Compile a short collection of pieces of Catholic music. This can include classical Viennese pieces, Renaissance polyphony, modern-day Catholic rock bands and more. Select a variety of eras and genres. Play the recordings without identifying the composer, time period or any other feature, and guess (or have students guess, if you are teaching a class) from which era the music comes. Discuss what musical and religious features distinguish the different varieties of Catholic music.
Like many religions, Catholicism incorporates music directly into its worship services. Mass attendees sing hymns that extol a religious idea or doctrine, represent in lyrics and music stories from the Bible, or express the emotions that people of faith often feel during worship services. Construct a project around Catholic hymns. Select several hymns and analyze them for their significance to the faith, based on lyrics, melody, rhythm, history and other features. Examine what the words express and how musical text relates to biblical text.
One project could involve textual or visual representations of Catholic music through the ages. This would be a good complement to the listening exercises and could demonstrate, in words and pictures, how music has remained an important part of the Catholic tradition. For example, you could construct a visual timeline from the founding of Catholicism to the present, or design a poster featuring major Catholic musicians and musical works. The project should give an informative overview of the evolution of Catholic music.
Use digital technology to create fun, informative audio-visual projects documenting Catholic music. Create a short film or computer slide presentation with pictures, bullet points and text about some aspect of Catholic music. It can focus on a musical style, a particular composer or even a single influential piece.