resources for ensemble musicians seeking ongoing formation, practical support, and encouragement in their ministry. These resources are created by and for ensemble musicians and focus on the real needs of those preparing and leading music for the liturgy. Topics include:
- Instrumental and vocal techniques
- Ensemble musicianship
- Liturgy and theology
- Scripture and its role in sung prayer
- Ministry, leadership, and collaboration
- Spirituality for musicians and liturgists
CLEF Life resources are designed to be practical, accessible, and immediately useful. Through new content every week, CLEF helps ensemble musicians strengthen their skills, deepen their understanding of the liturgy, and nurture their own faith journey.
Supporting the unique needs of ensemble musicians
CLEF was created by ensemble musicians, for ensemble musicians. Some ensemble musicians are professionally trained, while many others are volunteers. Some serve in large parishes with ample resources, while others serve in small, rural, or culturally diverse communities where support may be limited. Regardless of experience or parish size, these musicians share a common desire: to serve the liturgy well and help their communities pray more deeply through music.
In-person programs
Our in-person programs for skill-building, formation, and training include the week-long CLEF Summer Program in Ohio and shorter ensemble workshops hosted by churches and dioceses in various locations across the country.
Online resources
Our online CLEF Life resources include weekly posts of video or written content on a wide range of topics relevant to ensemble musicians. Existing content can be searched by topic to help connect you to relevant resources.
Community support
One of the most powerful aspects of CLEF is our community that connects online through a private Facebook group and through direct communication to share resources and offer support for one another throughout the year.
July 26-31, 2026
Experience the CLEF Summer Program
The CLEF Summer Program is our flagship in-person experience for ensemble musicians. It’s often described as part conference, part retreat, and part family reunion — even for first-time attendees.
Designed specifically for ensemble musicians, the CLEF Summer Program includes:
- Instrumental and vocal sessions tailored to ensemble playing
- Presentations on music and liturgy topics
- Clinic day and a private coaching session
- Morning and evening prayer each day
This immersive experience allows ensemble musicians to step away from weekly responsibilities and focus on both music and spiritual growth. Participants return home with renewed spirits, practical skills for better ensemble playing, and new connections to a broader community of musicians who share their commitment to the liturgy.
For many musicians, the CLEF Summer Program becomes a turning point in their ministry. Join us July 26–31, 2026, at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio, for an unforgettable week of music, prayer, and community.
Find a CLEF Ensemble Workshop
CLEF Ensemble Workshops are two-day, in-person experiences designed to strengthen the skills and confidence of ensemble musicians in service of the liturgy. During each workshop, instrumentalists and vocalists work both separately and together on a shared repertoire of music.
These workshops emphasize collaboration, listening, and practical ensemble skills that directly support liturgical music. By focusing on real-world repertoire and shared experience, CLEF Ensemble Workshops help musicians grow together and better serve their communities through the liturgy.
If you’re looking for a shorter in-person option for ensemble musicians that provides focused, hands-on learning, a CLEF Ensemble Workshop may be the perfect fit for you.
Get involved with CLEF
CLEF’s work is made possible by a growing community of donors, volunteers, and ensemble musicians who believe in the importance of ensemble music in Catholic liturgy. There are many ways to support and participate in this mission.
Donate to CLEF
CLEF’s programs and resources are possible because of a generous and engaged community. Your financial support helps us continue providing in-person programs and free Catholic music resources for ensemble musicians across the country.
Volunteer on a committee
If you’re passionate about ensemble music in the liturgy, we would love to have you join one of our committees. Volunteers support CLEF through marketing, outreach, event logistics, technology, and more. Get in touch with us to discuss your skills and interests.
Connect with our community
Our private Facebook group, CLEF Life Community for Ensemble Musicians, is a welcoming space to connect with other ensemble musicians. Members ask questions, share resources, and offer encouragement to one another as they navigate the joys and challenges of ministry.
We invite you to participate in CLEF’s mission in whatever way is meaningful for you — through donating, volunteering, or praying for us. Every contribution supports ensemble musicians and the communities they serve.