The Asaph Chanter Program is a four-year educational program dedicated to the comprehensive study and instruction of the hymns of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The program is designed to deepen students’ liturgical understanding, enrich their spiritual and worship life, and equip graduates to serve their local parishes through hymn instruction and leadership in congregational worship.
Program Structure
The program is offered through a blended learning model that combines asynchronous self-study with synchronous virtual instruction and review sessions.
Students are expected to independently learn assigned hymns each week using provided recordings and study materials. Throughout the semester, students participate in live virtual sessions with instructors for guidance, correction, and assessment.
Live sessions are generally scheduled on weekends and occasionally on weeknights and are conducted according to the U.S. Eastern Time Zone.
These sessions are intended to:
- Assess weekly progress
- Provide individualized feedback and correction
- Prepare students for final oral examinations
Curriculum Overview
Students are enrolled in a variety of liturgical and hymnology courses, including:
Hymns Courses
- Liturgy Hymns
- Psalmody
- Psalmody Hymns
- Deacon Responses
- Doxologies
Additional Courses
Additional courses may be offered where applicable.
Grading & Examination
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all scheduled live sessions consistently throughout the semester.
A minimum attendance rate of 60% is required in order to qualify for end-of-semester examinations. Attendance contributes 20% toward the final course grade.
Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance requirement will be required to repeat the corresponding semester (Fall or Spring) during the following academic year.
Is the Asaph Chanter Program Right for You?
The Asaph Chanter Program may be a good fit for students who:
- Have a genuine love for learning and chanting Coptic hymns
- Actively participate in liturgies, praises, raising of incense, feast days, and other liturgical services within their parish
- Consistently partake in the Holy Mysteries of the Church, including the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Repentance and Confession
- Are able to commit to 2–3 hours of live instruction and meetings per week
- Are willing to dedicate approximately 3–5 hours per week to independent study and practice
Applicants who are not yet ready to meet these commitments are encouraged to first focus on foundational hymns, liturgical rituals, and the Coptic language before applying.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation from their Father of Confession
- Submit a Personal Statement
- Complete and submit a Hymn Assessment
Admission Process
- Submit an application including:
- Personal information
- Parish information
- Written personal statement
- Hymn assessment submission
- The admissions team will evaluate the hymn submission.
- The applicant’s Father of Confession will be contacted for a recommendation.
- Applicants will receive an admissions decision.
- Accepted students will complete tuition payment and begin their studies in the Asaph Chanter Program.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition for the Asaph Chanter Program is $475 per semester (Fall and Spring).
This tuition includes the cost of the annual convention, including room and board. Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel expenses to and from the convention.