School for Psaltries (Full Programme) > Greek Traditional Singing
THREE-YEAR PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN GREEK TRADITIONAL MUSIC
CHRONIS AIDONIDIS MUSIC WORKSHOP
The Chronis Aidonidis Music Workshop is an original three-year programme of study founded and developed by Chronis Aidonidis, one of the most distinguished teachers and exponents of the Greek musical tradition and a legendary figure in Greek traditional singing. Drawing on a lifetime devoted to the preservation and transmission of this tradition, Aidonidis entrusted his teaching method and pedagogical approach to Nektaria Karantzi, who continues its application within the programme.
The programme provides a systematic introduction to the Greek musical tradition, with particular emphasis on the vocal repertoire of Thrace, Macedonia and Asia Minor.
The programme combines extensive and systematic study of traditional singing with a solid foundation in subjects that contribute to a broader understanding of the Greek musical tradition: Byzantine Music, Folklore Studies and Western Music Theory.
Throughout all three years, the central focus remains traditional singing and the study of its repertoire. Particular emphasis is placed on the distinctive musical idioms of different regions, their vocal and melismatic characteristics, stylistic features, pronunciation and delivery of the text, and the particular interpretative qualities associated with each tradition.
Alongside the principal subject, each year includes a different theoretical area of study: the first year introduces the fundamentals of Byzantine Music, the second year focuses on Folklore Studies, and the third year provides a foundation in Western Music Theory. In this way, the three-year programme gives students both substantial experience of the traditional repertoire and the essential theoretical tools needed for a broader understanding of it.
The Chronis Aidonidis Music Workshop operates in collaboration with the School of Byzantine Music of Saint Athanasios Polydrosos, at 20 Rododafnis Street, Chalandri, Athens.
Enquiries:
WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?
The programme is designed primarily for adult students, regardless of gender, and may be started at any age, with no upper age limit. It is intended for those who wish to develop a systematic understanding of Greek traditional music, with particular emphasis on its vocal repertoire.
The programme is also open to students aged 16 and over. For younger students, traditional music forms part of the specially designed Byzantine Music for Girls – “Young Psaltries” programme, where an introduction to Greek traditional singing is combined with foundational training in Byzantine Music.
IS ANY PRIOR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED?
No comprehensive prior training in either Byzantine or Western Music is required. The programme is structured so that the essential foundations in both areas are provided during the three-year course of study.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAMME LAST?
The complete course of study lasts three years. Each academic year runs from September to June.
HOW IS THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURED?
Traditional Singing and Repertoire forms the core of all three years of study.
Year 1: Traditional Singing and Repertoire + Byzantine Music
Year 2: Traditional Singing and Repertoire + Folklore Studies
Year 3: Traditional Singing and Repertoire + Western Music Theory
WHICH REPERTOIRE RECEIVES PARTICULAR EMPHASIS?
Particular emphasis is placed on the traditional songs of Thrace, Macedonia and Asia Minor, regions that held a central place in the performing and teaching career of Chronis Aidonidis.
Teaching goes beyond simply learning the melodies. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of the style, vocal delivery, melismatic characteristics and distinctive regional features of each repertoire.
WHAT DOES THE BYZANTINE MUSIC COMPONENT INCLUDE?
During the first year, students receive a foundation in Byzantine Music, with particular emphasis on learning Byzantine notation and the basic theory of the modes. The material is primarily introductory and provides students with the essential foundations for reading and understanding musical texts written in Byzantine notation.
WHAT DOES THE FOLKLORE STUDIES COMPONENT INCLUDE?
During the second year, the musical tradition is explored within its broader social, customary and cultural context. Students examine aspects of folk culture, customs, beliefs and ritual practices, allowing songs to be understood in relation to the communities and occasions in which they were created, transmitted and performed.
WHAT DOES THE WESTERN MUSIC THEORY COMPONENT INCLUDE?
During the third year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of Western Music Theory and notation, with the aim of becoming familiar with the staff, music reading, scales and other fundamental concepts of the Western musical system.
HOW ARE LESSONS CONDUCTED?
Lessons may be offered in person or online, either individually or in groups, depending on the subject and the needs of the students.
For students living outside Greece, the programme may be followed entirely online, with instruction provided in English, allowing international students to complete the full course of study regardless of where they are based.
ARE EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?
Students who wish to complete the programme and receive a Certificate of Completion of the Three-Year Course of Study take annual progression examinations at the end of each year, followed by final examinations upon completion of the third year.
Those who wish to attend the programme purely for educational purposes, without receiving the Certificate of Completion, may do so without taking examinations.
WHAT IS AWARDED UPON COMPLETION OF THE THREE-YEAR PROGRAMME?
Students who complete the full three-year course and successfully pass the required annual progression and final examinations receive a Certificate of Completion of the Three-Year Course of Study of the “Chronis Aidonidis” Music Workshop.
WHEN DO ENROLMENTS TAKE PLACE?
Enrolments take place every September, at the beginning of each new academic year.
ARE THERE DISTINCTIONS FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT PERFORMANCE?
Yes. During each examination period, a special distinction is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall result among those taking the examinations of the Music Workshop.
Students who have received this distinction in previous years are featured on the official “Chronis Aidonidis” Music Workshop Facebook page, where news and activities relating to the programme are also published.