The Ancient Greek Lyre in Education – 2nd Cycle

Program Objective

The objective of the program is to familiarize participants with the ancient Greek lyre, introduce them to its study, and understand its role in education. Participants will gain technical knowledge of playing the ancient Greek lyre through the first comprehensive learning method. They will acquire knowledge of music education in ancient Greece, as well as the use of the ancient Greek lyre throughout the centuries.  Additionally, participants will learn vocal interpretation of ancient musical fragments and the connection between language and music. They will acquire knowledge of accompanying texts, myths, poems, songs, hymns from ancient Greece, as well as contemporary ones. Finally, they will be introduced to the connection of philosophy and music, maths and music and also the influence of the ancient Greek music to the one of modern composers and especially Mikis Theodorakis.

Necessity of the program – Program innovation

The systematic research of ancient Greek music in recent decades by foreign and Greek researchers and performers is well established. The ancient Greek lyre, for the first time, has an integrated learning method (by Nikos Xanthoulis) based on ancient models as well as the interpretive abilities of contemporary performers and composers. The lack of a corresponding program in Greece and worldwide, combined with the shortage of adequately trained individuals despite the increasing number of those interested in learning it, makes this program necessary. Furthermore, its official establishment within a university department of educational sciences, enhances its educational role since music in antiquity was closely linked to the education of the youth and every educated citizen, and the lyre was the means for this education. The creation of a study program for the ancient Greek lyre in modern education, for the first time in Greece and worldwide, and its potential recognition by the state in the future would establish the second group of official experts of the instrument, with the Democritus University of Thrace being the first institution supporting this knowledge.

Structure of the program

The program is divided into 15 thematic units:

1. Ancient Greek lyre, Technique-Performance I
2. Ancient Greek lyre, Technique-Performance II
3. The role of the lyre in ancient music and in contemporary music-educational systems
4. Theory and Philosophy of Ancient Greek Music
5. Techniques in Accompanying Recitation
6. Ensembles
7. Choir
8. Vocal interpretation of ancient Greek excerpts and basic principles of singing
9. Melic Poetry – The significance and role of music through the texts of Ancient Greek Literature – Perception
10. Music, poetry and art in ancient Rome
11. The therapeutic use of rhythmic movement. Timeless approach to a global phenomenon
12. Theater and Performance
13. The contribution of Mathematics since the antiquity
14. Philosophy and music
15. The impact of the ancient Greek music to the compositions of modern Greek composers

The instructors who teach in the program are as follows:

1. Nikos Xanthoulis: Composer, soloist of the Ancient Greek Lyre, Scientific Collaborator of the Academy of Athens, and Associate Member of the Archaeological Institute of America.
2. Evangelia Kopsalidou: Specialized Teaching Staff of Music Education at the School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, historical musicologist, music educator, and lyre player.
3. Georgios Tsomis: Professor of Ancient Greek Philology at the Department of Greek Philology, Democritus University of Thrace, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Democritus University of Thrace. He is also an Associate Professor of Classical Philology at the University of Goethe in Frankfurt.
4. Dimitrios Goulimaris: Professor of Greek Traditional Dance Organization at the School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace.
5. Charis Michalopoulos: Associate Professor of Latin Philology at the Department of Greek Philology, Democritus University of Thrace.
6. Myrsini Lantzouraki, Specialized Teaching Staff of Drama in Education at the School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Drama practitioner-Director.
7. Sophia Karakouta: Soloist in Vocal Performance (Boston-New England Conservatory) and music educator.
8. Kalliope Stigka: Doctor of Historical Musicology, Political Scientist/Historian, Director of the College of Neo Faliro
9. Andonis Kapetanakis, Doctor of Philosophy, Director of Athens Music School
10. Souzana Vougioukli, Mathematician, Musician, Soloist in Vocal Performance

Program Implementation Methodology

The implementation methodology of the program includes both face-to-face and distance learning components. The face-to-face instruction will take place using the lyre and other musical instruments available in the music room at the School of Education Sciences in Alexandroupoli, as well as at the facilities of the Municipal Conservatory of Nikaia Ag.Ioanni Rendi and at the Leto Hotel in Delphi for those who choose to attend (totaling 38 hours). The remote synchronous (live) instruction will be conducted through the use of programs such as MS-Teams and eclass, platforms provided by the Democritus University of Thrace, along with musical instruments that the participants will acquire. The total duration of remote synchronous learning will be 80 hours and asynchronous 182 hours. For those who cannot attend the face-to-face sessions, the asynchronous (self-paced) learning hours will be 220. In this mode, participants will engage with the material and complete activities at their own pace. The teaching techniques and methods will vary to cater to different learning styles and preferences. These will include teacher-centered and student-centered approaches, learning through observation, experiential learning, lectures, discussions, digital resources, laboratory exercises, musical performances, musical accompaniment, the use of whiteboards, and visual aids. Overall, the program aims to offer a diverse and engaging learning experience by combining various instructional methods and providing both in-person and remote learning opportunities to accommodate the needs and preferences of the participants.

Venue of Implementation

For the asynchronous distance learning component, the venue and time are determined by the participant, with the only requirement being access to the internet through the eclass platform, where study materials will be available (sheet music, PDFs with information on the theoretical content of the lessons, links for reading and listening, exercises). The synchronous remote learning will take place through the MS-Teams platform. Regarding the face-to-face instruction, lectures, and workshops will be held in the end of the program at the Municipal Conservatory of Ag.Ioanni Rendi, Nikaia and the Townhall/secondary school of Delphi. For those unable to attend, material equivalent to the asynchronous learning hours will be provided, with recorded versions of all the lessons. In the face-to-face instruction, there will also be an opportunity for those interested to participate in this week of on-site teaching, presentations, and concerts in Delphi and Athens. For those who do not wish to participate, material equivalent to the asynchronous learning hours will be provided, with recorded versions of the lessons.

Cost of Participation

The cost of participation is €400. This amount is payable in 2 equal installments of €200, with the first installment due before the start of the lessons (by 30/10/2024) to a Bank Account that will be announced. The second installment is due by 15/05/25. Payment of the first installment is a prerequisite for participating in the Program.

Payment instructions

Tuition fees are deposited into Bank Account GR98 0172 3520 0053 5209 2260 595 of the Bank of Piraeus  reasoning “KE 70046 (KEDIVIM), full name and father’s name”.

The proof of deposit should be sent to e-mail: ekopsali@eled.duth.gr

Anyone who wishes an invoice in company details, please send a message to ekopsali@eled.duth.gr before payment for further details.

 

Evaluation Criteria for Applications

The maximum number of program participants is set at 105.

The following criteria are followed for evaluating the applications and selecting the candidates:

1. Priority based on the date of submission of the application
2. Interview

Submission of Applications and Supporting Documents

Start of application submission: 02/09/2024

Deadline: 15/10/2023

Extension of application deadline until 25/10/2024

The electronic application constitutes a Solemn Declaration according to paragraph 4 of article 8 of law 1599/1986, in which the candidate declares that they unreservedly accept all the terms of the Program, as stated in its public invitation.

The required supporting documents that the candidate must submit for participation in the Program, at a minimum, are:

1. Copy of ID card or passport
2. Copy of diploma
3. English language proof or certificate

Objections will be accepted no later than 5 days after the list of admitted candidates is posted.

Contact Information:

Evangelia Kopsalidou, +30 6936279363, ekopsali@eled.duth.gr

Maria Chatzisavva, +30 6948487437, mhat@psed.duth.gr

Modules attached