Sacred Music Diploma
The aim of the Sacred Music Diploma is to equip students with the knowledge and skill set necessary to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing and diverse settings in which sacred music is practiced today. It gives grounding in a variety of worship traditions, both liturgical and non-liturgical. It also provides courses to develop skills for those serving churches now and in the future - while at the same time maintaining the high musical and performance standards traditionally expected of Eastman students.
Certificate Requirements
The curriculum stresses both an understanding of historical perspectives in liturgy and music, as well as practical skills that will meet changing environments. At the heart of the curriculum is a two-semester supervised internship, which includes mentoring in local church positions in the Rochester community. This mentoring consists of observation and feedback three times each semester by members of the Sacred Music Advisory Committee made up of departmental faculty in sacred music, organ, conducting, and music education.
Curriculum for the diploma program will include:
| *SMU 407: | Perspectives in Sacred Music | 2 credits |
| *SMU 408: | Perspectives in Sacred Music | 2 credits |
| *SMU 471: | Sacred Music Internship | 1 credits |
| *SMU 472: | Sacred Music Internship | 1 credits |
| 6 credits | ||
| Electives chosen from below to equal 18 credits: | ||
| CND 423: | Choral Conducting II | 2 credits |
| CND 424: | Choral Techniques & Methods II | 2 credits |
| KBD 201/401: | Sacred Music Skills I | 2 credits |
| KBD 202/402: | Sacred Music Skills II | 2 credits |
| KBD 203/403: | Sacred Music Skills III | 2 credits |
| KBD 204/404: | Sacred Music Skills IV | 2 credits |
| KBD 250: | Jazz Improvisation for Keyboard Majors | 1 credits |
| KBD 251: | Jazz Improvisation for Keyboard Majors | 1 credits |
| KBD 405: | Graduate Organ Improvisation | 1 credits |
| MUE 214: | Elementary & Middle School Choral Methods | 2 credits |
| TH 475: | Intermediate Keyboard Skills | 3 credits |
| TH 476: | Advanced Keyboard Skills | 3 credits |
Total: |
24 credits | |
How to Apply
Applicants to the Sacred Music Program must be Eastman graduate students enrolled in degree program. Although the diploma is primarily designed for organists, students in conducting, music education, voice or piano that possess significant organ skills also may apply.
The Supplemental Application Form for the Diplomas Program is to be completed within the normal admissions process. The application process includes submitting the Supplemental Application Form, one personal statement, and an interview with the director of the program. *For students in conducting, music education, voice or piano, an organ playing audition will be arranged as well.
Application form for the Sacred Music Diploma
For additional information, please contact:
Academic Affairs Office
26 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Main Phone 585.274.1020
Fax 585.276.2150
Peter DuBois
Director, Sacred Music Diploma
Assistant Professor of Sacred Music (part-time), ESM
Phone: 585-271-6537 x109
pdubois@thirdpresbyterian.org