ACADEMIC & LITURGICAL FORMATION
Liturgical Music Education
Forming hearts and minds in the sacred music tradition of the Catholic Church through sight-singing, Gregorian chant, and choral excellence. Scholarly essays and pedagogical resources by Fr. Ted Ley, SM.
PEDAGOGY & METHODOLOGY
How We Use Gregorian Chant
The Schola Cantorum of the Pacific provides comprehensive musical training for youth and adults. Our curriculum emphasizes Gregorian chant, Latin liturgical pronunciation, proper vocal production, and sight-singing — building upon the magnum opus of sacred music that the Catholic Church has cultivated over centuries.
By singing regularly for parish Mass liturgies, choristers learn not only musical mastery but also a deep reverence for the sacred mysteries of the Holy Mass. The essay series below, written by our founder Fr. Ted Ley, SM (Marianist), ChM, DMA, explores the theological and pedagogical foundations of this approach.
“Gregorian Chant is a variegated, fascinating musical art, as contributory to effective Liturgy as the visual interior of a church. Chant is a principal auditory contributor to the “worship space.””
— Fr. Ted Ley, SM, Founder
The Schola Cantorum of the Pacific®
SCHOLA ESSAYS IN LITURGICAL MUSIC
Academic Essays by Fr. Ted Ley, SM
This series of scholarly essays on liturgical music is written by Fr. Ted Ley, SM (Marianist), ChM, DMA, founder of The Schola Cantorum of the Pacific®. Each essay explores a facet of sacred music history, theology, and practice from the perspective of a lifetime dedicated to Catholic liturgical music formation.
Topic No. 1
A Musical Invitatory to Mass
Exploring how sacred preludes and invitatories prepare the congregation for active, prayerful participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. From Gregorian introits to polyphonic settings of the Asperges.
Topic No. 2
Music of Welcome
The role of sacred song in fostering parish community, spiritual hospitality, and unity in faith through the liturgical music ministry — from the Introit to the recessional hymn.
Topic No. 3
Chants of a Lifetime
Preserving timeless Gregorian chants and Marian hymns that stay with singers throughout their entire lives, forming a lasting spiritual heritage that spans generations.
“Great Music contains Truth, Goodness and Beauty. Great Liturgical Music embodies the ageless wisdom and wonderment of the Catholic Faith experience.”
— Fr. Ted Ley, SM, Founder
The Schola Cantorum of the Pacific® • Marianist Center, Cupertino, California