Academics

Master of Sacred Music (MSM)

The Master of Sacred Music (MSM) program at Boston University is at the forefront of professional training in sacred music. Students are prepared for leadership roles in communities of faith and as performers, scholars, and teachers using the incomparable resources of the College of Fine Arts–School of Music and School of Theology. For example, Boston University houses the editorial office of Studia Liturgica (the journal of the international and ecumenical Societas Liturgica), the American Guild of Organists’s organ library, and one of the finest hymnological collections in North America.

The Master of Sacred Music degree is offered jointly through the School of Theology and the School of Music and administered by the School of Theology. Since the MSM is essentially professional training for employment as a church musician, the program is offered with two concentrations: organ and choral conducting.

Master of Sacred Music Curriculum

The Master of Sacred Music consists of a series of required courses in three categories: theology, music, and the ministry of music. The successful completion of these courses and a final project is required for the degree. Proficiency in music theory, history, keyboard proficiency, and choral conducting is required. MSM students must pass diagnostic examinations in these areas upon entrance into the program. The examination schedule will be provided by the School of Theology Admissions Office in the summer, but typically takes place a few days before the start of classes each fall. All MSM students are advised by the Director of the Master of Sacred Music Program and the head of the applied music field in which they entered. A plan of study is prepared in the first semester, in consultation with both advisors. It is revised, as needed, during the duration of the program.

Theology requirements: Theology requirements are taken in sequence to ensure that the student builds on previous knowledge and must be taken at the School of Theology. Exceptions are rarely approved, and then only in cases of emergency. The proposed sequence is as follows: Fall and Spring Semesters of the first year: TF 701/702 Reading the World (8 credits) and either TO 704 Introduction to Hebrew Bible (4 credits, Fall) or TN 721 Introduction to the New Testament (4 credits, Spring); TC 817 Introduction to Christian Worship (4 credits, can be taken in either first or second year); and TA 801 Sacred Music Seminar (4 credits, can be taken in either year). No grade lower than C is acceptable for use in satisfying theology requirements for the Master of Sacred Music.

Students seeking advanced standing in one or more of these theology requirements must consult the Admissions Office during the summer before they matriculate into the program. Applicants for advanced standing will provide syllabi and other appropriate materials for each course in which they are seeking advanced standing. The Admissions Office will then consult the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and other relevant faculty for approval.

Music requirements: In addition to applied lessons in organ or choral conducting and their respective seminars, students must take classes in analytical techniques and music history. Substitutions for music requirements are approved only by petition and require the approval of the director of the MSM program and the head of the respective department at the College of Fine Arts. Students who pass out of requirements in history and theory may substitute other courses subject to the approval of his or her advisor. No grade lower than B− is acceptable for use in satisfying music requirements for the Master of Sacred Music. Participation in a Boston University music organization (including the Seminary Singers, Chapel Choir, and Symphonic Chorus) is recommended.

Ministry of Music requirements: The Sacred Music Practicum is offered in the Spring Semester on a two-year rotation and is mandatory for successful completion of this degree. The course covers topics in practical church music. It will include, for example:

  • Handbell choirs (technique, training, recruitment, repertoire)
  • Children’s choirs (training, recruitment, motivation, repertoire)
  • Conflict resolution, problem management, ethics, professional concerns
  • Organ pedagogy
  • The art of accompaniment (including hymns, services, choirs, and large groups)
  • Site visits to local churches with significant music programs
  • Vocal technique
  • Repertoire for the liturgical season (organ and choral)
  • Church music resources (including online information)
  • Composing and arranging for the church
  • Improvisation
  • Organ building and maintenance (including possible visits to local builders)
  • Ensemble/orchestral conducting and conducting from the console

In addition, students will be required to participate in a wide variety of occasional events, such as master classes and lectures, on subjects related to the degree program. It is expected that all students will be involved in some professional church music activity in an area that will be an informal addition to their program of study.

Recital requirements: All Master of Sacred Music candidates are required to perform two recitals during the program. These should demonstrate a wide repertoire of styles and technique.

Keyboard proficiency: Non-keyboard majors are required to pass a keyboard proficiency exam in their final semester. Details of the requirement are given at the start of the program.

Program content: The key to the program is flexibility, which makes it possible for each student to design a program suited to his or her strengths and weaknesses. Rather than being over-prescriptive, the program aims to offer a wide range of choices depending on the candidate’s prior training and experience and his or her interests. Good advising is an important part of the process.

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