Whether it’s a hymn, a choral anthem, or a gospel song, every piece of church music is essentially a musical “sermon”: an interpretation of a sacred text that attempts to reveal its meaning and its spiritual power. Yet, though we enjoy sacred music as worshippers or listeners, we rarely get the opportunity to think carefully about the ways it affects how we understand the Bible. As a result, most of us miss out on the rich perspectives on Scripture that great sacred music can provide.

Through a series of interactive discussion sessions, participants will learn listening skills that will help them unlock the unique power of sacred music as a resource for their own learning, preaching, or teaching. Focusing on the Book of Psalms, the day will end with a live, interactive performance of brand-new compositions in which participants can practice their newly-acquired skills. Participants will also explore the St. John’s Bible as a means of gaining perspectives on how contemporary visual artists have responded to the Psalms.

This course is for anyone who wants to discover new and rich ways of encountering the Bible, or wants to learn how to experience church music in deeper ways. No musical experience of any kind is necessary.

Featuring baritone Robert Rice.

About the Tutor
Dr. Delvyn Case is Professor of Music at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. For the past 25 years, he has developed unique projects that explore the ways music impacts the ways we think about theology, faith, and the Bible.

A composer, conductor, scholar, writer, speaker, and teacher, Delvyn has presented sacred music events at Oxford, Cambridge, the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Harvard Divinity School, the parish of St Martin in the Fields, and Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. His work has been featured on BBC4’s Sunday Morning radio show, in Time Magazine, and on SiriusXM Radio’s The Catholic Channel. His work as a church musician spans classical, gospel, and contemporary traditions, including positions in Episcopal, Evangelical, and Congregational churches.

Delvyn is the founder of Deus Ex Musica, an international organization that promotes sacred music as a resource for learning and spiritual growth.