St. Tikhon’s to Host Choir Director 101 Training Workshop

Photo: sttikhonsmusicprogram.com

WAYMART, PA — A weekend training workshop titled “Church Choir Director 101” will take place September 25–27, 2026, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Music Center, offering foundational instruction for those newly serving in Orthodox parish music leadership.

Led by Juliana Woodill, the program is designed for participants who may have stepped into choir-directing roles without formal training. Organizers describe the course as addressing essential questions such as “What are the basics a church choir director needs to know to do their job?” and “Where do you even begin?” The workshop also responds to what they call the reality that many directors serve “out of necessity or desperation.”

Instruction will focus on core skills including pitch-giving, basic conducting gesture, service planning, and rehearsal preparation. The weekend includes guided practice sessions, liturgical participation at the monastery, and a concluding Q&A with the instructor. Participants will leave with practical tools, structured resources, and greater confidence in parish music leadership. Registration can be found at the link above. 

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Tikhon’s was to host a workshop on building parish singing communities.

Read also