An Organ-Less Advent
“It results in a heavy burden being placed upon musicians to ensure that whatever they do is well-liked by all—lest the faithful complain (seemingly the great worry of many priests).” —Dr. Lucas Tappan
Five Reflections • “The ‘Church’ of My Youth Was Coming to an End”
When the Lord finally calls me home, I have no plans to trip over “eagle’s wings” on my way to the cemetery.
Announcement! • New Director for Saint Paul’s Choir School in Harvard Square
“He’ll hold a position of national importance, especially in the eyes of those who work toward Catholic sacred music’s renewal from sea to shining sea.” —Dr. Tappan
Will I Be Meeting You in Late June?
Re: CMAA “In-Person” Events for 2024—Don’t Miss Out!
A Note to Piano Teachers of Beginning Students
“What follows are a few tricks that have greatly aided students with me from a young age…” —Dr. Tappan
The Catholic Academy of Sacred Music (Kansas)
I can affirm that our first concert was a resounding success: everything from Allegri’s 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑒 to the 10-year-old boy playing Bach.
This Sunday! • Q&A “Developing a Youth Choir Program”
I will be privileged to field your questions alongside two well known and widely respected church musicians: Mary Ann Carr Wilson and Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka.
Lack Choir Boys? • A Foolproof Way to Get Them!
What happened to this masculine presence in all things musical in the United States?
Should Every Child Be Accepted Into the Choir?
My assistant and I recently had the privilege while in England to have lunch with Dr. Ronny Krippner…
William Byrd: Quatercentenary of Death
“And yet I may live and die a true and perfect member of his holy Catholic Church without which I believe there is no salvation for me.” —William Byrd
“Reverent Catholic Mass Finder” (Website)
Your Vacation Aid!
Dr. Lucas Tappan • “Open Letter to Discouraged Musicians”
I mentioned to my (much younger) assistant that certain battles I will no longer fight. She told me I was becoming bitter—but I can honestly say that isn’t the case.
The Cathedral and Diocese of Leeds Expands Its Musical Outreach Yet Again
In my own diocese, “The Catholic Academy of Sacred Music” was incorporated for that very purpose last summer.
4 Tips • “Teaching & Nurturing Young Organists”
“Make it an unbreakable rule to ingrain the rudiments of music theory into the very bones of the beginning student, preferably before the age of nine or ten.” —Dr. Lucas Tappan
Saint Brigid’s School • New Choir School for the Cathedral of Saint Mary (San Francisco)
Thirty years ago most pastors would not have been open to inaugurating good sacred music programs in their parishes, but times have changed.