REPERTOIRE & ADVANCED STUDIES

The Repertoire & Advanced Studies Programme is designed for holders of a Diploma in Byzantine Music who wish to continue their studies beyond the formal course of training and pursue more advanced work in selected areas of the art of Byzantine chant.

The programme focuses on the expansion and systematic study of Byzantine and post-Byzantine repertoire, with particular emphasis on the works of selected composers, the different genres and styles of chant, and the distinctive structural and interpretative characteristics of individual compositions.

The study of repertoire is combined with the exploration of specialised theoretical and musicological topics, according to the particular study cycle and the student’s interests. These may include modality, intervallic structure, musical form, compositional practices, the relationship between musical and hymnographic text, the historical development of individual genres, and the characteristics of the personal style of particular composers. The programme therefore goes beyond the acquisition of a broader repertoire, aiming at a deeper understanding of the structure, aesthetics and interpretative principles of Byzantine chant.

Enquiries:

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?

The programme is intended for those who already hold a Diploma in Byzantine Music and wish to continue their studies at an advanced level, with a focus on further training and specialisation.

WHAT DOES THE TUITION INCLUDE?

The content is tailored to each student’s level and individual interests and may include:

  • in-depth study of works and the compositional output of specific composers,

  • study of selected genres from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine repertoire,

  • structural and interpretative analysis of compositions,

  • exploration of different compositional approaches and stylistic characteristics,

  • specialised topics in theory, modality and intervallic structure,

  • study of the relationship between musical setting and hymnographic text,

  • expansion of the student’s repertoire.

HOW IS THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURED?

This is a fully individualised advanced study programme. The repertoire and specialised areas of study are selected according to each student’s previous training, needs and particular interests.

HOW ARE LESSONS CONDUCTED?

Lessons take place once a week and exclusively on an individual basis, allowing the course of study to be tailored to each student’s repertoire, research interests and interpretative needs.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAMME LAST?

The recommended duration of the Repertoire & Advanced Studies Programme is two academic years, from September to June each year. This provides sufficient time for a substantial cycle of repertoire development and for in-depth work on specialised theoretical, musicological and interpretative topics.

The duration is not fixed, however, as the programme is individually structured according to each student’s previous training, specific interpretative and musicological goals, and the repertoire they wish to study. The programme may therefore be completed in a shorter period or continued beyond two years if the student wishes to pursue further specialisation.

IS ONLINE STUDY AVAILABLE?

Yes. Lessons are also offered online, enabling Diploma holders from across Greece and abroad to participate. In-person tuition is also available for students based in Attica, at the School’s premises.

ARE PLACEMENT EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?

No. Admission to the programme requires a Diploma in Byzantine Music.

ARE EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?

Examinations are optional and are available to students who wish to receive a formal assessment of their progress. Regardless of whether a student chooses to take an examination, progress is assessed continuously through the individual lessons, based on the development of their interpretative approach, their engagement with the selected repertoire, and their understanding of the theoretical and musicological topics covered.

Students living abroad do not need to travel to Greece. If they choose to take an examination, it can be conducted online.

IS A CERTIFICATE AWARDED UPON COMPLETION OF THE ADVANCED STUDIES YEAR?

Yes. Upon completion of each year of advanced study, the student receives an official certificate specifying the area of specialisation and the course of study completed during that academic year.

WHEN DO ENROLMENTS TAKE PLACE?

Enrolments take place twice a year, in September and January.