The Didactics in the Theoretical Treatises of the New Method of Psaltic Art

Abstract: This study focuses on the Theoretical Treatises of the New Method of Chant published from 1814 onwards. The fact that Byzantine Music is currently taught in various ways in different educational contexts without an indicative teaching manual for teachers leads us to review the latest written theoretical sources to see if explicit references to teaching can be found in them. First, the conceptual definitions of the relevant terms are listed and then the material is studied, compared, and categorized. Taking Chrysanthos’ monumental theoretical treatise as a starting point -which formed the basis for all subsequent theoretical editions- the data analysis reveals on the one hand, similarities mainly in terms of the contents and the basic structure of the Theoretical Treatises and on the other hand, it shows, ambiguity and different approaches in key teaching chapters such as the Music Modes -the so-called ‘Echoi’ and the Rhythm. The results of the survey show that teaching Chant includes a specific curriculum, objectives, stages, and means without clearly indicating the method of teaching. Finally, the relationship between Byzantine Music and other parallel musical worlds with distinct boundaries in teaching is highlighted. The utilization of the authors' teaching reports and findings, with the support of new digital tools, could contribute to the writing of a teaching manual with appropriate adaptation to contemporary pedagogical conditions.