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.  Auditions are scheduled by appointment throughout the academic year. 

 

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

 

The candidate should perform a Baroque work, Romantic Work, and 20th/21st Century work, play (organ) or sign (voice) a hymn, be prepared to improvise on a given theme (organ only), and sight read a passage.  

 

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, one form the Baroque and a contrasting Romantic or Contemporary period piece. 

 

Students who audition on piano or students with insufficient organ or voice background will be requested to take remedial study in addition to the certificate coursework.