Organ Curriculum
Academic Courses (30 credit hours)
Liturgy (15 credit hours)
- Eucharist
- Liturgical Year
- Liturgical Prayer
- Other Electives
Sacred Music (15 credit hours)
- Organ Literature I & II
- Other Electives
Practical Music (18 credit hours)
- Primary Lessons: 12 credit hours (4 courses at 3 credit hours)
- MasterSingers: 2 credit hours (each semester at .5 credit hours)
- Secondary Lessons: 4 credit hours
Applied Music Practices
Workshops and master classes are offered regularly on a non-credit basis.
The following list will serve as examples of types of workshops that enhance the background of the Liturgical Musician:
- Vocal Techniques
- Service Playing
- Improvisation
- Liturgical Performance Practice and Literature for Piano
- Developing Music Programs for Children and Youth
- Handbells
Master Singers and Colloquia
All MSM students are required to take Colloquium/Master Singers every semester; it meets on Thursdays 12:30-1:50 (.5 credit each semester). The aims of the Master Singers are to build camaraderie among students in the three concentrations, to give students more podium time, and to encourage the students to pursue the various genres of sacred music that are of interest to them.
Two times per semester, the Master Singers slot will be occupied by the MSM Colloquium series, a workshop or guest speaker who presents on some aspect of sacred music. Once a semester, on Thursdays at 4:30, the Colloquium is held jointly with the Program in Liturgical Studies.
These interdisciplinary sessions address issues common to both liturgy and the sacred arts. They draw the faculty and students into an on-going dialogue surrounding interdisciplinary projects and working methods.
Supervised Placement (Transcripted Only)
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Supervised pastoral placement for four semesters (i.e. basilica, parish, dormitory, etc.)
N.B. In a semester where a major recital is being prepared, the student may reduce the course load from 12 to 9 credits due. The student must make up to the courses in the summer for up to two courses (6 credits).
Comprehensive Exam
M.S.M. students are required to do two recitals or one recital and a 60-minute comprehensive exam (to be administered in the final semester).