Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast

Gregorian Chant

Kyriale

Sacred Music

Mass Ordinary

Catholic Education

Liturgical Music

Liturgy

Classical Education

Medieval Liturgy

The Credo

Catholic Church

Music

Eucharistic Revival

Franciscan Order

Cantus Fraktus

Solfège

Ars Celebrandi

Seven Last Words Of Christ

Eucharist

Quadrivium

You've got questions about sacred music? Here's your chance to learn what the Church teaches and envisions for music in the sacred liturgy. Welcome to Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast with your host Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka. We address topics of interest both to priests and liturgical musicians, as well as a general audience of Catholics interested in learning more about the Catholic Ch... more

145 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	109	Founded	7 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	ChristianityReligion & Spirituality

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Latest Episodes

SE08 EP02 - From Puebla Cathedral to Today's Spanish-Speaking Pews: The Legacy of Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla - with Fernando Gil

Learn about the musical practices, pedagogical processes, maestros de capilla, and composers of Mexico's cathedral in Puebla de los Angeles from Fernando Gil, who directed a schola cantorum there before coming to the United States. Gil, director of m... more

16 Feb 2026 • 44 min

SE08 EP01 - Building a Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum for Art and Music - with Elizabeth Lemme

Join us for this inspiring season opener to discuss curriculum which imprints on the child's senses, mind, and soul a longing for the source of all beauty, God himself. Musician, artist, and homeschooling mom Elizabeth Lemme shares her criteria for e... more

11 Feb 2026 • 55 min

SE07 EP12 - A Feast for Ear and Eye: The Alamire Manuscripts - with Dr. Emily Thelen

Join Dr. Emily Thelen as she takes us on a tour of the masterfully illuminated manuscripts of the Alamire collection of Renaissance manuscripts from the Low Countries, and explains to us the Confraternity culture of Catholic society that brought abou... more

30 May 2025 • 33 min

SE07 EP11 - A Church Musician's Guide to the History of the Pronunciation of Latin - with Dr. John Pepino

Looking for a historical and ecclesiastical framework by which to understand performance decisions about the pronunciation of Latin? Join Dr. John Pepino as he explains the origins of the Latin language and how we know anything about the pronunciatio... more

25 Apr 2025 • 57 min

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Recent Guests

Fernando Gil

Director of Music at St. Peter's Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas.

St. Peter's Cathedral

Episode: SE08 EP02 - From Puebla Cathedral to Today's Spanish-Speaking Pews: The Legacy of Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla - with Fernando Gil

Dr. Emily Thelen

Executive Director for Mission Integration at St. Norbert's College and musicologist

St. Norbert's College

Episode: SE07 EP12 - A Feast for Ear and Eye: The Alamire Manuscripts - with Dr. Emily Thelen

Professor Christopher Berry

A faculty member at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Episode: SE07 EP10 - Should Postludes Be Loud? And Other Organ Repertoire Questions for the Catholic Parish Organist - with Prof. Christopher Berry

Fiona Hughes

Artistic director of Three Notch'd Road, the Virginia Baroque Ensemble

Three Notch'd Road

Episode: SE07 EP09 - Meditating on the Mysteries of the Lives of Mary and Jesus: Music of Heinrich Bieber and Franz Joseph Haydn - with Fiona Hughes

Dr. Alexis Kutarna

Head of school at the Ordinarietz Cathedral High School in Houston, Texas

Ordinarietz Cathedral High School

Episode: SE07 EP08 - A Catholic Curriculum: A Model Music Program in a Classical High School - with Dr. Alexis Kutarna

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone

Archbishop and speaker at the Sacred Liturgy Summit

Archdiocese of San Francisco

Episode: SE07 EP07 - Is Formality Inauthentic or Insincere? Understanding Excellence in Ars Celebrandi in American Catholic Parishes - with Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone

Father Innocent Smith

A Dominican friar and assistant professor of dogmatic theology and pastoral studies at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.

Dominican House of Studies

Episode: SE07 EP06 - The Liturgical Compositions and Eucharistic Poetry of St. Thomas Aquinas - with Fr. Innocent Smith, OP

Dr. Janet Hunt

Accomplished harpsichordist and organist at St. Anthony's Parish in Alston, Massachusetts

Episode: SE07 EP05 - Short on Singers or Dough? Enter Concertato Motets. - with Dr. Janet Hunt

Dr. Charles Weaver

Expert in music history and pedagogy, particularly in Solfège and Gregorian chant.

Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Episode: SE07 EP04 - When and Why Did Ut Change to Do? And Other Historical Questions about Solfège - with Dr. Charles Weaver

Host

Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka

Host of Square Notes, the Sacred Music Podcast, with expertise in Catholic liturgy and sacred music education.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 145 ratings

Beautiful!
This is a 5 star!
It’s amazing to hear the story behind the music. I have learned so much, especially from the Tenebrae episode. Thank you!
Apple Podcasts
5
The SergeantMom
United States5 months ago
Diverse and Interesting!
I am enjoying listening to this podcast! I appreciate the diversity of topics related to Sacred Music and have learned so much. Favorite episodes include Modern Sacred Music with Kevin Allen (S1E9), Where Do I Start? A Pastoral Plan for Changing a Parish Music Program – with Dr. Mary Jane Ballou (S2E19), The Sacramentality of Sound: Bells and Their Place in Catholic Life – with Fr. Christopher Gray and Carl Zimmerman(S6E8), A Catholic Curriculum: A Model Music Program in a Classical High School ... more
Apple Podcasts
5
MamaMayerle
United States10 months ago
Thank you!!!
Great source of information for continuing education and formational development! Thank you!
Apple Podcasts
5
AbeLeach
United States10 months ago
Amazing
Great, fr fr no cap ngl its poggers
Apple Podcasts
5
a_dumb_ox
United States2 years ago
Excellent, practical discussion of serious sacred music
Thank you for a wide variety of guests, a knowledgeable host, and an inspiring outlook. I always enjoy and look forward to each new episode.
Apple Podcasts
5
gotersw
United States2 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback suggests potential listeners should have a basic understanding of the topic, as some discussions presuppose prior knowledge.

Listeners appreciate the diverse and interesting topics covered, indicating a strong educational value.

Many highlight the in-depth discussions featuring experts, which adds to the content's credibility and relevance.

Reviews mention the podcast's ability to inspire and motivate individuals to engage with sacred music and its liturgical significance.

Overall, it is seen as a valuable resource for those involved or interested in Catholic sacred music and liturgy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#124	Philippines/Religion & Spirituality/Christianity
Apple Podcasts	#178	Philippines/Religion & Spirituality

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

SE08 EP02 - From Puebla Cathedral to Today's Spanish-Speaking Pews: The Legacy of Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla - with Fernando Gil

Q: What specific subjects did the villancicos address?

The villancicos often dealt with festive themes, catechesis about the sacraments, and even playful discussions about community identity.

SE08 EP02 - From Puebla Cathedral to Today's Spanish-Speaking Pews: The Legacy of Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla - with Fernando Gil

Q: What were the musical forces that Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla had at his fingertips when he was at the cathedral?

Padilla oversaw 14 choir boys and 28 adult singers, along with two organists and other musicians.

SE08 EP01 - Building a Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum for Art and Music - with Elizabeth Lemme

Q: What would you say to those people who don't have this formalized training but see the value of adding beautiful things to their curriculum?

Don't overcomplicate it; just start with exposure to classical music and great art without feeling the need for special children's versions.

SE08 EP01 - Building a Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum for Art and Music - with Elizabeth Lemme

Q: What are some basic questions you ask about something as worthy or not to be included in your curriculum?

I look for whether the work is technically done well, if it has stood the test of time, and its ability to engage children with its beauty and meaning.

SE07 EP03 - Singing the Credo: Historical Origins and Development - with Dr. Harrison Russin

Q: In what liturgical contexts did something that eventually became The Credo first appear?

The Credo primarily emerged in baptismal settings and later became part of the Eucharistic liturgy, first entering the liturgy of Constantinople around the late 5th century.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast

What is Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast provides an insightful exploration of sacred music within the context of the Catholic Church. It covers a wide array of topics, from the Church's teachings on music and its significance in liturgical practices, to the profiles of influential composers and the nuances of performing Gregorian chant. Listeners will find discussions that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering both educational content and inspiration for those involved in music ministry or simply interested in the spiritual dimensions of sacred music. Featuring interviews with a diverse array of guests including clergy, music directors, and theologians, the podcast aims to illuminate the transformative power of music in wors... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast:

1. Pints With Aquinas
2. The Thomistic Institute
3. The Counsel of Trent
4. The Liturgy of the Hours: Sing the Hours
5. Letters from an American

How many episodes of Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast are there?

Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast launched 7 years ago and published 109 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast?

Recent guests on Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast include:

1. Fernando Gil
2. Dr. Emily Thelen
3. Professor Christopher Berry
4. Fiona Hughes
5. Dr. Alexis Kutarna
6. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
7. Father Innocent Smith
8. Dr. Janet Hunt

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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