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Who We Are
We are unique in providing accessible, high-quality, and individualized training in sacred music for church musicians and clergy. Our programs are grounded in tradition while embracing technology and modern teaching methods to meet the needs of today’s Church. Degrees are not required to study here, and our programs are designed for every skill level from Beginner to Advanced. ​
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We provide online lessons in organ, voice, choral conducting, and piano-to-organ transition.
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Our courses encompass music theory, the history of sacred music, chant, repertoire studies, and more.
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​Certification tracks are available for music directors, choir directors, organists, clergy, and cantors.
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Our programs are equivalent in depth to college-level studies yet remain practical and tailored to the needs of the parish.
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​For those with previous training or a degree in music, we help identify and fill gaps to enable you to complete your role as a church musician and help take your skillset to the next level.
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Above all, we emphasize mentorship and one-on-one instruction, ensuring that each student receives the personalized guidance they need, regardless of their location.
What is Certification?
Music Director
Cantor
Choir Director
Pianist to Organist
Organist
Clergy Chanting
Are you a pastor looking to transform the music program?
Director's Message
A message from Dr. Jason Keefer, Founder and Director of the Sacred Music Institute of America. Discover what inspired him to establish this institution and learn more about his innovative approach to making excellent sacred music possible in every church.
Please visit the Mentoring and Transformation Page to learn more about our unique and innovative approach.
Online Organ Lessons
Dr. Jason Keefer describes the online organ lesson process and shares his insights on their effectiveness. Discover his conversion process to online lessons and what convinced him of their empowering nature. Additionally, view excerpts from a recessional that Dr. Keefer improvised at the conclusion of Mass at the Pontifical College Josephinum.
Please visit the Online Organ Lesson page to learn more about our unique and innovative approach.
Faculty Perspectives
Some of the faculty members at the Sacred Music Institute of America discuss the importance of one-on-one mentoring with students during lessons and classes, emphasizing on the increase in confidence and knowledge they have witnessed.
Learn more about the entire faculty here at the Sacred Music Institute of America.
Individualized Sacred Music Training for the Church Musician & Clergy
See how you can benefit!
Individualized Sacred Music Training for Church Musicians & Clergy. Certification, Classes & Lessons for Organ, Voice, Conducting, & Chanting the Mass for Priests & Deacons.
We have assisted church musicians and clergy in revitalizing and reshaping music programs in churches of all sizes across the United States and internationally. They have achieved this through our practical and affordable online program, which costs a fraction of a degree.
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, please contact us:
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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