The “Scholeion Psaltikis” trying to meet the needs and requirements of those interested as best as possible, created two Courses of Study regarding church music.
The 1st Direction is aimed at people who do not have the time or the ability to follow a rigorous and demanding Study Program.
Students in this major learn to handle the eight tones of ecclesiastical music in a practical way, while acquiring knowledge of notation necessary to perform difficult-to-memorize parts. By following this direction, they have the possibility to minister consistently and responsibly in the parishes’ choir desks (analogia), either as assistant chanters, or even as chanters.
The study program includes a set of courses spread over five to seven years of study as well as a series of practical (analogous) courses, in which they are examined in order to obtain the corresponding certificate. Basic elements of Ecclseciastical Order (Typikon) and History of church music are also taught. For the successful completion of a course, students are examined in writing or orally, while they must also participate in the School’s Student Choir.
The 2nd Direction concerns a more complete but also demanding study program. Through a wide range of theoretical and practical courses, students are prepared to take on high-demand choir desks (analogia) and to teach church music themselves. The curriculum includes an expanded set of courses spread over six to eight years of study, as well as a series of practical (on-the-job) courses that are tested in order to obtain the respective certification. Students are also taught the History of church music while being introduced to the courses of Music Composition, Paleography, Theory of Eastern Music Ways (Makams) and Theory of Western Music. The above theoretical courses are mandatory for obtaining an official degree. For the successful completion of a course, students are examined in writing or orally, while they must also participate in the School’s Student Choir. Upon successful completion of all of the above, they acquire the right to take exams for the First Byzantine Music Degree, while in some cases they can further pursue their studies for the Byzantine Music Teaching Diploma. These titles are recognized by the Greek state.