Introduction to Sacred Music
Class

Instructor Information
Matthew Williams
mwilliams@gregorythegreatacademy.org
Course Description
Students will learn the types and place of sacred music in the Church, as well as a general overview of the history sacred music, reading Gregorian Chant. Classroom instruction will also incorporate music of the Divine Office and other ceremonies of the Roman Rite.
Promoting the use of music in the work of evangelization is an essential element to the program, and so the philosophy of church music and its influence on our culture is discussed through the study of both the theological and moral importance of good musical forms based on writings of popes, church fathers, theologians and philosophers.
Course Work
The Introduction to Sacred Music Course consists of 15 online lessons (listed below) which include approximately one hour each of in-class and subsequent outside work. Assignments include reading, quizzes, online lectures, instructional videos demonstrating the skill of Gregorian Chant, recording yourself and uploading files to the Pontifex website, and other tasks given by the instructor.
Grading
Grading is based on the scoring of four equal parts, described below:
1/4 - In Class Quiz Scores
1/4 - Discussion Forum Participating
1/4 - Recording and Skill Demonstration
1/4 - Final Exam
Class Schedule
- What is Sacred Music
- The Types of Sacred Music
- The Place of Sacred Music Part 1: The Mass Ordinary
- The Place of Sacred Music Part 2: The Mass Proper
- The Place of Sacred Music Part 3: The Divine Office
- Repertoire and Memorization Lesson: Three Gregorian Chants Everyone Should Know
- Introduction to Gregorian Chant and its Development
- Polyphony - Its Origin and Great Composers
- Psalmody
- Protestant Influences on Catholic Music
- The Organ
- Reading Chant Lesson 1
- Reading Chant Lesson 2
- Reading Chant Lesson 3
- Reading Chant Lesson 4
Here is the class outline:
1. Lesson 1What is Sacred Music |
2. Lesson 2Types of Sacred Music |
3. Lesson 3The Place of Sacred Music Part 1 - Mass Ordinary |
4. Lesson 4The Place of Sacred Music Part 2 - Mass Propers |
5. Lesson 5The Place of Sacred Music Part 3 - Divine Office |
6. Lesson 6Reading Chant 1 |
7. Lesson 6.5Reading Chant 2 |
8. Lesson 7Introduction to Chant - Its History and Development |
9. Lesson 8Organum |
10. Lesson 9Polyphony |
11. Lesson 10Hymnody |
12. Lesson 11Hymnody 2 |
13. Lesson 12Psalmody |
14. Lesson 13The Organ and Other Instruments |
15. Lesson 14Final Lesson Review |