Major: Sacred Music
The haunting wail of a Jewish cantor's song. The hushed beauty of a medieval Catholic hymn. The body-swaying rhythm of an African-American gospel tune. The excited music that a Sufi Dervish dances to, spinning in circles toward an ever deeper connection with Allah. Every religious creed, it seems, has instinctively known music's power to transform souls. Not simply entertainers, musicians work hand-in-hand with clergy to guide congregations in praise and worship.
If you have strong spiritual leanings, love studying music, and want to help others, a major in sacred music may be a good fit for you.
Students of sacred music learn about the history, theory, writing, and performance of religious music. They may also prepare for careers as choir directors, cantors, organists, and chanters.
“For me, there is no greater use of a musician's talents than to express one's personal faith…”
Sandra Billy, Director, Center for Sacred
Music, Virginia Wesleyan College
Are You Ready To...?
- Observe religious services in various religious communities
- Spend one or more semesters assisting a music director in a congregation
- Find out more by visiting the website for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (for Catholic worshippers) or the National Association of Schools of Music
It Helps to Be...
Musical, spiritual, and creative. You'll thrive if you enjoy juggling multiple roles. Most sacred music programs prepare students to serve as a congregation's performer, conductor, teacher, sacred-music expert, and arranger/composer.
College Checklist
- Does the program focus more on religious or musical training or does it balance the two?
- Do faculty members have recent experience running music programs in congregations?
- Will you need to audition for the program?
- Will you be expected to perform a recital in your third or fourth year?
- Does the school offer special workshops and conferences with respected artists and music directors who address current trends in sacred music?
- What hands-on learning opportunities will you have?
Did You Know?
- Al Green, one of America's greatest soul singers, gave up a hugely successful pop music career to return to his first love: gospel music.
Course Spotlight
You may be required to perform a recital before you graduate. In a sense, you'll be preparing for this day from your first semester onward -- studying one or more instruments and performing in choirs, bands, and ensembles. Still, it's an important event, since it's a solo performance. Think of it as a chance to practice performing as an expression of faith and to prepare for a career helping others do the same.
