The Eight Tones: Modules for learning the Kievan Chant melodies for stichera and troparia (DRAFT)

This draft volume is a workbook for learning the melodies for troparia, stichera, and psalm verses as they are sung at St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary. Based on the teaching method used by Talia-Maria Sheehan at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Music Program, St. Tikhon’s Seminary, and the Artefact Institute, this book offers a modular approach to learning the tones and how to harmonize them. The melodies are presented gradually: first, as a single melody line; then in a flexible arrangement for two, three, or four voices; then they are given in four part harmony, as they would be sung by a typical church choir; finally, the melodies are presented in male choir arrangements.

The Eight Tones is a valuable educational and reference resource, and is the perfect companion to St. Tikhon’s Common Book of Church Hymns series. Further editions will include instructional notes and modules for learning special melodies (podobni) in the Slavic musical tradition.