Question 1

How long are the Moalem, Choristress, and Leader programs?

Accepted Answer

The Moalem program can be completed in as little as four years. The Choristress program can be completed in as little as three and a half years. The  Leader program can be completed in as little as two years. If you are taking courses to become a hymns teacher, certificates are awarded at the completion of each course.

Please note that if you complete the Leader Program, you may be required to complete additional pre-requisite course/hymns to be eligible to transfer into the Moalem or Chorsitress Program.

Question 2

What is the application process for the Moalem, Choristress, and Church Leader programs?

Accepted Answer

For the Moalem and Church Leader programs you will need to fill out an application online along with any relevant documents. Below is a detailed list of the requirements for each program.

Moalem Program
• Male, 16 years of age or older
• Parish priest recommendation
• Hymns recording submission
• Personal Statement
• Admissions Interview
• Proficient in reading Coptic
• Final approval from Bishop

Choristress Program
• Female, 16 years of age or older
• Parish priest recommendation
• Hymns recording submission
• Personal Statement
• Admissions Interview
• Proficient in reading Coptic
• Final approval from Bishop

Church Leader Program
• Male or Female, 15 years of age or older
• Parish priest recommendation
• Hymns recording submission
• Personal Statement
• Admissions Interview
• Proficient in reading Coptic
• Final approval from Bishop

Question 3

What is the cost of tuition for the the programs?

Accepted Answer

Starting Fall of 2025, the tuition for the Moalem, Choristress, and Church Leader program will be $500 a semester plus the technology fee.

Hymns Teacher & Priest Certificate course tuition is $200 per course plus the technology fee.

Question 4

When do classes start and how long are the semesters?

Accepted Answer

The Fall semester starts in August and goes until December. Exams for the Fall semester are held in January, after the Feast of Nativity.

The Spring semester starts in February and ends in May/June. Exams for the Spring semester are held in July, after the Feast of the Apostles.

Question 5

How many students are accepted per semester?

Accepted Answer

There is currently no limit to how many students we accept per semester for any of our programs or certificates.

Question 6

Are there any age restrictions for the programs?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for the Moalem or Choristress Program and 15 years old to apply for the Church Leader Program.

Question 7

Do I need to know Arabic?

Accepted Answer

There are no responses or hymns taught in Arabic. You should have no problem communicating or understanding your instructors.

Question 8

How much Coptic do I need to know before applying?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to read Coptic well before starting the program.

Question 9

Will the programs be virtual or in person?

Accepted Answer

All of our programs and certificate are virtual. You only need to attend the final exams in person in Los Angeles.

Question 10

Can I test virtually over Zoom?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not allow for virtual testing for exams.

Question 11

What if I live overseas and can't fly to LA twice a year for exams?

Accepted Answer

As of Fall 2025, ICH no longer allows testing once a year for first year students. Testing once a year for students after the first year are handled on a case by case basis.

Question 12

Is it possible to test in my home town or country?

Accepted Answer

If there are more than seven students enrolled and testing in your particular region or country, we can organize to host exams in your area.

Question 13

Can we use hazzat during the exams?

Accepted Answer

You may use hazzat as part of the learning process but will not be permitted to use them during exams.

Question 14

Can women participate in the programs?

Accepted Answer

Women may participate in the Choristress Program, Church Leader Program, or any Hymns Teacher certificates courses.

Question 15

Can I participate in the program if I have a full-time job or other commitments?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! As long as you can handle the workload and required obligations of the program. We recommend that you have at least 15 hours a week to dedicate to the program.

Question 16

Can I join if I don't know any hymns?

Accepted Answer

As the Moalem, Choristress, and Church Leader programs are somewhat intensive, we recommend that you have some knowledge of hymnology prior to starting.

Our certificate programs are usually not as intensive and can be a good starting point if you don't have any prior hymnological background. We recommend starting with a certificate program when offered.

Question 17

If I complete the Church Leader program, do I have to start over for the Moalem/Choristress program?

Accepted Answer

No. Once you are accepted into any program at the institute, you will be given a hymns matrix. All of the hymns completed during the Church Leader program will count towards the Moalem or Choristress program.

Question 18

What is the hymns matrix and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

The hymns matrix is a document that contains all of the hymns taught at the institute. As you complete more courses, more and more hymns will be checked off the matrix. You will not be required to test a hymn more than once during your tenure at the institute. For instance, if you take Hymns Teachers certificate courses, those hymns will count towards the matrix if you decide to pursue the Moalem, Choristress, or Church Leader program. Those who complete the Moalem program will have checked off all the hymns in the hymns matrix. Those who complete the Choristress program will have checked off all of the hymns, except for the deacon responses and priest parts.

Question 19

Will there be any connections to the St. Didymus Institute in Cairo, Egypt?

Accepted Answer

As per the MOU we signed in 2023, we operate in cooperation with St. Didymus, Cairo. We will be teaching the same curriculum using the same sources. In addition, all of the Cairo institute instructors will teach in the Cantors program and a member of the Cairo staff will be present at all exams.

There will be conferences held each year either in Los Angeles, California, or Cairo, Egypt with the Moalemeen.

Question 20

Does everyone get accepted into the programs?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept everyone who applies. Acceptance into the program depends on  a variety of factors including submission of required documents, meeting all required pre-requisites, admissions interview, priest recommendation, and final approval from the Bishop.

Question 21

What is the difference between ICH and Asaph?

Accepted Answer

ICH and St. Didymus, Cairo are the only two institutions where one can become an official Moalem recognized by the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Question 22

Can I transfer to ICH from another institute?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we accept transfer students from St. Didymus, Cairo. We will consider transfers from other institutes on a case by case basis. To apply for a transfer, please email admin@ich.la.

Transfer requirements
1. A letter from your institute showing your enrollment.
2. A copy of transcript with list of hymns you have covered so far.
3. A report of attendance/assignment submission performance.
4. An official letter stating your request to transfer addressed to Father Joseph.

INSTITUTE
OF COPTIC HYMNS

FAQS

How long are the Moalem, Choristress, and Leader programs?

What is the application process for the Moalem, Choristress, and Church Leader programs?

What is the cost of tuition for the the programs?

When do classes start and how long are the semesters?

How many students are accepted per semester?

Are there any age restrictions for the programs?

Do I need to know Arabic?

How much Coptic do I need to know before applying?

Will the programs be virtual or in person?

Can I test virtually over Zoom?

What if I live overseas and can't fly to LA twice a year for exams?

Is it possible to test in my home town or country?

Can we use hazzat during the exams?

Can women participate in the programs?

Can I participate in the program if I have a full-time job or other commitments?

Can I join if I don't know any hymns?

If I complete the Church Leader program, do I have to start over for the Moalem/Choristress program?

What is the hymns matrix and how does it work?

Will there be any connections to the St. Didymus Institute in Cairo, Egypt?

Does everyone get accepted into the programs?

What is the difference between ICH and Asaph?

Can I transfer to ICH from another institute?

INSTITUTE
OF COPTIC HYMNS

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FAQS

How long are the Moalem, Choristress, and Leader programs?

What is the application process for the Moalem, Choristress, and Church Leader programs?

What is the cost of tuition for the the programs?

When do classes start and how long are the semesters?

How many students are accepted per semester?

Are there any age restrictions for the programs?

Do I need to know Arabic?

How much Coptic do I need to know before applying?

Will the programs be virtual or in person?

Can I test virtually over Zoom?

What if I live overseas and can't fly to LA twice a year for exams?

Is it possible to test in my home town or country?

Can we use hazzat during the exams?

Can women participate in the programs?

Can I participate in the program if I have a full-time job or other commitments?

Can I join if I don't know any hymns?

If I complete the Church Leader program, do I have to start over for the Moalem/Choristress program?

What is the hymns matrix and how does it work?

Will there be any connections to the St. Didymus Institute in Cairo, Egypt?

Does everyone get accepted into the programs?

What is the difference between ICH and Asaph?

Can I transfer to ICH from another institute?

INSTITUTE OF COPTIC HYMNS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

INSTITUTE
OF COPTIC HYMNS