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Subject · 125 verified programs

Sacred and Church Music: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs preparing musicians for liturgical and worship settings, with organ, choral direction, chant and congregational music.

Also called: Church Music, Liturgical Music, Worship Music, Choral and Sacred Music, Kirchenmusik, Musica sacra, Musique sacrée.

27 BA / BA (Hons) · 26 BM / BMus · 16 Other bachelor’s award · 16 MM / MMus · 15 Other master’s award · 8 MA · 8 BS / BSc · 4 Certificate · 3 DMA · 1 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 1 Other practice doctorate · 85 dedicated degree, 19 official concentration, 18 named major, 3 documented pathway

125 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About sacred and church music study

Sacred and church music is the study of music made for worship and religious life. The field includes organists, choir directors, cantors, worship leaders and composers working in many faiths and denominations. Programs tend to combine solid general musicianship with knowledge of a particular repertoire and liturgical practice, such as plainchant, hymnody, choral anthems, gospel or contemporary worship music.

Study often includes organ or voice lessons, conducting and choir training, service playing skills such as hymn accompaniment and improvisation, and courses in liturgy, theology or religious studies. Because roles often require leading amateur singers and congregations, programs may include pedagogy, rehearsal planning and working with volunteers.

The subject differs from other performance fields because the work is tied to a living tradition and its practices. Programs may be run by conservatories, universities or seminaries and can be linked to a particular denomination, so emphases and expectations differ considerably. Some are open to students of any background, while others are shaped by a specific faith community.

What study typically involves

  • Organ, voice or other principal instrument lessons
  • Choral conducting and choir training
  • Liturgical music, hymnody and service playing
  • Plainchant, psalmody or other tradition-specific repertoire
  • Improvisation and accompaniment of congregations
  • Liturgy, theology or religious studies
  • Music history relevant to sacred repertoire
  • Working with volunteer choirs, children and congregations

Award titles. Sacred music study may lead to awards such as the BM or BMus in church music or organ, the MM or MMus in sacred music, and in some systems a Master of Sacred Music (MSM) or similar title. Seminary-based programs may also offer degrees in worship or pastoral music, and postgraduate diplomas or practice doctorates such as the DMA exist in some countries. Titles and structure vary by country and are not treated as equivalent here.

A program appears under Sacred and Church Music only when it is a dedicated sacred music degree, a named major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. A single course on hymnody or an organ elective does not count.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Auditions generally follow the principal instrument, such as organ or voice, with prepared pieces and sometimes a hymn-playing or sight-reading test. Applicants may be asked to improvise a short passage, accompany a hymn or lead a short rehearsal, depending on the program's focus.

Written components may include theory and aural testing and a statement of purpose. Some programs ask for a letter of reference from a clergy member, a church music director or a faith community, and programs affiliated with a denomination may have their own expectations. Others are open to applicants of any belief.

Because requirements depend on the institution, the tradition and the country, check the official admissions page. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include scholarships, organ or choral awards, tuition waivers, and paid positions as church organist or choir director that students sometimes hold during study. Denominations, foundations and associations of organists or choir directors may also offer awards.

Availability and terms vary by institution, tradition and country. Many students receive partial support or none, so contact each program and funding source directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include organ practice time and travel to instruments, scores and hymnals, robes or attire for services, travel to auditions, and, where applicable, membership of professional guilds or associations.