Master of Music in Sacred Music

***The Master of Music in Sacred Music program is not accepting new students; however, courses will continue to be offered to allow current students in the program to complete their degrees.***

The Sacred Music degree emphasizes the spiritual and musical development of graduate students and educates them to become Ministers of Music through a full range of church music courses, practical training, church internships, and work in the Duquesne University Chapel. Graduate students may take applied studies in organ, piano, voice, and directed study in choral conducting. Graduate students perform on Duquesne's beautiful Steinway pianos and have access to a variety of superior organs in the Pittsburgh area.

Electives may include courses in improvisation, Gregorian Chant, hymnody, practicum, and choral or instrumental conducting.

Additional Learning Outcomes for the M.M. in Sacred Music

1. Students demonstrate understanding of course material and program requirements recitals, recital program notes, jury papers. Sacred music students may include sacred choral, hymns, and instrumental music in these programs. Their graduate papers may deal with topics such as improvisation, Duquesne sacred music collections, and other topics specific to sacred music.
2. Students use and apply research and communication skills in several of the performance-area courses including, research and on-line communication skills. Courses in Practicum, Hymnody, and Improvisation help to develop areas of communication.
3. Students study and apply issues of copyright to the spiritual life of the church musician. Ethical standards regarding their relationships to other students, volunteers, and staff in their church positions are an integral part of their study.
4. Students perform a wide variety of musical styles from various cultures and time periods during graduate recitals and in juried examinations as well as in their church positions in the music that they program.
5. Students perform recitals and concerts at multiple sites throughout the year.

Credits

A minimum of thirty (30) credit hours will be required in the Master of Music programs. The thirty credits include ten (10) credits of a Music Core, with other courses divided between major-area requirements and electives.

For the Sacred Music degree program, the requirement will be satisfied by completing thirty (30) credits, which are described in detail in the Sacred Music Handbook. Candidates for the Sacred Music degree will also present a public recital as part of the required Internship or in addition to the Internship. A professional portfolio is presented at the Final Comprehensive Oral Examination.

Curriculum

Fall - Even Years (7 credits)

Spring - Odd Years (8 credits)

Fall - Odd Years (7 credits)

Spring - Even Years (8 credits)

¹ GMPF 590—Performance Internship is required for international students, but may be used by all students who have internships or perform regularly with local amateur, professional, and semi-professional ensembles.