The Asaph Chanter Program is a four-year program offering a comprehensive instruction of the hymns of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The program aims to enrich the worship life of any graduate, and equip them for teaching hymns in their local parish, or in leading the congregation in liturgical worship.
How it Works
The program is offered in a “mixed-mode” setting combining asynchronous learning with synchronous instruction and review. Students are expected to learn specific hymns on a weekly basis (asynchronously), and then virtually meet with the instructors (synchronously) at specified times at the end of the week (Saturday mornings).
The live meetings with instructors serve as a mode for assessment and for receiving feedback on the week’s learning. The goal of these meetings is to prepare the student for his final oral exam.
Curriculum Overview
Students are enrolled in the following courses:
Hymns Courses
- Liturgy Hymns (four years)
- Psalmody (four years)
- Psalmody Hymns (four years)
- Deacon Responses (three years)
- Doxologies (two years)
Other Courses
- Fundamentals of the Coptic Language
- Ritual Theology
- Ritual History
Grading
Grading for hymns courses is done on a year-by-year basis at the annual convention as a live oral exam before the panel of the Institute’s Cantors. Students are expected to be ready with all hymns learned throughout the course of the year.
Grading for ritual and Coptic courses is based on assignments or exams administered online.
Is the Asaph Chanter Program Right for Me?
If you answer yes to the following questions, then the Asaph Chanter Program may be the right choice for you:
- Do you love learning and chanting Coptic hymns?
- Are you active in attending liturgies, raising of incense, praises, feast days and other liturgical services in your local parish?
- Are you consistent in receiving the Holy Mysteries of the Church: Eucharist, Repentance & Confession?
- Are you able to commit to two hours of live instruction/meeting per week? (Saturday mornings)
- Are you able to commit to self-learning an average of 3-5 short hymns per week?
If you answered no to any of the above questions, then you may not be ready for the Asaph Chanter Program yet. You may consider starting with the Asaph Audit Program and learning some of the foundational hymns, rituals and Coptic Language!
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Over the age of 18
- Letter of Recommendation from Father of Confession
- Submission of Personal Statement
- Hymn Assessment Submission
Admission Process
- Submit an Application with your personal information, parish information, written personal statement, and hymns submission.
- We will asses your hymns submission.
- We will reach out to your Father of Confession for his recommendation.
- You receive a response to your application
- Pay the tuition and begin your Asaph Student Career!
Cost
Tuition Cost for the Asaph Chanter Program is $475 per semester (i.e. Fall and Spring). This includes the cost of the annual convention (including room and board). Students are responsible for arranging their travel to the convention.