Syllabus

 What You'll Learn

The syllabus covers a broad range of topics, including:

  • Foundations – History, Notation, and Latin Pronunciation:

    Covering the origins of Gregorian chant, basics of neumatic notation, and ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation (beginners)

  • Gregorian Semiology & Interpretation:

    Understanding Gregorian neumes, interpreting early manuscripts, and Dom Eugène Cardine’s semiological principles (advanced)



  • Intermediate Skills – Modes, Rhythm, and Chant Interpretation: 

    Focusing on the 8 Gregorian modes, rhythmic theories, and expressive chant performance (beginners)

  • Liturgical Context, Rhythm & Expression:

    Exploring chant’s function in liturgy, rhythmic interpretation techniques, and expressive chant phrasing (advanced)



  • Mastery – Repertoire, Ensemble Practice, and Liturgical Application: 

    Emphasising  ensemble practice, repertoire expansion, and liturgical application of chant (beginners)​


  • Performance Practice & Chant Leadership:

    Developing skills for directing and teaching chant, conducting,
    and live interpretation (advanced)     ​    ​



Expert Instruction

The course will be led by Dominic Bevan, a professional music director and chant teacher, with support from religious practitioners who will provide coaching in the interpretation of chant within its liturgical context



A unique Learning Experience

Each workshop concludes with participants singing the chants they have learned in a liturgical service, such as Mass, providing an authentic and immersive experience










Note - click arrow or 3 lines on top left to toggle for contact form and links

PRESS RELEASE - Portsmouth and Quarr Abbey Chant Day Saturday 6 June 2026

Portsmouth and Quarr Abbey Invite Singers to an Inspiring Day of Gregorian Chant PORTSMOUTH, June 2026 — Following the success of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course earlier this year, singers, choir members and lovers of sacred music are warmly invited to take part in a special Day of Chant on Saturday 6 June 2026, combining Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Portsmouth, and Vespers at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight in a rich and uplifting celebration of the Church’s ancient musical tradition. This special one-day event offers a distinctive opportunity to experience Gregorian Chant in both parish and monastic settings, guided by experienced leaders and shaped by prayer, beauty and shared music-making. Open to former participants and complete newcomers alike, it is designed to be welcoming, practical and deeply enriching. The morning session at St Joseph’s in Portsmouth will focus on chant for Mass, while the afternoon at Quarr Abbey will culminate in the singing of Saturday Evening Vesp...
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Big Announcement today 10 September 2025 at 8pm BST

  Great News for all on the South Coast of England and beyond... Are you ready to delve into the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant?  We are delighted to announce, and invite you to join us for the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth UK, and embark on a musical journey that transcends time Our course is designed for both beginners and experienced singers who wish to deepen their understanding and practice of Gregorian Chant. Over three one-day workshops, held on the second Saturday of January, February and March 2026, participants will learn the historical context, vocal techniques, and interpretative skills necessary to become confident chant practitioners and chant leaders See details of how to  apply for a place on the course here
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*** Press release: More Than 70 Voices Unite in Celebration as Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course Concludes

  Portsmouth, March 2026 — More than 70 people gathered at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth , on Saturday 14 March for the final instalment of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course , a programme that has received widespread acclaim for introducing the ancient tradition of chant to participants of all ages and musical backgrounds. Launched in January 2026, the course welcomed complete beginners alongside experienced musicians, attracting adults, students and children alike. Among the youngest participants was Anne, aged six , who spoke enthusiastically of her enjoyment of singing the chants — a reflection of the inclusive and accessible ethos of the programme. The course was directed by Dominic Bevan , a professional musician and graduate of the Royal College of Music , whose extensive experience in sacred music guided participants throughout the programme. Instruction was further enriched by the contribution of two leading practitioners of chant. Abbot Xavier Perrin ...
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Gregorian Chant Day Portsmouth & Quarr Abbey – Saturday 6 June 2026

Gregorian Chant Day Portsmouth & Quarr Abbey – Saturday 6 June 2026 Following the successful completion of the three-part Gregorian Chant Course earlier this year, participants and others with an interest in Gregorian Chant are warmly invited to take part in a full day of chant singing on Saturday 6 June . This special one-day event offers the opportunity to sing Gregorian Chant in both parish and monastic settings, with practical, hands-on coaching and the chance to sing together as a large group. Attendance at either part of the day, or both, is welcome. Charges for the whole day (to help cover costs) Former Course Participants: Adults : £5 Children : £2.50 Newcomers: Adults : £10 Children : £5 This day is intended both as a continuation for those who attended the Portsmouth Chant Course and as a welcoming opportunity for new singers who wish to experience Gregorian Chant in a supportive and prayerful setting. To sign up for the morning and/or afternoon chant experience please...
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Breaking news...

  Link to PDF of above flyer Breaking news... For all Gregorian chant lovers:  A treat is in store! Listen this Sunday morning, third Sunday in Lent, at 08:30 BBC Radio Berkshire – 95.4 FM, 104.1 FM BBC Radio Oxford – 95.2 FM BBC Radio Solent – 96.1 FM, 103.8 FM On Sunday 8 March at 8.35am, Neville McNally, our Portsmouth Gregorian chant course organiser, will be in a live interview with BBC presenters from their Oxfordshire studios on BBC South. The programme will be going out live on all three of the following frequencies on this Sunday morning, third Sunday in Lent, at 08:35 BBC Radio Berkshire – 95.4 FM, 104.1 FM BBC Radio Oxford – 95.2 FM BBC Radio Solent – 96.1 FM, 103.8 FM The producer reached out to ask if Neville might talk about what the course wishes to achieve, the history of the chant and to give live instructions on air to the presenters on how to sing chant. Neville is delighted to have this opportunity to share what our Portsmouth Gregorian chant course is all ...
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Fantastic feedback after first workshop

We have had great comments made by our participants from the first workshop:) They are looking forward to the next two in February and March, none more so than Antonia Moffat of EWTN Great Britain who sings the praises of Gregorian chant and all our efforts to give it due energy at our first workshop last Saturday at St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth UK. The immediate fruits of the workshop consisted of our whole cohort being given the privilege of singing chant we had learned earlier in the day, at the 3pm Latin Mass in honour of Our Lady, said by Fr Serafino Lanzetta of the Marian Franciscans based also in Portsmouth. We were a mixed bag of singers of all ages and experience in singing chant, many for the very first time at a Latin Mass setting. We thank God for having had this opportunity, and are very happy that our sponsors can be proud of their confidence in our ability to rise to the occasion - as Antonia put it "the sound of heaven" - a tall order! One that was n...
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