Lesson 1: A greater purpose ~ the Liturgy​

One cannot understand sacred music without looking to its purpose: the Sacred Liturgy. We will begin our study with a look at what the Roman Catholic Church says about the Liturgy, with an overview of key documents from Vatican II and the USCCB. Included in our agenda: the structure of the Mass, the call to (and meaning of) active participation, and the role of silence.​

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Lesson 2: Our "inestimable treasure" of sacred song

Once we have an understanding of the Sacred Liturgy, we will delve into the role that sacred music plays within it. Vatican II calls our heritage of sacred music an "inestimable treasure." We will explore the purpose and qualities of sacred music, and the place of the antiphons, Gregorian chant and Latin, as well as new compositions and music in our native tongue. We will look back into history for ancient roots of the role of today's cantor, and last, touch upon some hot button issues about which every cantor should be aware.

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Lesson 3: Sung parts of the Mass

This lesson will help you to conquer your fear of the unknown. We will make a detailed analysis of all the sung parts of the Mass, to whom each part properly belongs, and the cantor's role in facilitating many of these. In tandem, we will identify the specific liturgical cues which precede each piece, so you will be confident always in knowing exactly when to begin singing. We will also treat specific ways in which sacred music rubrics change for specific days and liturgical seasons, so you won't be caught off guard by unexpected alterations in the Liturgy.

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Lesson 4: Music every cantor should know​

Sometimes it seems overwhelming, since there is so much music to learn for the Mass, and every week it's different. Believe it or not, however, there actually is a core of Catholic repertoire with which every cantor should be familiar. In this lesson we will look at specific musical pieces: dialogues of the Mass, key Mass settings, and other special liturgical songs which happen every year, but will catch you by surprise if you are not prepared for them. We will also explore some sacred solo works which are well worth learning.

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Lesson 5: Seven habits of the exceptional cantor

In this final lesson, Angela is going to share with you personal habits that she has honed over twenty years of experience as a cantor in over 60 parishes and 3 cathedrals. These habits cover the gamut: musicianship, self care, use of the microphone, cultivating a working relationship with the organist, being sensitive to the Liturgy, leaving the "truth bat" at home, and spiritual preparation.