Religion and music have always been linked, and the two have come together to create some of the most beautiful and uplifting songs ever. There are several institutes across the world that provide great programs in religious or sacred music, whether you’re wishing to learn classic Christian hymns, Buddhist chanting, or Hindu bhajans. Here are some of the top institutions and schools in the world for studying sacred or holy music.
- London, UK’s Royal College of Music
A thorough curriculum in sacred music is available at the Royal College of Music in London, and it includes classes in choral direction, organ performance, and liturgical music. Students here receive instruction from some of the most well-known musicians and conductors in the world and have access to the college’s amazing collection of antique instruments.
- The Yale School of Music in Connecticut
The Yale School of Music offers a superb sacred music curriculum that places a strong emphasis on the study of Western sacred music, including choral and organ works from the Baroque and Classical eras. Students may use the school’s excellent collection of instruments for their studies, which includes a 1742 Guarneri cello and a 1685 Stradivarius violin.
- Rome, Italy’s Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music
The Pontifical Institute of holy Music in Rome is devoted to studying holy music, as its name indicates. Pope Pius X established the institute in 1910, and it provides a thorough curriculum in choral singing, conducting, and liturgical music. Here, students have the exceptional chance to get instruction from the official choir director of the Vatican.
- 4, Kyoto City University of Arts, Kyoto, Japan
A curriculum in traditional Japanese sacred music is available at the Kyoto City University of Arts in Japan. It includes classes in noh (traditional Japanese theater), gagaku (Japanese imperial court music), and shomyo (Japanese Buddhist chanting). Here, students get the chance to learn with some of Japan’s most esteemed artists and academics.
- Oxford University, Oxford, UK
The University of Oxford provides a course in religious music that covers the analysis of music from many religious traditions, including Christian hymns, Jewish liturgical music, and Islamic devotional music. Students can also try out for the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, a renowned choir at the institution.
Finally, learning about holy or religious music may be a rewarding experience that enables you to examine the complex relationship between music and spirituality. There are several institutions across the world that offer great programs in religious/sacred music, whether you are interested in Western classical music, traditional Japanese music, or Buddhist chanting. Why not take the plunge and follow your passion for spirituality and music?