Church Music Studies
Mission
Training tomorrow’s professional church musician is one of the core elements of the Institute’s mission. Church Music Studies is an optional certificate program designed for organ, choral, and or vocal majors enrolled in either the Master of Music or Master of Musical Arts program in the Institute of Sacred Music and School of Music. By electing courses from a broad set of categories, a pro-seminar in church music, and participating in selected worship opportunities, the student will gain an understanding of the history, theology, and practice of the variety of Christian liturgical traditions. Music students will work side-by-side with Divinity students as they together develop the skills and vocabulary necessary for vital and effective ministry.
Curriculum
An organ, choral, or vocal major follows the normal programs for the Master of Music degree as required by the School of Music. The electives in the program are guided by the requirements for Church Music Studies. Students will develop their individual program of study in collaboration with the Church Music adviser.
The curriculum is designed so that an organ major can complete it concurrently with the M.M. degree program in two years of full-time enrollment.
A choral or vocal major will typically need to enroll for a fifth term as a nondegree student following graduation with the Master of Music in order to complete the requirements. Students will not continue studio lessons during this fifth term.
Students must elect one 4-credit course from each of the following areas: Biblical Studies, Liturgical Studies, History of Sacred Music or Religion and the Arts, the Art of Ministry (see bulletin for more details).
Additionally, they elect three two-credit skills-based courses such as choral conducting, voice, organ improvisation, service playing, voice or organ for non-majors. The proseminar in the theology and practice of church music is offered every other year.
Fifth Semester for Church Music Certificate Course
Normally, organ majors pursuing the Master of Music degree can complete the church music curriculum within the two year degree program. Choral conducting and Voice majors in the M.M. and all M.M.A. students typically require a fifth semester of full-time study. These students enroll as non-degree students for the fifth semester at the Yale Divinity School and receive a full-tuition scholarship. However, they are not eligible for Federal Direct or Graduate Plus loans. They are eligible for alternative loans (i.e. Access). Non-degree students are not eligible for deferral of loans. International students may need to apply for an extension of their student visas.
Students interested in pursuing the Certificate in Church Music Studies should consult with the program adviser as soon as possible after matriculation. Second-year voice or choral conducting students or M.M.A. students who wish to elect the fifth semester must state their intention of doing so by December 10.
(Updated July 2011)
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