Traditional music as a vital component of cultural heritage, connects generations through shared identity and history. In Cyprus, tsiattisman (τσ̆ιάττισμαν) is a distinctive singing musical tradition that reflects the linguistic richness and creative spirit of the island. This workshop introduces participants to the art of tsiattisman, fostering an appreciation for Cypriot traditional music, while promoting creativity and self-expression. Tsiattisman is a form of improvised, dialogic singing rooted in oral traditions. Typically performed in pairs or groups, it involves the spontaneous exchange of rhyming verses, often in a competitive (Tterlikkas, 2008) or playful manner. Tsiattismata or tsiattista, which in their simple form consist of two rhyming fifteen-syllable verses (Demetriou, 2015), are characterized by humor, linguistic dexterity, and rhythmic precision, while they draw inspiration from themes of daily life, social commentary, or entertainment. The melodic simplicity and the distinct rhythmic patterns support the improvisational nature of the performance, encouraging real-time collaboration and creativity. Beyond its entertainment value, tsiattisman preserves elements of the Cypriot dialect, providing insight into the island’s cultural and linguistic history. This tradition serves as a form of oral storytelling and a medium for transmitting cultural values across generations.

The workshop is around a humourous story about a group of goblin creatures (Kalikantzaroi) based on cypriot folklore through watching videos of tsiattisman performances, and exploring the traditional occasions where they are performed, such as family gatherings, weddings, and festivals. Participants also learn about the instruments land lute, violin, tampoutsia, pithkiavlin that are invlolved into the tsiattisman, with live demonstrations by the two presenters. Also, interactive activities help participants discover the two fundamental rules of tsiattisman improvisational processes. They will learn songs and, in groups, create their own tsiattisman inspired by daily life. By emphasizing improvisation, creative thinking, and collaboration, the workshop demonstrates how tsiattisman can be integrated into contemporary music education, empowering diverse voices and adapting to changing educational landscapes. This ensures the music tradition’s continued relevance for future generations.

• Social musical settings
• Interdisciplinary approaches in music education
• The nature of musical knowledge
• Pluralism and musical multiliteracies
• Music psychology and identities

Elena Papageorgiou holds a Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cyprus. As part of her postgraduate studies, she wrote a thesis entitled "Pre-school student teachers and singing: enhancing their vocal skills and confidence in singing". She is currently a PhD student at the University of Cyprus, where she also works as a Special Scientist, teaching the course "Music Education in Primary School" to Primary Education students, while working in the School Practicum Program for Primary and Early Childhood students as a music supervisor. She is a member of the musical ensemble "Kazandibi", where she plays the santoor and sings. At the same time, in collaboration with Kyriakos Markoullis, she conducts experiential workshops for children about Cypriot traditional music.

Kyriakos Markoullis holds a degree in Music from the University of Macedonia, Greece, with a major in Greek Traditional (Folk) Music, and a Master's degree from the same university, in the context of which he wrote a thesis entitled "The Ishia Foni and the others". He has served as a contract teacher for the teaching of the lavta at the Department of Music Science and Art of the same University. He is a member of the musical ensemble "Kazandibi", where he plays the lavta, land lute and sings. He is a member of other musical groups as well, while he also conducts experiential workshops for children on Cypriot traditional music in collaboration with Elena Papageorgiou.