Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast

Gregorian Chant

Sacred Music

Catholic Church

Liturgical Music

Kyriale

Roman Catholic Church

Mass Ordinary

Latin Language

Catholic Education

Music Education

Organ Improvisation

Beauty

Liturgy

Ecclesiastical Pronunciation

Classical Education

The Credo

Medieval Liturgy

Alamire Manuscripts

Eucharist

Chant

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

151 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	117	Founded	7 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

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Latest Episodes

SE08 EP10 - All About Sarum: Ceremonial, Chant, Sources, and Processions from Medieval England - with Dr. Christopher Hodkinson

Sarum use or rite? Where did it come from? How was it governed? What's unique about the ceremonial? How does the chant sound? What's the deal with all the processions? Can one celebrate the Sarum rite now?

Learn all about the medieval English rite... more

16 Apr 2026 • 52 min

SE08 EP09 – Is Beauty a Transcendental, Why Beauty Matters, and Can We Be Wrong About Beauty? Philosophical Questions Every Church Musician Should Consider with Dr. Margaret Hughes

Join us as we tackle some of the tough questions that inform how church musicians can help their parishioners love the Church's beautiful treasury of sacred music. Dr. Margaret Hughes, a tutor at Thomas Aquinas College in Massachusetts, joins us to d... more

8 Apr 2026 • 41 min

SE08 EP08 - Chant Accompaniment, Organ Building, and Fundraising for Organ Projects - with Dr. Christopher Berry

Dr. Christopher Berry, Assistant Professor at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music, joins us to discuss why we should learn to make up our own chant accompaniment, how to determine the course of an organ building project, and how to fundraise for s... more

26 Mar 2026 • 40 min

SE08 EP07 - Developing Great Vocal Technique for Singing Chant - with Dr. Rosemary Heredos

Breath support, dynamics, tremulous notes, VIBRATO? How can we best sing the Church's chant with beauty, elegance, reverence, and good technique? Dr. Rosemary Heredos breaks it all down in the context of learning to sing through a semiological approa... more

24 Mar 2026 • 43 min

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Recent Guests

Christopher Hodkinson

Director of Music at St. Mary in Marion, Ohio; associated with the School of Gregoriana of Cambridge

St. Mary, Marion; School of Gregoriana of Cambridge

Episode: SE08 EP10 - All About Sarum: Ceremonial, Chant, Sources, and Processions from Medieval England - with Dr. Christopher Hodkinson

Margaret Hughes

Tutor at Thomas Aquinas College

Thomas Aquinas College

Episode: SE08 EP09 – Is Beauty a Transcendental, Why Beauty Matters, and Can We Be Wrong About Beauty? Philosophical Questions Every Church Musician Should Consider with Dr. Margaret Hughes

Dr. Christopher Berry

Colleague at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music, expert on chant accompaniment and organ projects

Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Episode: SE08 EP08 - Chant Accompaniment, Organ Building, and Fundraising for Organ Projects - with Dr. Christopher Berry

Dr. Rosemary Heredos

Fantastic singer of chant

Chant and early polyphony specialist; teaching at Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

Episode: SE08 EP07 - Developing Great Vocal Technique for Singing Chant - with Dr. Rosemary Heredos

Salvatore Basile

Longtime singer in the choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York; author of Fifth Avenue Famous

St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York; Author of Fifth Avenue Famous

Episode: SE08 EP06 - What Did American Sacred Music Sound Like in the 19th & Early 20th Centuries? A Snapshot from St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York - with Salvatore Basile

Salvatore J. Cordileone

Archbishop of San Francisco

Archdiocese of San Francisco

Episode: SE08 EP05 - Lenten Reflection for Church Musicians - with Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone

Martin Baker

Former master of music for 20 years at Westminster Cathedral, known for his skill in organ improvisation.

Episode: SE08 EP03 - The Art of Organ Improvisation: Insights from Martin Baker

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

Host

Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka

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

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 151 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 States7 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 Statesa year ago
Thank you!!!
Great source of information for continuing education and formational development! Thank you!
Apple Podcasts
5
AbeLeach
United Statesa year 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	#174	New Zealand/Religion & Spirituality/Christianity
Apple Podcasts	#205	New Zealand/Religion & Spirituality

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

SE08 EP06 - What Did American Sacred Music Sound Like in the 19th & Early 20th Centuries? A Snapshot from St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York - with Salvatore Basile

Q: How did Tra le Sollecitudini and Pius X's reforms affect the cathedral's music program?

The motu proprio prompted a public, heated debate about repertoire and liturgical practice, leading to the removal of many composers' works and a shift toward stricter chant orientation, though the cathedral's leadership and musicians navigated these changes under intense media scrutiny, with women's voices briefly removed from choirs before reinstatement.

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.

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. The Thomistic Institute
2. First Things Podcast
3. Pints With Aquinas
4. Godsplaining
5. On The Line

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

Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast launched 7 years ago and published 117 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. Christopher Hodkinson
2. Margaret Hughes
3. Dr. Christopher Berry
4. Dr. Rosemary Heredos
5. Salvatore Basile
6. Salvatore J. Cordileone
7. Martin Baker
8. Fernando Gil

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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