Neil,

Welcome to the Forum.

Can you explain what you mean "a course with sacred music along with piano"....

Is that two courses or one you want?

Hi, Neil!

I saw another posting with the same question, and removed it so that all the discussion about your question can be here on this one thread.

The Pontifical Institute for Sacred Music has a web site (all in Italian, apparently) with information about its programs at
http://www.musicasacra.va/content/musicasacra/it/didattica/ammissione.html

They offer bachelor's degree programs and post-graduate programs. For the degree programs, they expect students from outside Italy to pass a language proficiency test and some tests of musical skills and knowledge: sight-singing, transcription of a melody, and a music-theory test that roughly corresponds to what college music majors learn in first-year theory. Details on the exams for piano program applicants are here:
http://www.musicasacra.va/content/musicasacra/it/didattica/corsi-principali/pianoforte.html

So I get the impression that a student from this country would need to start a music major at a college here for at least a year before applying to PIMS. If that's your situation, look for a conservatory program or a B.Mus. degree program here.

Non-degree students do not have the same entrance requirements, and would meet with the school's director to determine which courses are appropriate.

I hope this helps!

@andrew sorry for mistake it's *sacred music

@Neil, the best person to inquire about this would probably be Nicholas Will, the current director of music at the North American College. He's in a program (I believe) at PIMS now, so he would be qualified to tell you. I think you do need Italian proficiency for that school. I believe Nick may have a profile on this forum, too, but you could definitely reach him at his PNAC email.

As an aside, it would behoove you to consider an organ major: it is much more versatile on the job market.

Thank you so much for your valuable information

My own experience with PIMS is very similar to Mora's. The level of playing among the organ majors is impressive, and the chant program is very strong. I, too, escaped having to take an Italian proficiency exam, but proficiency is necessary for study there. All of my lessons are conducted in Italian. The admission process, at least for the post-gradum program in organ improvisation, was surprisingly casual and easy. I didn't need to take any entrance exams, but an advanced music degree is pre-requisite for the post-gradum programs.

I'll also add that tuition for PIMS is shockingly cheap, at least compared to American institutions.

Attending PIMS worked out well for me because I was already living in Rome and had my immigration paperwork in order. It would be more difficult to navigate without those things already in place, but plenty of people do it. The organ studios alone have students from Mexico, Ecuador, Russia, South Korea, and the USA, among other countries. It's a truly global institution.

Hope this helps. Good luck to you!

I have completed my grade 8 piano TCL and preparing for my Atcl that's the reason I opted to take piano as a major.what is the basic criteria to take up organ major? Is it possible for me to continue my Mmus there with a different or same major does the college supports anyways? Thank you in advance.

Wow, this has been resurrected!
I didn’t have to take an Italian proficiency exam and I can’t speak to what is going on right now. I’ve returned to Italy to study Gregorian chant with AISCGre and have found that I can comprehend most of what is taught. I’ve been taking Italian classes and lessons on and off for a couple years now.
When I was there, I learned by listening. And listening. And listening. I gained the most from all of the Gregorian chant courses and my organ lessons, which required minimum talking from me. I could comprehend a lot before I left and can comprehend most when I’ve returned. I’ve also been more invested in learning Italian since then.
With Fr. Mehlhart now in charge, I suspect there’s a bit more organization at PIMS. He is so kind and is an incredible musician. A couple friends of mine have graduated from PIMS and are some of the best scholars in their respective fields.
I will also add that Italy has changed substantially over the last seven years in their openness to English. (It’s actually a little annoying, as I want to practice my Italian!) I don’t know how much of that has extended to PIMS, but English is now spoken pretty frequently, especially in Rome.
Hope this helps!