It consists mainly of chanted hymns in rhythm with instruments such as cymbals (hand and large size) and the triangle.
In the modern chant, there is extensive use of melody types, which allow some improvisation by the singers.
The percussion instruments used in the Coptic Church are unusual among Christian liturgies.
Since similar instruments appear in ancient Egyptian frescoes and reliefs, some believe that they may represent a survival from a very old tradition.
The most famous modern Coptic cantor is the late Cantor Mikhail Girgis El Batanouny, whose recordings have helped preserve and unify many ancient chants that otherwise would have been lost, however, they were recorded in Greco-Bohairic Pronunciation.