Saint Cecilia Academy
Co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of New York’s Office of Liturgy and       St. Joseph’s Seminary

The St. Cecilia Academy is a four-course  (12 credits), fully accredited program offered through St. Joseph’s Seminary in the field of liturgical music for the purpose of introducing musicians to the history, theology, and pastoral principles of liturgy and sacred music.












Curriculum
Introduction to Liturgy (3)
Sacred Music: History, Principles,
Liturgical Planning (3)
Liturgical Year (3)
Principles of Chant (3)

1) At the conclusion of the course of study, a qualified musician (i.e., one who holds a degree in music or who can demonstrate musical proficiency) will receive accreditation as a pastoral musician in the Archdiocese of New York.

a) Musical proficiency is determined via a written test
in musical theory and aural skills. A performance
adjudication in a parish setting is also required.
b) Those musicians who hold degrees in sacred or
liturgical music, or who have completed a similar
course of study at another institution, may also
apply for accreditation.

2) Musicians sponsored by their parish receive a
substantial discount in tuition (50%).

a) Sponsorship is obtained via a written letter indicating that the applicant serves as a parish musician at the liturgies of that parish. The parish does not necessarily assist in covering the cost of tuition, although this is strongly encouraged.
b) The cost of tuition for each of the four courses associated with the St. Cecilia Academy is $750 (50% of the regular tuition of $1500). Those who are not enrolled in the St. Cecilia Academy, but who wish to take these courses, pay the full tuition amount.

3) Courses are fully accredited Masters Level Courses and may be used toward the pursuit of the Master of Arts Degree in Theology from St. Joseph’s Seminary.

a) Should a student in the St. Cecilia Academy wish
to pursue a Masters degree at St. Joseph’s Seminary,
the standard tuition rate ($1500 per course)
applies to those courses that are not a part of the
course of study of the St. Cecilia Academy.

4) Musicians may elect to take all or some of these courses. Only the entire course of study leads to accreditation.

a) The four-course program of the St. Cecilia
Academy need not be completed in successive
semesters.

5) Students who wish to enroll in the St. Cecilia Academy do so through the Office of Liturgy. Registration for classes occurs through St. Joseph’s Seminary. It is recommended that the Introduction to Liturgy Course be taken within the first year of matriculation.

For more information, contact:
Rev. Matthew Ernest, S.T.D.
Office of Liturgy – Archdiocese of New York
201 Seminary Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
914.968.6200
liturgy@archny.org

Click here to access the online application