Eftyhia Panopoulou

I am a professional singer, vocal teacher and choir director based on the Greek island of Syros, a place deeply connected to the roots and history of Rebetiko. Syros was the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, one of the founding and most influential figures of Rebetiko, and this musical tradition remains an important part of the island’s cultural identity today.

I specialize in Rebetiko, Greek traditional singing and polyphonic singing. I have been performing and teaching professionally since 2004, and my work is deeply rooted in the oral and aural traditions of Greek music.

Alongside more than 20 years of private teaching experience, I currently direct the "fonès" Traditional Singing Choir and the Epirus Polyphonic Ensemble of Syros. I have also taught traditional singing and directed the choir of the Asia Minor Association of Ermoupolis, taught Modern Singing at the Attiko Conservatory of Syros, and taught polyphonic singing and music at Akropoditi Dance & Performing Arts Centre.

I am an active professional performer, with appearances at the Rebetiko Festival “The Syros of Markos Vamvakaris” and at the historic Apollo Theater of Ermoupolis. I am also currently a singer and member of the Estoudiantina of the Cyclades.

I teach in both Greek and English and particularly enjoy introducing Greek repertoire to singers from other countries. You do not need to speak Greek to study with me: I provide transliteration into Latin characters and detailed coaching in Greek pronunciation and phonetics.

Whether you are completely new to Greek music or an experienced singer looking to explore Rebetiko and traditional vocal styles in depth, lessons are adapted to your voice, experience and musical goals.

My teaching is based on listening, imitation and oral transmission — fundamental elements of Rebetiko and Greek traditional music.

We work phrase by phrase on melody, pitch, rhythm, phrasing and ornamentation, using careful listening, imitation and repetition so that the music becomes embodied rather than simply memorized from a score. Depending on your needs, lessons may also include vocal warm-ups, breathing, ear training, interpretation and repertoire development.

Reading standard notation is not required. However, for students who are familiar with music notation and music theory, I can provide sheet music prepared and adapted specifically to the repertoire and needs of each student.

For non-Greek speakers, I provide transliterated lyrics and work carefully with pronunciation, syllable by syllable when necessary.

Beginners can build their voice, ear and confidence through accessible repertoire, while experienced and professional singers can work in greater depth on stylistic interpretation, ornamentation, rhythm, polyphony and the distinctive vocal language of Rebetiko and Greek traditional music.

I adapt the repertoire and the pace of each lesson to the individual student. My goal is not simply to teach you to imitate a recording, but to help you understand the musical language of the tradition and gradually find your own voice within it.