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

The St. Cecelia Academy  (SCA) for Pastoral Musicians is a program offered by the  Archdiocese of New York’s Office of Liturgy in cooperation with  St. Joseph’s Seminary and College (St. Joseph’s Seminary).  The SCA program is comprised of four courses (12 graduate credits), earned through St. Joseph’s Seminary (a MSCHE, NYSED and ATS accredited graduate school). 

Upon completion, students are granted SCA Certification as a Pastoral Musician by the Archdiocese of New York.  Credits earned through SCA may be used toward the Master of Arts in Theology program at St. Joseph’s Seminary, should a student wish to apply to the MA program for continued study.

The SCA 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 SCA Certification as a pastoral musician by 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 SCA Certification.

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) All SCA courses 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 apply to the Master degree program at St. Joseph’s Seminary, the standard tuition rate ($1500 per       course) will apply to those courses that are not a part of the SCA curriculum.
 

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

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