Masters in Sacred Music (MSM)

A Graduate Program created in partnership with RuaMusic - dedicated to Worship, Composition, and Theological Sound

Overview.

The Master of Sacred Music (MSM) is Atlas University’s consecrated graduate program in worship, composition, and sonic theology—developed in collaboration with RuaMusic, the world’s largest exclusively spiritual music streaming service.
This partnership unites the contemplative integrity of Klesia and Atlas University with RuaMusic’s state-of-the-art global platform, forming a bridge between sacred tradition and the soundscape of the modern world.

The MSM trains composers, performers, producers, and worship architects to create works that glorify God—sound as revelation, music as prayer, and production as worship. Every composition becomes liturgy; every performance, a prophetic act; every sound, an echo of the Logos.

Philosophy of the program

The MSM redefines graduate-level music study through the Imago Dei Method—a pedagogy where perception precedes performance, and composition begins in prayer.
While secular institutions study harmony as pattern, Atlas studies harmony as covenant.

Students in the MSM are formed as musician-priests of sound—trained to craft sacred music for global audiences while remaining rooted in theological fidelity, contemplative silence, and artistic discipline.
RuaMusic integration provides an immediate path from studio to sanctuary, enabling graduates to publish, distribute, and stream their sacred works to millions across the world.

Praise ye him in the sound of the trumpet: praise ye him upon the viol and the harp.

— Psalm 150:3

Program Structure

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters) full-time, 3 years part-time
Format: In-residence study with integrated studio and remote RuaMusic publishing practicum
Tuition: $4,995 per semester
Degree Conferred: Master of Sacred Music (MSM)
Partnership: Jointly accredited by Atlas University, NCESA and RuaMusic Studios

Core Areas of Study

1. Theology of Sound and Resonance

Study sound as divine metaphor—the creative vibration that ordered chaos. Biblical, historical, and metaphysical exploration of music as revelation.
Projects: Compose a sound essay exploring a theological text through tone, silence, and resonance.
Themes: Logos as frequency; silence as obedience; tone as truth.

2. Composition and Sacred Form

Advanced studies in melodic architecture, modal harmony, polyphony, and modern composition rooted in Scripture.
Projects: Create original choral, orchestral, or instrumental works for worship and streaming.
Themes: From psalmody to symphony—creation cycles in composition.

3. Performance and Interpretation of Sacred Works

Training in both classical sacred repertoire and modern spiritual composition. Students perform with professional ensembles, House choirs, and RuaMusic live sessions.
Projects: Two major public recitals; one classical interpretation, one original work.
Themes: The sanctification of performance; embodiment of faith in sound.

4. Worship Architecture and Liturgy Design

The design of worship through sound—study of liturgical flow, space acoustics, and congregational participation.
Projects: Create a full liturgy integrating word, sound, and visual form.
Themes: Ritual rhythm; the acoustics of reverence; sound as sanctuary.

5. Music Production, Engineering, and Sacred Technology

Hands-on training in sacred sound production with RuaMusic engineers. Learn the technical sanctity of mixing, mastering, and digital release for global spiritual platforms.
Projects: Produce an original sacred album or sound installation for RuaMusic streaming.
Themes: Fidelity, presence, and purity in recorded worship.

6. Chant, Psalmody, and Ancient Traditions

Immersive study of Gregorian, Byzantine, Hebrew, and Syriac chant forms, with emphasis on rhythm, tone, and the breath of Scripture.
Projects: Transcribe, reinterpret, and perform a modern psalmody cycle.
Themes: Monophony as unity; sacred language as melody.

7. Hymnography and Sacred Text Setting

Training in lyrical theology—writing and composing new hymns grounded in Scripture. Students collaborate with poets from the MSFA program to create sacred songbooks.
Projects: A ten-hymn portfolio and one collaborative cantata.
Themes: Marriage of Word and sound; melody as doctrine.

8. Sound Design for Devotion and Meditation

Applied acoustics for sacred environments and digital experiences. Students develop sonic atmospheres for prayer, contemplation, and healing—guided by RuaMusic’s spatial sound engineers.
Projects: Design a sacred ambient project for RuaMusic’s “Temple” collection.
Themes: Presence through resonance; quietude as composition.

9. Canon Project: The Sacred Album

The culmination of all study—a fully produced sacred album or live performance cycle. Each student composes, records, mixes, and publishes their work through RuaMusic, entering the Atlas Canon of Sacred Works.
Themes: Consecration, public witness, beauty as truth.

Graduation Requirements

Creative Canon

  • Completion of 25 original musical works (including compositions, arrangements, or text settings).

  • Two major recitals (one interpretive, one original).

  • One sacred album professionally produced and published through RuaMusic.

  • One collaborative hymnbook with MSFA poets or writers.

  • Artist’s Creed (2,000 words) articulating theology of sound, method, and devotion.

Public Ministry & Service

  • Two House worship commissions (liturgical leadership or score for chapel).

  • One public RuaMusic performance (live or recorded session).

  • Active membership in the House Choir or Ensemble each semester.

  • One public performance of work at a local church.

  • Covenant of conduct, including the Rule of Listening—daily one hour of contemplative silence.

Oral Defense

  • Final presentation and disputation before the Klesia–RuaMusic–Atlas Faculty Board, integrating theology, composition, and technical artistry.

Formation and House Integration

The MSM is primarily housed within House Aquila (Contemplation & Vision) and House Leonis (Kerygma & Courage)—the twin wings of proclamation and prayer. Students collaborate across Houses with artists from the MSFA, writers from Covenant Psychology, and theologians from the Seminary to create multimedia sacred works.

RuaMusic Partnership

Through the RuaMusic alliance, every MSM student gains direct access to:

  • Professional mastering and studio mentorship with RuaMusic producers.

  • Distribution pipeline for streaming, publishing, and licensing of sacred works.

  • Global competitions and showcases exclusively for spiritual musicians.

  • Residency opportunities in RuaMusic partner chapels and global worship centers.

  • Royalty and publishing rights retained by the artist (Atlas–Rua co-credit).

RuaMusic functions as the living stage of the MSM—the sacred conduit through which each composition becomes public witness to divine sound.

Distinctives

  • First global sacred music degree integrated with a spiritual streaming platform.

  • Combines ancient chant, classical composition, and digital worship production.

  • Rooted in theology of sound—articulate musicianship grounded in Scripture.

  • Each student graduates with a professionally released album.

  • All works entered into the Atlas Canon of Sacred Works.