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Continuing Education
for the Church Musician and Clergy
We’ve helped church musicians and clergy revitalize and reshape music programs in churches of all sizes all across the United States and internationally. And they've done it through our practical and affordable online program at a fraction of the cost of a music degree.
See how you can benefit, enroll, and let the Transformation Begin!
What We Do
Unique in the industry, we are a private
and independent music institute based in Columbus, Ohio offering local and online education:
+Voice lessons +Organ lessons +Cantor lessons
+Conducting lessons +Sacred music courses, skills and mentoring
+Certification tracks for Music Director, Choir Director, Organist, or Cantor
Inspiration
The Sacred Music Institute of America was developed by Dr. Jason Keefer, DMA, Director and Professor of Sacred Music at the Pontifical College Josephinum. Through experience working with priests, ministers, seminarians, music directors, and organists, he recognized a need for competent musicians and quality sacred music in every church.
Dr. Keefer's mission was born shortly after he began working at St. Vincent College and Seminary and intensified during his time at the Josephinum. Through working with cantors, choirs, scholas, and seminary organists during "lean" years with fewer or less-skilled members, Dr. Keefer identified excellent music composed on every level. This suggested it was possible to have a dignified, quality program in any church.
Business
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Many part-time and some full-time church music directors do not have a degree in music, organ training, vocal training, knowledge of the Catholic Sacred Music Documents, or understanding of the many resources that can aid them in implementing a quality program. According to Dr. Keefer, unless an individual in this situation sets out to pursue his or her own study, there is usually no way for comprehensive development. Often, the cost of formalized academic study is an impediment.
The Sacred Music Institute of America aims to bridge this gap in a comprehensive, practical, and functional way.
Choice
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Find out more about what we have to offer and look at our programs on subsequent pages.
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Click Here to Email
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Phone:
614.395.7783
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Mission
What a current student has to say...
"I learned to play the piano and sing at a very young age. I always wanted to be a professional musician. I pursued another profession and began cantoring as an adult. Suddenly, I fell in love again with what was once only a dream. I began transitioning from playing the piano to the organ in 2017 by taking lessons from Dr. Jason Keefer. His expertise, passion for teaching, and practical approaches have allowed me to play the organ at church while beginning my second year as a church music director."
WINTER 2025
Click course names for details:
Organ Literature
Introduction to Hymnology
History of Sacred Music
Music Theory I
Gregorian Chant for Beginners
Intermediate Gregorian Chant
Beyond the Notes
Choral Literature
Hymnology
Choral Conducting/Vocal Pedagogy
Private lessons in organ, voice, and conducting
Mentoring for church musicians
For information on our current offerings, please contact:
Dr. Jason Keefer,
Program Director
614.395.7783
administrator@sacredmusicinstitute.org
Chanting the Liturgy for Deacons & Priests
& Summer Semester Enrolling Now!
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