<p>Can anyone give me info on good grad programs for composition, with a focus on sacred music (if there is such a program)?</p>
<p>Last night I went to a choral concert that featured the premiere of a work, winner of the chorus’ anniversary composition competition, written by a recent graduate of a local state college. This composer, 25 years old, is a recent immigrant to the US who 4 years ago was taking ESL classes. He started music relatively late, and obviously has a huge amount of talent. The piece was absolutely beautiful, and well-crafted. He graduated with a BA in music and is working in social work, but told me he wants to go to graduate school, with a focus on sacred music.</p>
<p>I asked if he had a teacher who had taken him under his or her wing, and he replied, “No, I need a wing.” I will give him this site when I get another chance to speak with him, but am just going ahead and asking anyway. Thanks…</p>
<p>This list here might be a place to start [NPM</a> Education Directory](<a href=“http://www.npm.org/Membership/education.htm]NPM”>http://www.npm.org/Membership/education.htm).</p>
<p>There are some strong, familiar music school names there, as well as some that are well under the radar in a typical music discussion (at least within this forum). Also, I would not rule out looking at some of the specific faith based institutions based on preference of worship.</p>
<p>This is great, thanks Violadad.</p>
<p>It may be necessary that he back up and go through traditional theory/comp undergraduate degree requirements. The following are all fine music schools which might meet this young man’s needs:</p>
<p>Samford University in Birmingham </p>
<p>Belmont University in Nashville</p>
<p>Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth</p>
<p>Try taking a look at SMU:</p>
<p>[Degree</a> Programs - Music - Meadows School of the Arts - SMU](<a href=“http://smu.edu/meadows/music/degree.asp]Degree”>http://smu.edu/meadows/music/degree.asp)</p>
<p>Thanks- and I agree he might have to back up a little first, but some of the programs I have found online (thanks to the tips here) seem to provide for that.</p>
<p>Some programs I have found and looked at so far include Catholic University, Boston University (School of Theology), Yale’s Institute for Sacred Music, Westminster…and then I have also looked at the ones listed above.</p>
<p>Thanks all!</p>
<p>Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music was my first thought; there might be something at Notre Dame. They’ve just hired two music profs away from Princeton and Yale respectively who are specialists in liturgical and sacred music of the Western church. My son met with them in Princeton and they indicate they have plans to build things up at Notre Dame. For now, though, things might still be in the planning stages.</p>