Category Archives: News

CMAA Online Shop Offerings

The CMAA online shop is pleased to add two new titles to our offerings.

The Music of Christendom: A History, by Susan Treacy

Music plays such an important part in everyone’s life but how much do we know about the history of music? How did music shape our civilization and how was music itself shaped by the Catholic Church? Susan Treacy, an experienced professor of music, is an excellent guide to the history of music. Every Catholic should own at least one book on music. This is it.

Susan Treacy is Professor of Music Emerita at Ave Maria University. She holds the Ph.D. in Historical Musicology from University of North Texas and B.Mus. and M.Mus. degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music. Besides scholarly articles, she writes a column, “Musica Donum Dei”, for the Saint Austin Review (StAR), and has written A Plain and Easy Introduction to Gregorian chant (Cantica Nova Publications).

Published by the Augustine Institute | Ignatius Press 2021

ISBN: 9781950939213

180 pages, softcover

You can order it here: ORDER ONLINE

The Catholic Book of Hymns – Pew, hardcover

Nearly 300 classic, time-honored hymns your choir and congregation will love singing!

The hymn selections are musical, singable, truly sacred, theologically solid, and–for the most part–familiar, although you will also find some that are new to you. All 295 hymns use traditional hymn texts, not modern adaptations. This hymnal has been granted a nihil obstat and imprimatur, which mean the book is free from doctrinal error.

A Catholic Book of Hymns includes all you need for reverent, beautiful celebrations from Advent through Easter and the whole of ordinary time.

Download a list of all hymns here. Download sample pages here: SAMPLE PAGES

The 6- by 9-inch book fits easily into hymnbook racks on pews. This handsome book features Smyth-sewn binding, title stamped in gold foil, and a rich red simulated-leather cover that’s waterproof and extremely durable.

No permission is required to publish these hymns in bulletins or music handouts or to use them for Masses that are videotaped or live-streamed.

Published by Sacred Music Library, Frog Music Press.

You can order it online here: ORDER ONLINE

 

 

Fall 2021 Virtual Sacred Music Workshop

October 14-16, 2021

Join us to learn about the beauty of sacred music in

  • the liturgy
  • evangelization
  • education
  • choral repertoire
  • children’s choirs
  • the chant of the Church

and for

  • Daily reflections
  • Night Prayer
  • Question-and-answer sessions

The workshop will also include sessions in Spanish on Friday, Oct. 15, free of charge. Sessions in English will run all three days.

FULL DETAILS on the
FALL VIRTUAL SACRED MUSIC WORKSHOP HERE

Summer 2021 Sacred Music Graduate Classes – St. Joseph’s Seminary (Online and In-Person)

St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in Yonkers, New York is happy to announce this summer’s robust program, featuring eight graduate-level courses in sacred music and liturgy to be offered online during the summer 2021 session.

Download the brochure, with an FAQ and more information, here.

Apply here.

Update 5/6/21: St. Joseph’s Seminary is happy to announce that we’ve opened up in-person participation as an option for 4 of our summer course offerings, including affordable room and board options on-campus.

An option for in-person study has opened for four of the eight classes:

  • Principles of Sacred Music (July 26 and 27 – the remainder of the class is self-paced on-line)
  • Principles of Chant (July 12–16)
  • Medieval & Renaissance Music Notation Practicum (July 28–30)
  • Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children (August 2–6)

All eight classes will remain accessible via participation on-line.

More information about all eight classes, inexpensive room and board options, and registration is all available at the program website, which features helpful FAQs.

June 1–July 25 – Principles of Sacred Music
3 credits or audit, taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, 8 weeks asynchronous online + 2 days synchronous online via Zoom, July 26 and 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Through a survey of the history of sacred music and reading of Church and papal legislation on sacred music, students gain an understanding of the principles which shape Western sacred music and the musical structure of the Roman rite. Special focus is placed on current documents which govern music in the Church. The course also features in-depth discussion of practical issues including the formation and management of sacred music programs in parishes, active participation, progressive solemnity, the use of instruments in the sacred liturgy, resources available for music directors and choristers, and other relevant topics. 3 credits or audit.

June 1–July 13 – Introduction to Liturgy
3 credits or audit, taught by Fr. Nicholas Zientarski, synchronous via Zoom, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. EST

This course will explore the theological, historical, and pastoral dimensions of the sacred liturgy. The history of the liturgy of the Roman rite, the role of ritual and symbol, the principles and norms articulated in the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, and the theology of the Liturgy of the Hours will be the foci of this course.

June 1–July 13 – Parish Sacred Music Program Management
1 credit or audit, taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, synchronous via Zoom, Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. EST

Open to musicians and clergy from parishes of any size who are searching for inspiration and ideas as they work to expand or make changes to an existing sacred music program, this course presents best practices from model parishes and programs. Covering structures, personnel, budget, recruitment, fundraising, materials (hymnals, instruments, library, some aspects of repertoire, etc.), and other resources, the seminar aims to provide resources for parishes to consider how they might develop a program which is faithful to the mind and heart of the Church, as well as intimately linked to the nature and structure of the sacred liturgy. The ideas presented in the course afford the opportunity to plot a path forward for a parish in which the music program is both spiritually frutiful and economically sustainable, as well as invigorating for the worship, health, and life of a parish through beauty.

June 3–July 12 – Sacred Music History Seminar & Practicum: The Liturgical Movement & Sacred Music Renewal 1800–1950
2 credits or audit, taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, synchronous via Zoom, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. EST

Drawing on the rich writings of the Liturgical Movement and the intensive activity to renew sacred music during the 19th c. and first half of the 20th c., this seminar offers an in-depth study of historical documents, spiritual writings, and pieces from the Church’s treasury of sacred music. The knowledge gained from this study becomes a foundation for practice as we strive to enrich our prayer lives through theological meditations on important texts of the time as well as study musical repertoire that can be used in sacred music programs today. With an eye to choral program development and rehearsal technique, musicians will develop a working knowledge of important works from the treasury of sacred music from this era. This course is part of a five-part series, offered on a regular rotation, which focuses on different eras in sacred music history.

July 12–16 – Principles of Chant
3 credits or audit, taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, synchronous via Zoom, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

Serving as an introduction to Gregorian chant, this course will cover neumatic notation, Gregorian modes, ear training and sight reading, vocal technique appropriate for singing chant, and Latin pronunciation. Special focus will be placed on rhythmic interpretation of the chant according to the classical Solesmes (Mocquereau) method. By the end of the class, students will have confidence singing from the Graduale Romanum, singing solfège and psalm tones, and some experience in conducting (chironomy). Additional topics introduced in the class include the history of Gregorian chant, rehearsal techniques for teaching chant to children and adult choirs, and an introduction to chant resources in English and Spanish.

July 19–23 – Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant
2 credits or audit, taught by Dr. William Mahrt (Stanford), synchronous via Zoom, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST

For students who have taken Principles of Chant or who sing Gregorian chant on a regular basis, this seminar presents advanced issues in the study of Gregorian chant. Focused on musical analysis for the study and singing of chant in the sacred liturgy, other topics include a study of the older neumes (semiology), important manuscripts for chant study, and an in-depth discussion of modes. Students will enrich their knowledge of the sung prayer of the Church through study which aims to bear fruit in conducting and teaching Gregorian chant to parish and school choirs.

July 28–30 – Medieval & Renaissance Music Notation Practicum
2 credits or audit, taught by Prof. Charles Weaver (Juilliard), synchronous via Zoom, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST

Working from original manuscripts, students will study different styles of notation from Late Medieval and Renaissance choral music, including Dasein notation, the notation of the Notre Dame School of Polyphony, Franconian notation, Ars Nova notation, and notation of Renaissance partbooks. With an eye to enabling students to make their own editions from original manuscripts, elements of applied music theory from the eras of the studied notations will inform student work.

August 2–6 – Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children
3 credits or audit, taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka, synchronous via Zoom, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST

This 5-day intensive course will present pedagogical techniques for teaching Gregorian chant to children and is ideal for Catholic schoolteachers, directors and teachers of religious education, directors of children’s choirs, and parents. Special emphasis will be placed on the Ward Method, a comprehensive music education method designed to teach sacred music to children. Other topics addressed will include resources for teachers, other teaching approaches, and the logistics of developing a sacred music program for children.

Faculty
Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka (St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie)
Dr. William Mahrt (Stanford University)
Prof. Charles Weaver (Juilliard)
Fr. Nicholas Zientarski (St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie)

Tuition and Fees

50 % discount for 1st-time students or musicians in the St. Cecilia Academy for Pastoral Musicians.

The St. Cecilia Academy is open to all parish and school musicians who obtain a letter of support from their pastor.

Full price:
$500 to audit or
$500 per credit hour
(classes are either 2 or 3 credits)

All 2021 classes will be offered online via Zoom.

Registration Deadline:
Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Questions?
Contact Associate Dean,
Dr. Donna Eschenauer
Donna.Eschenauer@archny.org | 
(914) 367–8280

Announcing: Sacred Music Boot Camp

The Church Music Association of America presents

October 15-17, 2020
Live on Zoom

Don’t know where to start?
Looking to grow from the ground up?
Need fresh ideas?

Find inspiration and spiritual refreshment as our experts field your questions about developing your parish sacred music program.

Price: $30
Daily spiritual reflection and Compline: FREE admission

Spanish Sessions on Thursday: FREE admission

 

Topics include these and more:

  • The Hierarchy of the Sung Liturgy: When and What to Sing
  • How to Read Square Notes
  • How to Start a Chant Choir
  • The Basics of Conducting Chant
  • The Role of the Organ in the Liturgy: When and What to Play
  • How Did We Get Here: the History of Sacred Music After Vatican II in the U.S.
  • Building a Music Program Budget
  • and more…

For all the details, visit our webpage at:

SACRED MUSIC BOOT CAMP

 

Announcing the CMAA’s Virtual Colloquium 2020!

Sacred Music Virtual Colloquium 2020
July 6 – 10, 2020

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

The Church Music Association of America is proud to invite you to join us in our first Virtual Sacred Music Colloquium. As the world contends with the effects of the worldwide pandemic, the CMAA’s Sacred Music Virtual Colloquium will be designed to provide sessions that will be useful to you during these times of musical restrictions, as well as moving forward toward the future. Our virtual program offers opportunities for learning, singing, listening, and interacting with some of the best minds and musicians in the Catholic world today!

The CMAA Virtual Colloquium will be primarily focused on instruction in topics related to chant, polyphony and the Catholic sacred music tradition, lectures and daily night prayer. During the week, you’ll be able to participate in all these sessions via your home computer using the Zoom app. At the end of each breakout session there will be a question and answer session.

Virtual Colloquium Highlights

    • Breakout sessions during the week on a variety of topics, from directing, organ improvisation, Catholic Music in Time of Pandemic, children’s programs, vocal pedagogy and Ward Method, Spanish Musical Resources (in Spanish), Programming for your Choir, Rehearsing the Choir, Medieval Analysis, and The Jubilus of the Alleluia, among others.
    • Daily Spiritual Reflections provided by our chaplain, Rev. Robert Pasley.
    • Night Prayer – Roman Rite, Extraordinary Form
    • Evening Panel Discussions and opportunities to share experiences.

VIRTUAL COLLOQUIUM PAGE

Visit the Main Virtual Colloquium Page for all the details about the Schedule, Descriptions of Breakout Sessions, Faculty Information, Registration details and more.

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