Master of Arts in
Sacred Music
Preparing leaders of faith through savred music
About the Program
Guide Parish Liturgical Music
The Master of Sacred Music at the University of St. Thomas prepares students for employment as professional church musicians. The UST Music Department offers an extraordinary educational opportunity for anyone wishing to study and pursue a career in organ and vocal performance, teaching, or church music.
Our Program
Prepare to Work in the Church
The program integrates the musical, liturgical, and pastoral dimensions to ground students professionally in liturgical music as a ministry. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with clergy and congregations in a full or part-time capacity, as well as to teach.
Ready to Join us?
Application Requirements
We’re excited to have you join us for an Master of Sacred Music at the University of St. Thomas! To get the process started please submit the following required materials.
Fill out and submit your application by clicking here.
Send official transcripts from all previous institutions you've attended
1 from a member of the clergy and 1 from a professional musician.
Describing the applicant’s previous background in music, why he or she wants to pursue the MSM degree,and the importance of faith and music to him or her (250-300 words).
Attach the most current version of your performance resume to your application
Prove your skills by auditioning on your chosen instrument with our Music Department faculty
If bachelor’s degree is in a discipline other than music, applicant must supply letter from priest or music director verifying at least two years of music experience.
* Applicants who do not have a Bachelor of Music must complete a rudimentary theory exam. Remedial theory and aural skills can be required for those who do not pass the exam.
Career Opportunities
Student Employment in Houston Parishes
Within a 3-mile radius of the UST campus, at least a dozen parishes – and more than 40 in the Houston area – regularly seek out musicians for employment. Many UST Music majors are employed part-time as singers or instrumentalists in:
- Traditional Roman Catholic, Anglo-Catholic, and Protestant church choirs
- Jewish temple choirs
- Places of worship that feature orchestral music and contemporary bands
These early career opportunities not only improve your musical and performance skills, but provide real-world performance experience and build relationships with potential employers. Aspiring musicians of all ages not attending UST can receive top-tier music instruction in our Music Preparatory School private lessons and summer camps.
UST Music grads have been accepted into prestigious graduate music programs, including Yale, Rice, San Francisco Conservatory, Westminster Choir College, and many more top schools.
Why USt
Engaging Music Training
At UST, our professors put all their time, energy, and passion into stretching students to reach beyond their own expectations of their musical talent. Students are encouraged to perform in the many schola, opera, instrumental and vocal, and musical theatre performances throughout the year. St. Thomas Music students become a tight-knit group that works hard together but also enjoys growing in faith, musical knowledge, and ability.