Fundamentals of Orthodox Church Singing: Melodies of the Liturgy 8/2026

THE COURSE IS FULL, APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR RESERVE PLACES.

This course is intended for singers who want to learn about Orthodox church service singing and acquire essential skills in Orthodox choral singing. The course covers the most important hymns of the liturgy and practices the basics of the Eight Tones (Oktoechos). The instruction also covers practical matters such as the use of liturgical books, functioning in a choir, and general features of the divine service order. The course is especially suitable for new, beginner church choristers but also for anyone else interested in Orthodox church singing. No prior experience is required – basic singing ability, interest, and an open mind are sufficient! The instructor is M.Th., music pedagogue (Bachelor's level) Maria Mentu. The language of instruction is Finnish.

Special price 150 €/OH1 or 130 €/VM1 includes teaching, accommodation, and meals according to the program. No other discounts.

Monday 10.8.

14.00             Arrival and lunch

15.30             Course opening and objectives

16.00             Teaching: The role of church singing in divine services, getting familiar with church singing terms through singing

18.00             Ninth Hour, Vespers, Small Compline and evening prayers.

19.30             Supper

20.00             Teaching: Introduction to the main hymns of the Liturgy 

Tuesday 11.8.

06.00             Midnight and Morning Service. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

07.30-            Breakfast

09.00             Teaching: Structure of the Liturgy, use of the liturgical book, fixed and variable parts 

12.00             Prayer Service

12.30             Lunch

13.30             Teaching: Oktoechos melodies 

15.30             Break. Coffee available at own expense.

16.30             Teaching: Oktoechos melodies 

18.00             Ninth Hour, Vespers, Small Compline and evening prayers

19.30             Supper

         Lakeside sauna

Wednesday 12.8.

06.00             Midnight and Morning Service, First Hour.

07.30-            Breakfast

09.00             Teaching: Review of main melodies, duties of a church singer 

11.00             Check-out by 12:00

12.00             Prayer Service

12.30             Farewell lunch and concluding discussion in the cabinet

To be updated later.