Summer School
Another very important aspect of AECMC's mission is the establishment of a summer programme in liturgical music in Europe. This is part of a broader effort by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) to raise the quality of church singing across the Russian Diaspora. The programme is designed for regular training and education of existing and future singers and choir conductors across European parishes, with academic advising and support from the existing Synodal School of Liturgical Music (USA).
The Liturgical Music School of ROCOR in Europe is located in Cologne (Germany).
Registration for the studies
from 20 to 31 July, 2026 is now open!
The Liturgical Music School of ROCOR in Europe announces the admission of students for the new year of study. Classes will be held daily at St. Panteleimon’s church in Cologne (Germany).
Students are offered accommodation on the parish grounds and three free meals a day. Classes will be held in Russian.
There are three options for participation:
1. Core programme for choir conductors and singers. The full curriculum spans three years and is based on annual two-week summer sessions and two years of self-study under teacher’s guidance between summer sessions. Completion of the full course and successful passing of the exams leads to certification. This year, classes will be held from 20 to 31 July, 2026. The two-week course contains almost 100 hours of lecture material, practical sessions, rehearsals and preparation for services, and participation in master classes. Participants are scheduled to arrive on the evening of Sunday 19 July to start classes on Monday at 9:00. Breakfast on Monday is provided.
The cost of studying with accommodation and meals is € 990.00 for this period.
2. For those who are unable to attend the full course, we offer a seven-day training seminar*. The main purpose of this option is to get acquainted with the work of the school, gain certain knowledge and skills, as well as practical experience in participating in services, and the opportunity to ask questions of interest to experienced teachers. Participants who successfully complete the seminar have the option of transferring to the core program the following year. Seminar classes will be held during the first week from 20 to 26 July, 2026 together with the first year full-time students. The study load will be a little over 40 hours. Participants are scheduled to arrive on the evening of Sunday 19 July to start classes on Monday at 9:00. Breakfast on Monday is provided.
The cost of participation with accommodation and meals is € 620.00 for this option.
*Please note: this option is primarily for the first time comers. If you are attending second or third year of studies we strongly anticipate that you choose the full length of studies. However, if necessary, you can extend your full programme by completing just a week-long course each year.
3. Individual Study Plan. At our school we welcome anyone who wishes to learn about the tradition of Russian liturgical music or refresh their knowledge of specific subjects. For some, this may mean taking just a few elective classes without enrolling in the full program. In this case, please contact us at contact@aecmc.org to discuss the details.
Participation in the choral class is mandatory for all students. All classes you successfully complete as part of your individual study plan will count toward your full programme, should you ultimately decide to pursue that path.
More information can be found in the relevant sections:
For the information about previous year classes as well as photos, please click here.
Look forward to seeing you
in Cologne this summer!