Augment your proficiency and value as a musician with knowledge shared by recognized experts. Register for one, or a whole series.
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Singing around the Clock: Celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours in Parishes - January 27, 2024
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Sing with Mary: Marian Antiphons under the Magnifying Glass - February 10, 2024
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Musica Sacra: Priest and Musician - RESCHEDULED to April 22, 2024 discount for priests, seminarians, and seminary personnel
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Past lecture subjects: click here
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"It was absolutely everything I could’ve asked for, and a lot of the concepts we discussed I have implemented into my accompaniments. It was helpful for me as I continue to learn more about chant and its musical nature, as well as the role I have in laying a harmonic foundation from the organ. I really liked the examples you used (Salve Regina, Stabat Mater) to compare the different accompaniment structures."
- Charlie M., organ scholar at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Birmingham, Alabama
after attending Organ Accompaniment of Gregorian Chant [Part I]
Singing around the Clock: Celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours in Parishes
Historic overview with parochial applications and useful tips on how to point and chant the psalms, focusing on Sung Vespers.
60-minute live, online lecture by Dr. Horst Buchholz. Read bio...
The praying of the psalms dates back to the early Christians, many of whom memorized and prayed them on a daily basis. In the sixth century, Benedict of Nursia codified a practice of praying the psalms into a schedule which is now known as the Liturgy of the Hours (or Divine Office). Today, all are invited to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as they are able, in keeping with Paul’s exhortation to “pray without ceasing”.
Vespers is the prayer of the evening hour. Sung Vespers, the focus of this lecture, is a popular parish practice which requires a special set of musical skills. We will examine the structure of Vespers, how to introduce and lead Sung Vespers in the parochial setting, psalm tones, “alternatim” singing, practical considerations for “pointing” a text to a psalm tone, and much more.
Q and A session to follow.
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 am, USA Central Time Zone (GMT - 6)
Full tuition: $175 USD
Returning ICA students: $150 USD
Bundle two lectures for $300 USD, or all three lectures for $425 USD
Sing with Mary: Marian Antiphons under the Magnifying Glass
Where do these antiphons come from? Where do they belong? And where else can they enrich our worship experience?
60-minute live, online lecture by Dr. Horst Buchholz. Read bio...
Most people who know at least a little Gregorian chant have heard of the Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen prayer). Salve Regina is, in fact, just one of four Marian antiphons (the other three are Alma Redemptoris Mater, Ave Regina Caelorum, and Regina Caeli). These seasonal antiphons are loving prayers by which a singer entrusts oneself to the motherly care of Mary, and play a key role in the daily prayer of the Church.
The Marian antiphons may be sung by anyone. Repetition through an entire season lends them to congregational participation with ease. Untrained singers find comfort in the simple tone chants, and religious communities savor their solemn tone versions on special feasts. The antiphon texts have been set to brilliant compositions by musical giants such as Mozart and Palestrina, and continue to inspire composers today.
Q and A session to follow.
Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10:00 am, USA Central Time Zone (GMT - 6)
Full tuition: $175 USD
Returning ICA students: $150 USD
Bundle two lectures for $300 USD, or all three lectures for $425 USD
Musica Sacra: Priest and Musician
How can priests and parish musicians foster better working relationships? In what ways can a priest improve his musical skills and cultivate the musical tradition of the Church as a whole?
60-minute live, online lecture by Dr. Horst Buchholz. Read bio...
Ask any seasoned parish musician what is the most critical component of a sacred music program, and you will overwhelmingly hear one answer: The Pastor. Typical issues in the complex relationship between clergy and music ministers will be addressed, and a couple handy tips how to avoid them. Delving further, parish musicians will learn how to support the priest in his own musical growth.
One crucial question is the musical formation of our clergy. Are priests prepared for music in the liturgy and in parish life? Music formation in the seminary will be addressed, with practical suggestions for improvement.
This lecture is dedicated the priest-musician, a very significant convergence in the history of the church. While in modern times, the priest-musician has become an almost extinct species, he was a critical figure in the development of Sacred Music. Are those times lost forever, or is there hope for the return of the priest-musician? Useful organ and choral repertoire for the average parish musician will also be touched upon.
RESCHEDULED to Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm, USA Central Time Zone (GMT - 5)
50 per cent tuition reduction for priests, seminarians, and seminary personnel. Use code Musica Sacra when registering. Proof of clerical status or seminary employment must be provided.
Full tuition: $175 USD
Returning ICA students: $150 USD
Bundle two lectures for $300 USD, or all three lectures for $425 USD
Technical Requirements
A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet (the larger the screen the better) equipped with videocamera (no cell phones, please), and Zoom app installed. Reliable access to high-speed internet is a must. Student is responsible for working technology.
Tuition
Tuition payment may be made via PayPal, Venmo, credit card, or check.
Ask your parish whether funding is available for continuing education.
Tuition may also be tax deductible for professional (compensated) musicians.