Schola Cantorum

A school for church singers. The first Roman schola cantorum has been dated from the fourth century. It provided music for papal masses. The Roman schola cantorum was reorganized by Gregory the Great (c. 540-604), who served as Pope from 590 to 604. Gregorian Chant developed in the Roman schola cantorum during the seventh and eighth centuries. The Roman schola cantorum was a center that provided instructors in chant for other churches and institutions. The use of Gregorian Chant spread in the western church. The Roman schola cantorum served as a model for other schools that were established in the west. These schools of singers diminished in importance in the later middle ages as secular musicians became increasingly involved in church music. The term schola cantorum may still be used to indicate a choir school, a school for church singers, or a place where chant is taught.