The St. Tikhon’s Music Residency is a one of a kind opportunity to study Orthodox music for 9 months, nearly a full liturgical year. This immersive, in-person music residency in musical studies includes:

  • Classwork and Coaching: Study conducting, composition, sacred music history, liturgics, music theory, musicianship skills, vocal technique, choir rehearsal technique, & performance practice

  • Collaboration: Work on new projects with fellow musicians and music faculty

  • Leadership: Conduct & rehearse the many choirs of St. Tikhon's

  • A Rich Liturgical Life: Experience a whole liturgical year of daily services at America's oldest Orthodox monastery

    Course Listing

  • Conducting

  • Choral Methods

  • Order of Services, including: Liturgy, Vespers, Matins, & Lenten Triodion

  • Aural Skills

  • Sacred Music History

  • The 8 Tones

  • Music Theory

  • Private Voice Lessons

  • Participation in the various St. Tikhon’s choirs

  • Orthodox Spirituality (taught by Abbot Sergius)

Sample Weekly Schedule


Residency Program Fee:
Tuition - $11,500, Inclusive of 9 months of professional music coursework, personalized coaching, voice lessons and all weekend workshops

Room & Board:
Room - $4,024 - either in seminary dorm or in nearby housing
+ Optional meal plan - $714

Total cost per year = $16,238

Note: Dorm students are required to pay a refundable security deposit of $300.

Scholarships and flexible payment options are available to help offset tuition costs. These are determined on a case by case basis, once an residency application process has begun. Please contact us at admin@stmarts.org if you would like more details about these options.

What music residents are saying:

  • I am deeply grateful for my experiences throughout my participation in the St. Tikhon’s Residency. The freedom to attend services on a daily basis helped to mold my heart for serving in the world. My education from the instructors provided me with a foundation I have been blessed to offer my current parish. Above all, I have learned to persevere in prayer through all of the ups and downs of parish ministry, which has made all the difference for me and those I serve.

    To those who are called to devote a substantial portion of their life to Orthodox music, I highly recommend considering the residency program.


    Reader Andrew John Barrett
    Choir director
    St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral

  • The music residency program has uniquely equipped me for my role as a church musician, providing me with valuable opportunities for music leadership, personal mentorship with instructors, and many opportunities to work outside of my comfort zone.

    It was a blessing and an experience that I will always carry with me.

    Simeon Acker
    Byzantine specialist, conductor and Instructor
    Koukouzelis Institute of Liturgical Arts

  • Being immersed in music and the life of the monastery for nine months was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I highly recommend the residency to any Orthodox musician who envisions themselves being part of the fabric of Orthodox music as a creator, conductor, leader or teacher. You will be challenged and sharpened as a musician but even moreso, experience deep personal & spiritual growth as you share in the daily services of the monastery and fullness of life in this robust, unique and beautiful place.


    Amy Messenger
    Orthodox composer & folk songwriter

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR RESIDENCY? VISIT OUR FAQ’s PAGE HERE or send us a note at: admin@stmarts.org .