School for psaltries
The School for Women Chanters (School for Psaltries)* is the first school to specialise in Byzantine music and its repertoire for the female voice. Founded by internationally acclaimed Byzantine chanter and Professor of Byzantine Music Nektaria Karantzi, the School welcomes girls and women of all ages. Its international community of students spans the globe, with online tuition making it possible to study from anywhere in the world, while in-person lessons are also available in Athens.
The School’s specialised curriculum combines the systematic study of the Byzantine musical tradition with teaching tailored to the distinctive characteristics and capabilities of the female voice. For younger students, Nektaria Karantzi has developed an original pedagogical method, specifically designed to introduce girls gradually to Byzantine chant and guide them through their musical training.
The School is also home to two Byzantine chant ensembles: Psaltries, the women’s Byzantine chant ensemble, and Nektar, the Byzantine chant ensemble for girls.
The programme also includes:
Courses of study leading to a state-recognised Degree and Diploma in Byzantine Music
Courses in Liturgics, Typikon, History of Byzantine Music, and Hymnology
Specialised seminars on women in the Christian Church and in the Holy Scriptures
The School for Women Chanters operates in collaboration with the Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Music in Athens.
*Psaltria (singular; Ψάλτρια in Greek) is the Greek term for a female chanter in the Byzantine musical tradition. Psaltries (plural; Ψάλτριες in Greek) refers to female chanters.
THE SCHOOL OFFERS:
Tuition in Greek and English
Group and individual lessons
Online study from anywhere in the world, as well as the option of in-person lessons in Athens
Participation, according to level and age, in the Byzantine chant ensembles Psaltries and Nektar
Opportunities to gain practical experience at the chanter’s stand in church
Participation in selected concerts, recordings, television productions, and artistic projects connected with the School’s educational activities
FIND THE PROGRAMME THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
MAIN STUDY PATHWAYS IN BYZANTINE MUSIC:
A complete course of study, from beginner level through to the Degree and Diploma in Byzantine Music.
A specially designed educational programme for girls, starting from preschool age.
For graduates and experienced chanters.
SUPPLEMENTARY & SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES:
A self-contained two-year programme, also open to students who are not studying Byzantine Music.
Specialised theoretical training taught in relation to the Byzantine musical system.
Available as a stand-alone course or alongside music studies.
Two study pathways: a formal programme leading to a Degree and Diploma, or a three-year specialised programme.
OPEN SPECIALISED STUDY PROGRAMMES:
Open to anyone interested; no prior musical knowledge is required.
A stand-alone thematic seminar open to all.
Enquiries:
Tel.: +30 210 8022878, +30 210 8055507
LECTURES & TEACHING BY NEKTARIA KARANTZI ON BYZANTINE MUSIC
