THEORETICAL STUDIES: TYPIKON – HISTORY – LITURGICS – HYMNOLOGY – METRICS
The Theoretical Studies Programme at the School for Psaltries is a self-contained two-year course of theoretical study that explores Byzantine Music and the Orthodox liturgical tradition through five interrelated fields: Typikon, History of Byzantine Music, Liturgics, Hymnology and Metrics. These same five subjects also form part of the prescribed theoretical training for students progressing towards the Diploma in Byzantine Music.
The programme aims to provide a systematic understanding of the historical, liturgical, hymnographic and musical context in which the art of Byzantine chant developed and evolved. Teaching highlights the relationship between worship, hymnographic texts, musical tradition and liturgical practice, providing students with the theoretical foundation needed to approach Byzantine Music not only as a performing art, but also as a historical, musicological and liturgical phenomenon.
Enquiries:
WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? IS ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED?
The programme is open both to students of Byzantine Music and to anyone interested in acquiring a systematic understanding of these subjects, with no age limit and no prior knowledge of Byzantine Music or Byzantine chant required.
For Typikon, some familiarity with liturgical practice can be helpful, but it is not a prerequisite. Likewise, for Metrics, a basic musical background may make certain more specialised topics easier to understand, particularly those relating to prosody, accentual rhythm, and the relationship between text and musical rhythm, but this is not required for participation.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAMME LAST?
The Theoretical Studies Programme extends over two academic years, during which its five subjects are taught systematically: Typikon, History of Byzantine Music, Liturgics, Hymnology and Metrics. Each academic year runs from September to June.
WHAT DOES HYMNOLOGY INCLUDE?
This subject explores the historical development of Christian hymnography, from its biblical and early Christian foundations to the emergence of its principal hymnographic forms. Topics include the Biblical Odes, the Kontakion and the Canon, major figures and centres of Christian hymnography, as well as selected historical issues relating to the formation and development of the hymnographic tradition.
WHAT DOES LITURGICS INCLUDE?
This subject examines the historical formation and development of Christian worship, its relationship with earlier liturgical traditions, the origins and development of the Divine Eucharist and the Christian feast cycle, the concept of the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), and the principal liturgical books.
WHAT DOES TYPIKON INCLUDE?
This subject explores the history and development of the Church Typikon, with particular emphasis on the cathedral and monastic traditions, the Jerusalem Typikon, and the historical development of the order of services. Students examine the structure of Vespers, Orthros (Matins) and the Divine Liturgy, as well as special liturgical arrangements associated with periods such as Great Lent.
WHAT DOES THE HISTORY OF BYZANTINE MUSIC INCLUDE?
This subject presents the principal historical milestones and periods in the development of the art of Byzantine chant, the evolution of Byzantine notation systems, and the formation of the New Analytical Method of the Three Teachers. It also examines major musical figures, composers and works of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods, together with aspects of the musical manuscript tradition and the historical circumstances in which Byzantine chant and composition developed.
WHAT DOES METRICS INCLUDE?
This subject focuses on the metrical structure of ecclesiastical hymnographic texts, prosody and accentual rhythm, examining the role of metre and accentuation in the structure and rhythmic articulation of liturgical hymns.
IS THE PROGRAMME COMPULSORY FOR THE DIPLOMA IN BYZANTINE MUSIC?
Yes. For students progressing towards the Diploma in Byzantine Music, these five theoretical subjects form a compulsory part of the prescribed curriculum. The School, however, allows students to begin these subjects at an earlier stage of their Byzantine Music studies, while the programme is also open as a stand-alone course to those who are not studying Byzantine Music.
HOW ARE THE CLASSES CONDUCTED?
Classes are held exclusively online, in organised groups, once a week, allowing students from Attica, elsewhere in Greece and abroad to participate without geographical restrictions.
For students based outside Greece, small online groups are formed with tuition provided in English, making the full programme accessible to international students.
ARE EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?
No. Students who attend the Theoretical Studies Programme as a stand-alone course are not required to take examinations.
Written examinations are required only for students taking these subjects as part of the official course of study leading to the Diploma in Byzantine Music, as they form part of the prescribed examination requirements for the qualification.
WHEN DO ENROLMENTS TAKE PLACE?
Enrolments take place every September.