Faculty:

• Mark A. Boyle, D.M.A.
• Kathleen M. Campbell, M.M.
• Ted A. DiSanti, D.A.
• Laurie Fox, M.M.T., M.T-B.C., L.P.C.
• Edward Kuhn, M.F.A
• Francis M. Leap, Ph.D.
• Daniel J. Martino, Ph.D.
• Christopher M. Marra, Ph.D.
• Jessica Vaughn-Marra, Ph.D.

The Sacred Music Certificate program prepares university and community musicians for ministry in the church as pastoral musicians.   Rooted in tradition, students examine the liturgical and musical norms of the church, learn the practical traits needed to successfully run a music ministry, plan meaningful worship, and become successful performers, conductors, organists, and vocalists.  The Sacred Music Certificate is a wonderful opportunity for current music majors, aspiring professionals, or church volunteers wishing to refine skills or find real-world opportunities in service to the church.  

 

Learning Objectives: Sacred Music Certificate

1. Perform at the certificate required level on the major instrument from a cross-section of the appropriate repertoire.
2. Demonstrate the skills necessary to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation through performance. 
3. Sight read music at the certificate required proficiency level.
4. Apply knowledge of musical religious practice including orders of worship, hymnology, administrative structures and procedures, and the relationships between sacred music and the music of general culture through professional practicum experiences.  

 

Admission to the certificate program is based on the successful completion of an audition for the music faculty.  If an understanding of basic music theory is not demonstrated at the audition, SMU127 Fundamental of Music will be required as a co-requisite to first year certificate study.  Auditions are scheduled by appointment throughout the academic year. 

 

The certificate assessment includes successful completion of coursework and assignments; successful completion of juries in the applied major; completion of the Service Music Exam and the Sacred Music Practicum.  

 

Audition requirements for program (organ and voice)

Organ

The candidate should perform two pieces and a hymn demonstrating their current abilities.  It is preferable, however not required, that one piece from the Baroque period and one from the Romantic or Contemporary periods.  

 

Students who have not studied organ are encouraged to apply and may audition solely on piano, demonstrating sufficient piano study by the performance of two contrasting pieces from the same periods.

 

Voice

The candidate should perform two pieces of Sacred Music and a hymn or psalm demonstrating their current abilities.  It is preferable, however not required, that one piece from the Baroque period and one from the Romantic or Contemporary periods.