Sacred Music

Sacred Music
Offered as a minor and an Anselmian Career Edge (ACE) Certificate *

Grounded in the Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine tradition, the Sacred Music minor and certificate offer students a challenging, well-rounded curriculum that supports strong foundational development in both music and theology. With practical experience in planning, preparing, and leading music in worship, you will deepen your vocal, piano, organ, or other performance skills and learn to assess your own abilities for the purpose of continued craft development. This area of study will prepare you for graduate studies or vocation in music ministry.

*Anselmian Career Edge (ACE) Certificates offer Saint Anselm students practical career knowledge, skills, and preparation through relevant courses and engaging partnerships with local, regional, national, and international companies and organizations.

The Sacred Music certificate partner is:

Fine Arts Department

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Music has always meant a great deal to me and being able to study it through different courses such as music theory has given me a solid technical foundation. Sacred music has given me a greater appreciation into how music fits into our identity as Catholics and the fundamental teachings of our faith.

— Mariana Stauble ’26, Music major

Featured Course:

Music and Worship of the Western Church

In this course, you’ll survey historical topics in sacred music from Gregorian chant to the present. You’ll learn about everything from chorales and psalm settings of the Reformation and oratorios of Handel to the masses of Mozart and Haydn, requiems of Brahms and Verdi, “fuguing tunes” of early American singing schools, and African American spirituals. This class also touches upon hymns and religious music of the Romantic era and the music and praise practices of the modern church.

Topics You’ll Study

Throughout your coursework, you’ll explore the role of sacred music to better understand how to conduct musical ensembles with attention to religious and artistic concerns. You’ll study a variety of topics, including:

Additional areas of musical interest such as composition and arranging in preparation of music ministry
Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values that can be applied to both life and career
Historical trends and church teachings on music in worship
The field of music study including technical vocabulary, significant artistic works, current issues, and common approaches

Opportunities to Build Essential Skills

As a Saint Anselm student, you’ll find several opportunities available to support your aspirations and interests. Specialized academic experiences can take your career to the next level.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

DANA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

COLLEGE CHOIR

ABBEY

Anselmian Career Edge Certificate

Anselmian Career Edge (ACE) Certificates are employment-oriented academic programs strengthened by partnerships with leading employers and supported by a strong alumni network. Students completing an ACE Certificate complete three courses while also gaining practical, career-focused knowledge and skills from engaging with partner-employers. The courses, experiential learning, and collaboration with partners provides certificates that complement the College’s liberal arts curriculum and prepare students for post-graduation success.

ACE Certificates

ACE Certificate Partner: Diocese of Manchester

The Diocese of Manchester is the Roman Catholic diocese serving the entire state of New Hampshire, supporting Catholic parishes, schools, ministries, and communities. Through the Sacred Music certificate, the partnership between Saint Anselm College and the Diocese of Manchester builds on the College’s Catholic and Benedictine tradition by connecting the study of music, theology, and liturgy with the practice of music ministry.

Learn more about the Diocese of Manchester→

OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS