For many years, the Department of Traditional Music of the Philippos Nakas Conservatory has been delving into musical systems and developing modern methods of learning traditional instruments, aiming for a better future for our traditional music. Live music, which comes from yesterday and freely and effortlessly integrates and nourishes today.
The professors of the field, with deep love and intense artistic search, honor the musical tradition of our country and have contributed to the effort to have studies in the field recognized by the Greek State.

With the publication of the Joint Ministerial Decision No. 7275/2022 of the Official Gazette 77/B/17-1-2022, from the academic year 2022-23 studies and titles are recognized A) Singing and Instruments of the pan-Hellenic and wider eastern repertoire B) Instruments of local traditional repertoires, C) Instruments of the special repertoire of Modern Greek Folk Urban Music.

The Philippos Nakas Conservatory has obtained an operating license for the Department of Greek Traditional and Folk Music. Traditional instruments and Greek traditional singing now follow the curriculum that ensures the student's progress up to the Greek "ptychion" and diploma degrees.

Classes, years of study and qualifications
The following classes operate in the Schools of Traditional Music: a) Preparatory, b) Lower, c) Intermediate, d) Advanced.

The duration of study is defined as follows:
For the Preparatory level, 1 year.
For the Lower level, 2 years.
For the Intermediate level, 3 years.
For the Advanced level, 2 years.

The student obtains a Degree in all disciplines with degree examinations after completing his studies at the Advanced level, and after having passed the examinations of the mandatory courses. He also obtains a Diploma after taking diploma exams after two additional years of graduating from the Advanced level. In the instruments of local repertoires, a Diploma is given after the student takes additional exams in the material of the 3rd year of Intermediate level in one of the designated reference instruments or in a related instrument (1. Violin or civic lyre for lyres, 2. Nei or clarinet for sidewinders, lutes, clarinet ). Holders of a degree are exempted from exams in the mandatory courses that have already been taken for obtaining the first degree.

General mandatory courses
Students must attend during their studies:

1. Theory of European Music writing and reading two (2) classes.
2. Theory of Greek Music, two (2) classes.
3. Special subjects of Greek Music Theory: a. "Extended Tropical Analysis" (for the unseasoned), or b. Harmonic analysis (for concoctions that have the possibility of harmonic accompaniment), two (2) classes.
4. Theory of Rhythms/elementary percussion accompaniment one (1) class.
5. Harmonic accompaniment one (1) class.
6. Byzantine Music, two (2) classes.
7. History of Greek Music one (1) class.
8. Organization one (1) class.
9. Morphology of Greek Music.
10. Musical Ensembles (with Choir, instrumental and mixed Ensembles, Dance, etc.) seven (7) classes.
11. Reference instrument, in two (2) classes.
12. Polyphonic accompaniment instrument in one (1) class.
13. Practical teaching one (1) class.

The theory course is taught in groups and it takes place once a week (60').