I'm happy to announce our summer course offerings at Dunwoodie - an opportunity to study sacred music at the graduate level in a compact format.

For the first time, we're offering a hybrid course - Principles of Sacred Music - 7 weeks online and 2 days (July 23-24) in person in NY. Principles of Chant immediately follows in a 4-day format (July 25-28). Auditor and credited spots are available, and there's a 50% discount for 1st-time Dunwoodie students or musicians sponsored by their parish. Inexpensive room and board options are also available.

Registration and more information is available here.

Principles of Sacred Music
Through a survey of the history of sacred music and reading of Church and papal legislation on sacred music, students gain an understanding of the principles which shape Western sacred music and the musical structure of the Roman rite. Special focus is placed on current documents which govern music in the Church. The course also features in-depth discussion of practical issues including the formation and management of sacred music programs in parishes, active participation, progressive solemnity, the use of instruments in the sacred liturgy, resources available for music directors and choristers, and other relevant topics.

Principles of Chant
Serving as an introduction to Gregorian chant, this course will cover neumatic notation, Gregorian modes, ear training and sight reading, vocal technique appropriate for singing chant, and Latin pronunciation. Special focus will be placed on rhythmic interpretation of the chant according to the classical Solesmes (Mocquereau) method. By the end of the class, students will have confidence singing from the Graduale Romanum, solfège, and psalm tones, and some experience in conducting (chironomy). Additional topics introduced in the class include the history of Gregorian chant, rehearsal techniques for teaching chant to children and adult choirs, and an introduction to chant resources in English and Spanish.