VOCAL TRAINING

Within the School for Psaltries, and in collaboration with the Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Music, specialised vocal training is offered with a particular focus on the needs of the woman chanter. The course may be taken either alongside Byzantine Music studies at the School or as a stand-alone programme, independently of them.

The training is grounded in the fundamental principles of vocal technique and focuses on the healthy and efficient use of the voice, the coordination of breathing and phonation, the development of vocal support and stamina, articulation and clear diction, as well as greater control of vocal production. The aim is to enable the voice to function with greater economy, stability and ease, reducing unnecessary vocal effort and allowing for better management of vocal fatigue.

The training is specifically tailored to the practice of Byzantine chant and to the particular demands it places on the female voice. At the same time, it supports the distinctive interpretative approach cultivated at Nektaria Karantzi’s School for Psaltries, with emphasis on clarity of the vocal line, simplicity and restraint of expression, precise articulation, natural delivery of the text, and the full expression of the natural female timbre.

Particular attention is given to the close relationship between text and melody and to the measured use of melismatic and ornamental elements, so that musical expression serves and illuminates the text, preserves the natural flow of the Greek language, and reflects the distinctive character of women’s Byzantine chant.

Enquiries:

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?

The programme is designed for women who wish to develop their voice with a particular focus on Byzantine chant, whether they are already studying Byzantine Music or wish to take Vocal Training as a stand-alone course.

DO I NEED TO BE STUDYING BYZANTINE MUSIC?

No. Vocal Training may be taken as a stand-alone course. For students of Byzantine Music at the School, it is generally recommended from the second year of study onwards.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN AIMS OF THE TRAINING?

The programme aims to develop:

  • effective coordination of breathing and phonation,

  • greater vocal control and stability,

  • more efficient and economical use of the voice,

  • vocal stamina and improved management of prolonged voice use,

  • clear articulation and accurate diction,

  • controlled volume and dynamics,

  • natural and clear vocal placement adapted to the demands of Byzantine chant,

  • the development of the natural female timbre without artificial alteration of the voice.

HOW LONG DOES THE VOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME LAST?

The recommended duration of the programme is approximately two years, although there is no strictly predetermined completion period. The duration is adapted to each student’s starting level, individual vocal needs and progress.

ARE EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED?

No. There are no formal examinations. Each student’s development is monitored continuously through the lessons, and the training is adapted according to her progress and the particular needs of her voice.

ARE ONLINE LESSONS AVAILABLE?

Yes. For students based outside Attica, whether elsewhere in Greece or abroad, lessons are available online, allowing them to follow the Vocal Training programme regardless of geographical distance.

WHEN DO ENROLMENTS TAKE PLACE?

Enrolments for Vocal Training are open throughout the year.