Master of Sacred Music & Certificates in Gregorian Chant and Sacred Choral Music, Summer-Based @CISM
  • Jenny Donelson
    Posts: 284
    The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music is delighted to announce the summer 2026 launch of its summer-based 36-credit Master of Sacred Music degree, and two 20-credit Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Gregorian Chant and Sacred Choral Music, pending approval from WSCUC. Applications open November 18th, 2025.

    https://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/graduate-study/

    The MSM and Certificates are completable in three to five summers, depending on how many weeks you can be on campus during the summer. During the regular fall and spring semesters, you'll work with a voice teacher in your area, and take a 1-hour online (live via Zoom) colloquium with other graduate students.

    Our affordable tuition ($250 per credit hour) and compact format mean that you can keep your job at a parish or school while completing graduate studies.

    Courses will also remain open to students wishing just to take a graduate class or two, without matriculating into a degree/certificate program.

    Check out this summer's classes here: https://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/summer-courses/.

    Our curriculum prepares you with the theological, philosophical, and historical knowledge—as well as the practical skills (singing, playing, conducting, teaching, composing, organizing, fundraising)—necessary to build excellent sacred music programs in parishes and schools.

    Our world-class faculty of dedicated Catholic scholars and practitioners delivers a curriculum that is robust, and focused on musical excellence and fidelity to the Catholic faith and tradition. Summer classes are buttressed by an horarium that allows time for sung daily Mass and vespers, access to confessions, and time for private prayer, study, relaxation, and fellowship.
    Interested in learning more?

    We have two digital open houses upcoming. Sign up here to learn more.

    Summer 2026 Courses:
    - History and Principles of Sacred Music
    - Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Manuscript Sources, Semiology, and Interpretation
    - Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Vocal Technique and Semiological Performance Practice
    - Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children
    - Liturgical Theology
    - Introduction to Gregorian Chant
    - Organ Accompaniment of Chant
    - Choral Institute
    - Composition Seminar
    - Organ Improvisation
    - Choral Preparation: Choral Conducting, Rehearsal Techniques, and Group Vocal Pedagogy
    - Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Notation and Practice in the Tenth through Fourteenth Centuries
    - Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Cantare super librum

    Program faculty:
    - Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, Music History and Gregorian Chant
    - Prof. Christopher Berry, Choral Music and Organ
    - Dr. Frank La Rocca, Composition
    - Dr. Charles Weaver, Gregorian Chant
    - Dr. Alison Altstatt, Gregorian Chant
    - Prof. Sandra Raquel Bengochea, Vocal Pedagogy
    - Dr. Joseph Dyer, Gregorian and Old Roman Chant
    - Dr. Rosemary Heredos, Gregorian Chant
    - Fr. Joshua Neu, Liturgy and Scripture
    - Dr. Edward Schaefer, Gregorian Chant
    - Dr. Christopher Tietze, Organ
    - Fr. Nicholas Schneider, Liturgy
    - Dr. Adrian Walker, Philosophy
    - Fr. Vincent Woo, Canon Law and Liturgy

    Contact us for more information at info@catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org
    Thanked by 6MatthewRoth CHGiffen m_r_taylor Gaudium Bri IanW
  • chrispcmitchell
    Posts: 1
    Good morning!

    Sounds like a great opportunity - any information on when the brochure/cost of room and board information will be made available?

    Thank you!
    Thanked by 1MatthewRoth
  • Jenny Donelson
    Posts: 284
    Yes, we'll have the brochure up by the beginning of next week, along with the application.

    Tuition, room, and board costs are up on the Graduate Study page:

    Tuition
    • $250 per credit hour
    • $150 per year library and registration fee (for MSM and certificate students only)
    • Applied voice fees – Worked out with the teacher of your choice
    • ($150 per credit for audit for non-degree seeking students opting in to auditing rather than taking a course for credit; only courses taken for credit can apply to the degree and certificate programs)

    Room and Board (not required)
    • Room & board package for a 5-day course (Sunday through Friday nights, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday): $600
    • Commuter student lunch package for a 5-day course: $80
    • Commuter student lunch + dinner package for a 5-day course: $180
    • Saturday night room: $65
  • Jenny Donelson
    Posts: 284
    Interested in learning more about our Master of Sacred Music degree, Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Gregorian Chant or Sacred Choral Music, or summer non-degree-seeking graduate study? We've got 2 digital open houses coming up this week.

    Wed., December 3rd, 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (12 noon Eastern)
    Fri., December 5th, 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (12 noon Eastern)

    Sign up here and we'll send you the link.
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