Byzantine Chant Academies

TLAA-SUMMER

TLAA-SUMMER

*INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED & MASTER CLASS

August 17 - 23, 2025

This intensive in-person training continues with stronger class focus at the Intermediate, Advanced and Master Class levels. Prospective students will apply for acceptance into the Academy by completing the application form and submitting the specified audio samples for review. We will publish a timeline of deadlines for submissions and notifications of the status of your application. We ask that you be patient with this process and wait until the the appropriate date to be notified.

TLAA-WINTER for Beginners

*FOR BEGINNERS ONLY

February 8 - 13, 2026

TLAA-WINTER

We now have a Winter Academy that is specifically designed for beginners. You will be asked to submit an application for review and acceptance. Please read details below. Note that the Summer Academy is for Intermediate, Advanced and Master Class.

Byzantine Chant Instructors

FAQs


Why is the Beginner Class now held at a separate time?

TLAA is an intense and fast-paced learning event, and we have seen that the students who benefit most from TLAA-Summer (with its extensive services and high-level content) are those who already have a foundation in Byzantine notation. TLAA-Winter is specially designed to meet the needs of beginners to set them on a course of further study. To take full advantage of the learning at TLAA-Winter, it is strongly recommended that students continue studying through online schools or private instruction.

How do I know what level I am?

Students will apply to the program and be evaluated for acceptance and/or placement. Students will answer questions about their background and experience, and they are asked to submit 2 recorded samples of their singing for evaluation.

What is the required textbook?

Byzantine Chant: The Received Tradition, A Lesson Book by John Michael Boyer.  This book is required for all levels at both the Winter and Summer Academies. Beginner students at TLAA-Winter are required to read and prepare up to Lesson #3 at home before arrival. (updated 9/17/2024). Click the link above and use coupon code TLAA25 for 10% off.

Do I need anything special to bring?

An iPad or tablet can be helpful to read texts and music for daily worship, but it is not required (students often share). If you wear a raso or cassock at your parish, you are encouraged to bring it, but this is also not required.

What is required for the audio samples?

Each student is asked to submit 2 audio samples: a short hymn (or song for Beginners) of your choosing and the assigned hymn that will be emailed to you when we receive your application. The assigned hymn needs to be recorded and sent back within 2 days. Having a quick turnaround on the assigned hymn gives us an idea of your skills with music that is unfamiliar; we do not expect extensive preparation. Please label your files as follows: YourName.Title (of hymn or song)

Do we all get the same assigned hymn?

No. Beginners will get a recording (with text) to listen to and record themselves singing. The Intermediate and Advanced level applicants will receive different hymns in Byzantine notation that are appropriate for their expected level. The Master Class applicants will have one-on-one interviews if necessary.

Am I registering or applying?

TLAA has shifted to an application process for all levels. Please read the note above about musical ability to see if this is a good fit for you.

The application process screens students for certain levels of proficiency necessary to be accepted into the various levels offered. For those who are not accepted, we encourage you will pursue classes and instruction throughout the year and reapply.

What chant schools do you recommend for continuing my education?

TLAA is not a standalone program, but is an excellent complement to any type of ongoing study, whether in-person or online. We recommend 3 excellent online programs for learning throughout the year. Click the graphic links shown for full details on these online schools.

In-person learning is also available at HCHC for the Certificate in Byzantine Music. And of course, we recommend that you return to The Liturgical Arts Academy for intensive in-person training.

PHOTO GALLERY