Applications for Summer 2027 at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music (CISM) are now open. CISM offers a rich learning experience for parish and school musicians who want to immerse themselves in the beauty, truth, and holiness of the Church’s sacred music and liturgy. The Institute offers a daily schedule of sung liturgies on campus and opportunities for private prayer, a world-class faculty, dormitory rooms and common meals on a beautiful campus in the temperate climate of Silicon Valley, and opportunities for study in subjects that are inspiring, challenging, and practical.
Whether you’re new to sacred music or have studied music at the graduate level, our courses will assist you in unlocking the treasury of Catholic sacred music, helping you grow in your spiritual life, amplifying your knowledge of and love for Christ and the Church’s music, and strengthening the skills needed for faithful service in the Church.
Join us this summer to experience the depths of the Church’s riches, taught by experienced teachers and musicians, faithful to the Church’s magisterium and tradition.
Graduate study at CISM has three main tracks:
- 36-credit Master of Sacred Music degree
- 20-credit Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Gregorian Chant or Sacred Choral Music
- Non-degree-students taking a class or two, up to 19 credits
The deadline to apply for the MSM or Certificate is January 15th. Non-degree-seeking applications are due April 1st.
This summer’s line-up of classes features interesting new seminar topics, fantastic core classes offered for the first time, and foundational classes which offer intellectual, musical and spiritual growth.
June 28 to July 2, 2027
- History & Principles of Sacred Music - taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka
- Fundamental Philosophical Questions about Beauty - taught by Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
- Sacred Music and Canon Law - taught by Fr. Vincent Woo
July 5 to 9, 2027
- Vocal Pedagogy - taught by Prof. Sandra Bengochea
- Liturgical Theology - taught by Fr. Nicholas Schneider
July 12 to 16, 2027
- Introduction to Gregorian Chant - taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka
- Choral Literature Survey II - taught by Prof. Christopher Berry
- Choral Repertoire Conducting Practicum II - taught by Profs. Christopher Berry and Martin Baker
July 19 to 23, 2027
- Choral Institute - taught by Prof. Christopher Berry and Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka
- Organ Improvisation - taught by Prof. Martin Baker
July 26 to 30, 2027
- Choral Preparation: Choral Conducting, Rehearsal Techniques, and Group Vocal Pedagogy - taught by Prof. Christopher Berry
- Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children - taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka
- Advanced Seminar in Chant: Byzantine Chant - taught by Dr. Alexander Lingas
- Advanced Seminar in Chant: The Gregorian Modes - taught by Dr. Charles Weaver
August 2 to 6, 2027
- Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Hildegard of Bingen in Historical and Liturgical Context - taught by Dr. Alison Altstatt
- Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Approaches to Gregorian Rhythm - taught by Dr. Charles Weaver
- Parish Sacred Music Program Management - taught by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka
- Introduction to the Organ for Pianists - taught by Prof. Christopher Berry
Summer study is embedded in a context of sung Masses and Vespers with time for recreation in the beautiful Northern California region and a wonderful community of scholars and practitioners who are pursuing holiness and musical excellence.
