Music is an integral part of the worship at St. Joseph's Church. Music at St. Joseph's is supported by the active participation of the clergy, the Liturgy Committee, the music staff and the people of our parish. Our common goal is to enhance the Liturgy of the Word and exalt the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The music program is directed by Stephen M. Black, M.M.A., Director of Music and Organist. The principal cantor is Richard Gratton.

Music is provided by the organist and cantor at the 4 P.M. mass on Saturday, and at all masses on Sunday. The parish choir, led by Mr.Black, sings for the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday. At the 6:00 PM mass on Sunday a contemporary music program featuring guest instrumentalists and vocalists is offered. In addition, the Family Mass Children’s Choir sings for the Family Mass once a month at the Sunday 9:45 AM mass. Instruments in the church include the historic 1895 Müller and Abel pipe organ in the rear gallery, as well as a Baldwin grand piano in the front of the church. Guest instrumentalists frequently contribute to the music at weekend Masses and special liturgies. Concerts are presented regularly in our acoustically excellent sanctuary and school auditorium. Recent performers have included the Yale University Chapel Choir, the Pomona College Choir, Pomona, CA, the women’s chamber choir Cantate from the Netherlands and the Greater New Haven Community Chorus, as well as St. Joseph’s own performing ensemble, the St. Joseph’s Singers.

St. Joseph's Parish Choir is a volunteer choir comprised of devoted parishioners who commit time and talent on a weekly basis. The choir sings for the 11:00 AM Mass on Sundays, and rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the church from 7:30 – 9:00 PM. In addition the choir sings for special liturgies and concerts throughout the year, such as the Advent Vespers and Carols on the fourth Sunday of Advent. There is also an annual retreat for choir members, and several social events throughout the year. Members of the parish choir may also be selected to participate in the St. Joseph’s Singers, an auditioned chamber choir sponsored by St. Joseph’s Church. Anyone interested in singing in the choir is welcome to come to a rehearsal. Questions may be addressed to Stephen Black, Director of Music, after any weekend mass or by calling (212) 289-6030.

Stephen M. Black M.M.A., Director of Music and Organist, has been at St. Joseph's Church Yorkville since September 1999. Prior to his appointment he was the conductor of the Yale University Chapel Choir for two years. During his time at Yale the chapel choir presented programs in New Haven and in Boston, in conjunction with the Harvard and Princeton chapel choirs. In 1998 Mr. Black was a finalist in the American Guild of Organists Young Artist Competition, held at the guild's national convention in Denver, CO. He has presented recitals at Washington National Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, St. Ann's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, and Longwood Gardens, PA. Mr. Black is currently the assistant conductor of the New Amsterdam Singers in New York City, as well as the conductor of the St. Joseph’s Singers. Mr. Black holds degrees in music from the University of Louisville and Yale University.

Richard Gratton, Cantor, has enjoyed an extensive career as an opera singer, with numerous appearances at opera houses in Europe and the United States. In addition to his work at St. Joseph's he maintains a private studio of vocal instruction in Brooklyn. Mr. Gratton studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School. He has been the cantor at St. Joseph’s Yorkville since July 1982.