SCMU-MSM - Sacred Music

Program Website (Meadows School of the Arts)
Program Website (Perkins School of Theology)

The Master of Sacred Music (M.S.M.) degree program is jointly sponsored by Perkins School of Theology and the Division of Music of Meadows School of the Arts to cultivate skilled music and arts ministry leaders who integrate theological discernment and advanced musical abilities, empowering them to design and lead transformative worship experiences. Recognizing the existence of many models of professional church music leadership, this program provides a wide range of graduate-level training in performance, professional, and academic skills across both Schools. High priority is placed upon the preparation of the church musician as enabler of congregational singing and conductor of various ensembles in both the church and the community. Graduates will possess the pedagogical and organizational skills to foster vibrant faith communities through music and the arts and engage in scholarship at the intersection of music and theology.

The following are the aspirational program goals for the master of sacred music program. An M.S.M. graduate should demonstrate:

Musical, Theological, Liturgical, and Contextual Discernment. The ability to make sound musical and theological judgments about works performed, including questions of validity, quality, and contextual appropriateness on the twin levels of text and music, and the capability to situate a musical work in a local context.

Musical Skills. Advanced accomplishment in an applied area appropriate to a faith community’s piety, demonstrated through the voice, keyboard, and choral rehearsal technique; and informed by the history and analysis of the genres of church music as well as by sensitivity to the ways current technologies can aid the realization of the music’s goals in its contexts.

Pedagogical Process. An understanding of faith formation through music for musicians of all types and ages, and application of processes for engaging musical participation by choirs and the congregation in worship.

Understanding the Discipline of Sacred Music within a Larger Theological and Cultural Framework. Clarity toward a theology that positions music in all its dimensions as praise to God and service to neighbor, as biblically based offering and prophecy, and as proclamation of Gospel.

Interpersonal Sensitivity and Organizational Skills. The ability to foster professional interpersonal relationships, Christian community in musical ensembles, and skills to effectively administer a music and worship ministry that supports the mission of a congregation in its context.