Sacred Music
Offered as a major (B.A.)
Grounded in the Christian, Catholic, Benedictine tradition Saint Anselm College, the Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music degree offers a challenging, well-rounded curriculum preparing you with a strong background in theology and music which you can apply to a vocation in music ministry or graduate study.
At Saint Anselm College, you will enjoy unique opportunities to:
- Study historical trends and church teachings on music in worship
- Gain practical experience in planning, preparing, and leading music in worship
- Develop and deepen performance skills in voice, organ, piano or other instrument with artistic competence and be able to assess your own performance for purposes of continued development
- Explore other areas of musical interest, such as composition/arranging, in preparation for music ministry
- Conduct musical ensembles with attention to artistic concerns
- Know the field of music study; use its technical vocabulary and common approaches; describe current issues and significant artistic works
- Work effectively with others and demonstrate respect for them
- Learn in a curriculum grounded in Christian, Catholic, Benedictine values that you can apply to your career and your life
To view degree requirements, click the "Academic Catalog" button, navigate to "Programs by Area: Majors and Minors," and select your program.
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.
Opportunities to Build Essential Skills
Sacred Music students can choose a discipline of study to gain a hands-on experience. Each student must successfully participate in a semester-long music ministry practicum within a parish community chosen to suit their particular vocational interests.
Disciplines include:
- Organ
- Keyboard
- Voice
- Conducting
- Composition
- other instrument
![Frontal view of an organ](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_300w/public/2024-08/20240220-Organ-Views-KH-017.jpg?itok=qfNt4A96)
Facilities
The Dana Center for the Performing Arts is a premier arts venue in southern New Hampshire featuring theater, music, and dance performances throughout the year.
Home to the college’s music and dance program, the Dana Center is home to several rehearsal spaces for music majors as well as four Steinway pianos including one in the main theater for on-stage performances. Additional facilities include:
- seven piano practice rooms
- a larger classroom rehearsal space
- a piano lab with 15 keyboards, a Steinway piano, and a George S. Hutchings Opus 347 pipe organ originally built in 1894
- a storage room with personal lockers of all sizes for various instruments
- a 100-seat lecture and performing art space
- Scene shop
- 582-seat Koonz Theater with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system and orchestra pit
- two dressing rooms with restroom facilities and showers
Theology & Fine Arts News
![Students engaged in a dance routine](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2024-02/Tolson-Dancers-Dana.jpg?itok=5CUnrvmA)
College Adds Dance Major and Minor to Academic Offerings
Saint Anselm College is excited to announce that beginning in the fall of…
![Students dancing in formation in the Koonz Theater](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2023-11/Tolson-Dancers-%282%29.jpg?itok=QM1Jz0p2)
The Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance Brings New Opportunities
Saint Anselm College announces the new Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance,…
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Students thrive in college’s new Tuscania study abroad experience
In Spring 2023, the College launched a new study abroad program in Tuscania…
![2024 NSH Class photo](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2024-06/DES%20Induction%5B53%5D.jpg?itok=KJQOk1_c)
Thirty-five Students Inducted into National Scholastic Honor Society
Thirty-five Saint Anselm College students have been accepted into the Tau…
![Commencement 2024](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2024-05/20240518%20Commencement%20KC066.jpeg?itok=QMiActHL)
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Interdisciplinary Special Topics Course is “Unlike Any Other”
Last fall, a new special topics course blended history and literature in a…
![Students engaged in a dance routine](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2024-02/Tolson-Dancers-Dana.jpg?itok=5CUnrvmA)
College Adds Dance Major and Minor to Academic Offerings
Saint Anselm College is excited to announce that beginning in the fall of…
![Students dancing in formation in the Koonz Theater](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2023-11/Tolson-Dancers-%282%29.jpg?itok=QM1Jz0p2)
The Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance Brings New Opportunities
Saint Anselm College announces the new Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance,…
![Raina Mater](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_8_5_300w/public/2023-07/Rania%20Matar.png?itok=PImkjsQM)
Exhibits from Visiting Artists Introduce Students to New Perspectives
This year, the Fine Arts Department held 3 exhibitions for…