The Certificate in Sacred Music program is designed to equip musicians with the skills and knowledge necessary for the execution of Roman Catholic music at a professional level.  Students, in time-honored fashion, learn the various aspects of the craft through individual and group instruction from master musicians and teachers.  Additionally, they will take part in monthly liturgical performances (Mass and the Divine Office in both Forms of the Roman Rite) in the beautiful and historic Shrines of Pittsburgh, thus gaining a familiarity with a portion of the Church’s vast treasury of sacred music in the liturgical context in which it was conceived. 

Curriculum & Fees

Saint Gregory Term, September - December:
Gregorian Chant I (1.5 hrs, $300)
Organ Lessons (1 hr, $980)
Liturgical Organ Playing I (1.5 hrs, $300)
Voice Lessons (1 hr, $980)
Schola Gregoriana (1.5 hrs, $225)
Conducting II (1 hr, $200)
History of Sacred Music (1 hr, $200)

Total:  8.5 hrs/week
$3,185

Epiphany Term, January - April:
Gregorian Chant II (1.5 hrs, $300)
Organ Class (1.5 hrs, $300)
Liturgical Organ Playing II (1.5 hrs, $300)
Schola Gregoriana (1.5 hrs, $225)
Conducting III (1 hr, $200)
Liturgy (1 hr, $200)


Total:  8 hrs/week
$1,525

 Pentecost Term, May - August:
Organ Class (1.5 hrs, $300)
Organ Improvisation (1.5 hrs, $300)
Schola Gregoriana (1.5 hrs, $225)
Counterpoint (1 hr, $200)
Cheironomy (1 hr, $200)
Composition (1.5 hr, $300)
Music Program Administration (.25 hr, $50)

Total:  8.25 hrs/week
$1,575

Total cost of Certificate:  $6,285

All tuition fees must be paid by the start of each term. 
Registration and payment due date for Pentecost Term is Friday, May 14, 2021.

Admission

Enrollment in the Certificate in Sacred Music Program is open to all individuals who:

1. Have earned an undergraduate degree in any musical discipline;

 
       OR
 
       have earned at least 16 collegiate credits in music theory and ear training (or an equivalent full complement of                   music theory and ear training courses as part of the curriculum of a typical undergraduate music degree), at least             two credits in conducting, and six credits in music history.
 

2. Possess organ skills as indicated by the ability to convincingly perform the following repertoire:

 

1.  One of the Eight “Little” Preludes & Fugues by J. S. Bach
2.  A four-part hymntune, with the bass voice played in the pedal

Aptitude will be assessed by Institute faculty by means of either a live or recorded audition and submission of a collegiate transcript.  Inquiries can be made and materials submitted to:  [email protected].