"Angela and Michael Rocchio, co-founders of the International Chant Academy…
A 'dynamic duo' with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
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"Angela was incredibly pleasant to work with and made coordinating ICA’s engagement with us easy. She had endless patience while waiting for us to work out details on our end. She made chant accessible and easily understood for ALL. Her knowledge of, and dedication to researching the history and performance practices of chant, and sacred music equips her to embellish the music ministry at any parish wishing to keep alive the heritage of Catholic sacred music.
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"Michael's 'Fundamentals of Singing' workshop was extremely informative and thorough. His pedagogical approach to vocal technique makes him more than apt for teaching voice students at any level. The experience was highly participatory complete with technique coaching for individual singers, and our group sound. During my studies at the University of West Florida School of Music high quality vocal workshops were regularly presented by distinguished artists. 'Fundamentals of Singing' provided the same high quality instruction while being easy to understand, even for my less experienced singers. My well-studied musicians enjoyed the workshop just as much as those who had no previous coaching.
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"The International Chant Academy truly helped to unlock my choir's confidence in chant, and helped every singer to find their own voice. Michael and Angela have glowing personalities, a sense of humor, wonderful voices, and are very kind. My choir enjoyed their time with them immensely. I look forward to having them return."
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~ Gabrielle Schrack, Music Director
St. Rita Catholic Church, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Choral singing is one of the most exhilarating of all human experiences, but without proper training, it is easy for singers to fall prey to incorrect, even damaging, vocal habits. Your ensemble will learn singing technique under the guidance of a master pedagogue. Michael draws not only from a lifetime of professional singing, but also from years of experience teaching and training groups. He knows firsthand how to draw out the very best from people. Your choir will learn how to use their voices with new freedom and ease, all within a safe, fun, nurturing and professional atmosphere.
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Five sessions delivered on site to your ensemble by Michael Rocchio, who lives near Saint Louis, Missouri. Inquire for details.
"Michael is a dedicated and effective teacher. He is personable and good humored, and brings to his students the ability to execute the skills he teaches, so you are learning from someone who can teach from experience and not only theory or observation." ~ Ariana M., voice student
Chant contains the underpinning of our whole experience of Western music. Even our universal system of solfeggio is rooted in chant. In spite of this profound connection, the musical form of chant is one which intimidates beginners and experienced musicians alike. Now is your opportunity to break through this obstacle, and convene your ensemble for a basic introduction to Gregorian chant notation.
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In this interactive session, we will survey the simplicity of its notation, the legato nature of chant and its intimate relationship with the text. Members will get to connect and reflect as a group, and gain an appreciation for the musical form and unique notation of Gregorian chant.
One 75-minute session. Offered via Zoom or in person by Angela Marie Rocchio, who lives near Saint Louis, Missouri. Virtual session is $200 USD. Inquire for availability and on site pricing.
"Angela conducted a chant session with our choir and taught them a new communion antiphon. Her warm, gentle presence kept the singers at ease about learning the new material. She has a wonderful, systematic approach to learning chant that is very accessible. Her love of this music is evident and infectious and is passed on through her teaching." ~ Stephen E., Parish Music Director
Lectio Divina means “divine reading” in Latin. It is a meditative way of reading the Bible, in which we let go of our own agendas and open ourselves to what God is trying to say to us. In this session we meditate on the divine Word of God through the lens of the melody of a Gregorian proper.
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This method provides a soft approach for introducing choirs to chant and chant notation.
One 75-minute session. Offered via Zoom and in person by Angela Marie Rocchio. Virtual session is $200 USD. Inquire for availability and on site pricing.
"Angela’s presentation was prayerful and instructive. Many of our choir members have no experience singing chant, but Angela’s engaging and approachable style helped everyone enter into the experience. She effectively adapted the content to meet the needs of our group. After the session, many who participated were intrigued to learn more and sent positive comments.
"No matter the background or musical style of your choir, I highly recommend Angela to lead a Musical Lectio Divina for your musicians. This experience was a highlight of our choir season!" ~ Scott P., Parish Music Director