Initiated in 1998, the Metropolitan Cantor Institute (MCI) of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh has a three-fold purpose:
- To prepare men and women to serve as parochial cantors,
- To serve as a resource center for liturgical music, and
- To provide professional support for the cantors of the Archeparchy.
MCI Online is a three-year, self-paced, comprehensive program for cantor training and formation. It teaches the liturgical, musical, and leadership skills needed by a cantor in our Church, including ear training and vocal training. The year’s chant repertoire is learned and practiced as part of the program, and students receive feedback on their (recorded) performance of chants and hymns. The initial classes are free (and open to parishioners as well), while later classes have a nominal fee which can be waived in cases of financial hardship, or when the student comes from a parish with no current cantor. For more information about this program, go to https://mci.archpitt.org/classes.