The Master of Sacred Music at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX prepares students for employment as professional Church musicians. The UST Music Department offers an extraordinary educational opportunity for anyone wishing to study and pursue careers in organ and vocal performance, teaching, or church music. The program integrates the musical, liturgical, and pastoral dimensions to ground students professionally in liturgical music as a ministry. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with clergy and congregations in a full or part-time capacity, as well as to teach. The MSM at the University of St. Thomas is based on Roman Catholic traditions and practice, but is open to and provides training for church musicians from a variety of Christian traditions and experiences.

The Master of Sacred Music program is situated within the Department of Music in the School of Arts and Sciences. The University of St. Thomas provides a philosophical and theological grounding in the Catholic tradition which permeates the campus. Students are exposed to a wide variety of intellectual and artistic experiences at the university, as well as the wealth of musical experiences to be found in a world-class city. Houston is home to a vibrant arts scene, and as the fourth-largest city in the United States, it boasts a rich sacred music tradition in its many historical churches and cathedrals.

The Master of Sacred Music at the University of St. Thomas is a 32 credit hour graduate degree. The core curriculum consists of seminars in sacred music history, liturgical studies, conducting, and a supervised practicum, with applied concentrations in organ or vocal performance, or choral conducting. A variety of elective courses are available, including Gregorian chant, organ literature, multicultural liturgy, and additional theological studies.

If you are interested in more information, please contact:

Dr. Brady Knapp,
Chair, Music Department
Director of Vocal and Choral Studies
knappb ( at ) stthom ( dot ) edu

or

Prof. Alexis Kutarna
Adjunct Professor of Sacred Music
(Liturgical Studies, Chant, and Practicum)
kutarna ( at ) stthom ( dot ) edu


*On a personal note, it has been a joy to teach in this program. I invite you to consider UST as a possibility for your graduate studies in sacred music. We have some exciting new opportunities for our students, and I would love to speak with you about it all! Please don't hesitate to contact me for curriculum information, organ internship/staff singer placement opportunities, or other questions.
In Christ,
Alexis