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 a professional music director and chant teacher, Dominic Bevan, 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










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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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Over 60 Singers to Gather in Portsmouth for Major Gregorian Chant Course Beginning 10 January 2026

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Over 60 Singers to Gather in Portsmouth for Major Gregorian Chant Course Beginning 10 January 2026 Portsmouth is set to resonate with the timeless sound of sacred music as more than 60 participants gather this Saturday, 10 January 2026, for the opening session of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course, hosted at St John’s Cathedral. Bringing together both beginners and seasoned singers, this three‑part workshop series offers a rare opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of Gregorian chant, explore ancient repertoire, and develop interpretative skills under expert guidance. A Public Sung Mass Featuring a 60‑Voice Choir The first workshop will culminate in a sung Mass at 15:00, during which course participants will form a choir of more than sixty voices to perform the chants they have studied. The Mass, held at St John’s Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3HG , is open to the public . The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course...
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Renowned Liturgist and Chant Scholar to Lead Participants into the Heart of Gregorian Chant

  Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB Joins Teaching Team for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 Renowned Liturgist and Chant Scholar to Lead Participants into the Heart of Gregorian Chant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Portsmouth, UK – The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 is delighted to announce that Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB, the esteemed Abbot of Our Lady of Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight, will be joining its team of teaching experts. Abbot Xavier brings a wealth of experience and spiritual depth to the programme, deepening the course’s commitment to nurturing both musical skill and spiritual understanding in Gregorian Chant. With a lifelong familiarity with Gregorian Chant, Abbot Xavier is not only a distinguished liturgist and scholar, but also an accomplished teacher of theology. His years as a monk have seen him pray Gregorian Chant daily, making it his spiritual sustenance and infusing his teaching with authenticity and devotion. As a result, he is uniquely equipped to guide particip...
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Latest on our course fast approaching..

don't delay APPLY TODAY and spread the word about what's in store -  inviting music lovers, singers, and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant   in  Portsmouth this Spring 2026 🙏
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Registration Opens for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026: Embrace the Timeless Art of Chanting Portsmouth, UK – The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 is now open for registration, inviting music lovers, singers, and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Gregorian Chant at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth. This unique course offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the oldest and most profound musical traditions in the Western world. Course Overview Designed for both beginners and experienced singers, the course consists of three one-day workshops on the second Saturday of January (10th), February (14th), and March (14th) 2026. Participants will delve into the historical context, vocal techniques, and interpretative skills necessary to become confident chant practitioners and leaders. The syllabus includes: Foundations: History, notation, and Latin pronunciation (beginners) Gregorian Semiology & Interpretation: Neumes...
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Dominican Prior Joins Expert Team for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dominican Prior Joins Expert Team for Portsmouth Gregorian Chant  Course 2026 Portsmouth, UK – The Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course 2026 is proud to announce the addition of Father Matthew Jarvis OP, Prior of St Dominic’s Priory (the Rosary Shrine), London, to its distinguished teaching team. As a preacher and author, Father Matthew brings exceptional expertise in both Gregorian and Dominican Chant, enriching the course’s unique blend of musical mastery and spiritual depth. Joining forces with Benedictine liturgist Abbot Xavier Perrin OSB and Course Director Dominic Bevin, Father Matthew will participate in the 3 rd  workshop of the 3-part course to guide participants through the theory, history, and expressive practice of Chant. The course, held at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth, features three one-day workshops on the second Saturdays of January (10th), February (14th), and March (14th) 2026. Open to all— beginners and experienced singers alike...
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