ISM students in the Divinity School study sacred music, worship, and the arts within a broadly ecumenical and multi-disciplinary environment. They interact with all ISM faculty, but especially with those in the areas of liturgical studies and religion and the arts. The ISM faculty have particular interest in the ways that worshiping communities of faith manifest their beliefs through ritual and artistic practices. Of equal concern are ways that religious texts and images move into public life. Study at the ISM means examining juxtapositions of devotional poetry and hymns, sanctuaries and memorials, altarpieces and religious art in civic life.
Divinity Degrees and Programs
Master of Arts and Religion
Master’s degree students pursue the broad-based Comprehensive M.A.R., or they may concentrate in either liturgical studies or one of the fields comprising religion and the arts: Religion and Music, Religion and Literature, or Religion and Material and Visual Culture.
Master of Divinity (M.Div)
The M.Div. is a three-year program of theological studies designed primarily, although not exclusively, to prepare students for ordination to the ministry. The S.T.M. is a one-year degree program for those who have obtained the M.Div. degree or the equivalent and wish to do concentrated research on a specific project. Typically, ISM students in the S.T.M. degree program focus either in liturgical studies or religion and the arts.
The Master of Sacred Theology
The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) is a one-year degree program for those who have obtained the M.Div. degree or the equivalent and wish to do concentrated research on a specific project. Typically, students in the S.T.M. degree program focus either on liturgical studies or religion and the arts.
Music Resources for YDS Students
Numerous performance opportunities are available for all students. Many Institute students take on a variety of leadership roles in the rich lives of Marquand Chapel and other chapels on campus. Opportunities for musical and liturgical participation abound.
The Institute sponsors multiple choral ensembles at Yale, most of which require an audition. Auditions are held annually just before the start of the academic year. For information, email the concert office.
The ISM is pleased to cover the studio cost ($200 per semester) of individual music lessons taught by graduate performance majors in the Yale School of Music in a wide range of instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Harp, Harpsichord, Piano, Organ, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass. Beginners are welcome on most instruments with the exception of voice, piano, and harpsichord. These are considered “Secondary Studio Lessons” by the School. Part-time students are responsible for tuition cost for credits earned from taking the lessons (1.5 credits per term). Students receive six hours of instruction per 12-week term.
Details about the program and expectations are available on the School of Music website. The registration process is copied below. Email Kyung Yu, lecturer in violin, who directs the lessons program, with any questions.
Registration process for Secondary Studio Lessons
You may take Secondary Lessons on one instrument each semester. No audition is required but a Lesson Request Form must be submitted, and you must enroll in the course to receive lessons and course credit. Please complete the steps below:
- Request a teacher using the Lesson Request Form no later than September 2nd.
- Register for the proper Secondary Instrument course in OCS along with your other classes (MUS 541 first year, MUS 641, second year, MUS 741 third year of an instrument).
You must receive an approved teacher assignment from the program director Kyung Yu before starting the lessons. The lessons are CR/NC; you must complete all 6 hours satisfactorily to receive a passing grade. If you drop your lessons, you must submit a Drop Form before the stated deadline.
Each lesson term is one semester; you must repeat both steps 1 and 2 above each semester.
YDS students may use ISM practice rooms when not in use by ISM music students. The ISM practice rooms are located on the first floor of the north wing of SDQ. Covid-related health and safety protocols change often, so please visit the ISM Practice Room info page before using a room. Please email Caitlin MacGregor with inquiries about swipe access.
Our Partners
The ISM partners with the Yale School of Music and Yale Divinity School