An Introduction to the Church’s Documents on Music

A beginner’s guide to what the Church teaches about music in the sacred liturgy

Taught by Dr. Denis McNamara

Dr. Denis McNamara is Associate Professor of Sacramental Aesthetics and Academic Director at the Liturgical Institute. He holds a BA in the History of Art from Yale University and a PhD in Architectural History from the University of Virginia, where he concentrated his research on the study of ecclesiastical architecture with Richard Guy Wilson and Carroll William Westfall.  

Dr. McNamara makes a specialty of bridging the gap between the Church’s great artistic tradition and the documents of the Second Vatican Council. He has also done groundbreaking research on scriptural understandings of architecture and the sacramental meaning of the classical architectural tradition.  

Watch the first 5 minutes of the course for FREE

Benjamin Frederick

Director of Music Saint Joseph Seminary College St. Benedict, Louisiana 

“In recent decades, much ink has been spilled over ‘what the Church says’ about sacred music, and it can be difficult for a Catholic in the 21st century to sift through all of the differing views. Denis McNamara offers a refreshing message: it’s not that complicated! In his series of lectures entitled ‘An Introduction to the Church’s Documents on Liturgical Music,’ Dr. McNamara demonstrates the consistency in the Church’s teaching on music in the liturgy, from Pope Pius X, through the Second Vatican Council, to the present day. These lectures provide the viewer with a much-needed foundation in liturgical music, and it is presented in a way that is accessible and engaging. I will be recommending this as a resource for my students, my colleagues, or anyone who wants to learn more about music in the liturgy.”

Tim Horneman

Parish Music Director Downers Grove, Illinois

“As a pastoral musician for more than two decades, I’ve learned it’s good to know what we’re doing as liturgists and parish musicians, but it’s more important to know why we do what we do. Because of that, I am very glad I took this course. In just a few hours, Professor McNamara cheerfully and effortlessly guides us through the Church’s approach to music and urges us toward thoughtful liturgies that both honor God and edify the faithful. Any pastoral musician, whether novice or experienced, will find a font of invaluable information to help unite their work more closely with the Church and, in turn, better serve the people of God at Mass.”  

Parish Music Director and Catholic School Music Teacher