Cantorial Arts

School of Jewish Studies Graduate Program in Cantorial Arts

The two year program is offered to students who are called by God to serve as cantors in Messianic Jewish congregations. Upon completing this program successfully, graduates will earn the title Cantor/Hazzan. 

In addition to becoming skillful as musical Shlichey Tsibur (representing the people in prayer) of their congregations, graduates will accumulate knowledge to officiate in life cycle events and worship services such as Shabbat, Festivals, and Holy Days. They will also have the knowledge and capacity to institute and create a music curriculum for religious schools and B’nei Mitzvah. Graduates will be able to serve as clergy partners, collaborating in developing worship services to provide spiritual, educational and musical leadership in congregational and communal settings. 

While enriching their knowledge and experience with Jewish musical traditions, liturgy and history, graduates will be able to incorporate Jewish tradition with the New Covenant in a way that will permit Yeshua Hamashiach to be exalted within the service. 

Prerequisites

• Singing: An above average voice along with the ability to learn melody lines of written music, whether by sight singing or playing an instrument.
• Hebrew: Ability to read with vowel markings (nikkud).               

Requirements

• Students must successfully complete the program, which consists of 36 credits and 2 quarters of internship. The internship periods might be adjusted based upon the student’s prior experience.                                                            

Each student’s Hebrew and music skills are required to be maintained and developed during the course of the program. Certain individuals may be required to take advantage of outside courses or tutoring, such as vocal training, in order to further improve their skills. 

The Courses

Instructors: Cantor Peter Gordon and Cantor Riki Isachar-Benjamin

 FIRST YEAR 

1^st Quarter

 C501The Art of Chanting Torah                                        Cantor Riki

Our Torah is a sacred text. Therefore, we should read it with the respect and with the accuracy it commands. This course/workshop will cover the history of chanting and cantillations and will explain the principles of chanting our holy texts as well as provide step-by-step practical tools for chanting the weekly Torah portions. (Participants must possess a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading fluency).

 C502 Shabbat Evening Repertoire                                      Cantor Gordon

This class will present the traditional repertoire of The Shabbat Evening Service appropriate for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Messianic Synagogues. Students will be required to perform and show proficiency in the various styles of prayer.

2^nd Quarter

 C503 The Art of Chanting the Haftarah                            Cantor Riki

We will continue our practical training of chanting the Torah and learn to chant the Haftarah, which is an integral part of our Torah service. We will also introduce the chanting of the New Covenant. (Prerequisite: The Art of Chanting Torah)

 C504 Shabbat Morning Repertoire                                     Cantor Gordon 

This course will present the traditional repertoire of The Shabbat Morning Service appropriate for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Messianic Synagogues.  Students will be required to perform and show proficiency in the various styles of prayer.

3^rd Quarter

 C505 What is Jewish Liturgical Music?                              Cantor Riki 

In this course we will study the different types of synagogue music, their origins and history and their relationship to the structure of worship. We will also learn about the development of liturgical music among the various Jewish communities of the world.

 C506 Role of the Cantor                                                      Cantor Gordon

This course will examine the role of the Cantor within Messianic Synagogue life, including worship and practice. It will also examine the roles of the Rabbi, office staff, board and ritual members, worship team director, instrumentalists, singers, dance and drama leaders and participants, within the synagogue. We will also cover the importance of the synagogue setting, lighting, sound and acoustics.

4^th Quarter

 C599 Internships

This internship in Israel or the U.S. provides the opportunity to officiate on the beema in the various functions learned the past year. Students will travel, if necessary, to spend a Shabbat with either of the Cantors and demonstrate proficiency.

SECOND YEAR

1^st Quarter

 C601 The Art of Chanting the Megilot (Scrolls)                Cantor Riki

This course will be a continuation of practical training for the chanting of the special scrolls read on the three pilgrimage festivals: Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), Shir Hashirim (Song of Solomon) and Ruth. (Prerequisite: The Art of Chanting Torah)

  C602 Three Festivals Repertoire                                        Cantor Gordon

This course will present the traditional repertoire of the Festival Evening and Morning Services, appropriate for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Messianic synagogues. Literature will also be presented.  Students will be required to perform and show proficiency in the various styles of prayer.

2^nd Quarter

C603 History and Structure of Jewish Liturgy I               Cantor Riki

This course will examine the historic development of the synagogue and the Siddur (The Shabbat, holiday and weekday prayer books). We will analyze the three daily services and their structure as well as the variations associated with Shabbat and holidays.

 C604 High Holidays Repertoire                                           Cantor Gordon

This course will present the traditional repertoire of The High Holiday Evening and Morning Services appropriate for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Messianic Synagogues. Students will be required to perform and show proficiency in both styles of prayer.

3^rd Quarter

C605 History and Structure of Jewish Liturgy II              Cantor Riki

In this course we will continue to examine the Siddur with concentration on the different elements of the “T’filah,” also known as “The Eighteen Benedictions” which contains a valuable summary of Judaism’s theological ethical tenets. (Prerequisite: History and Structure of Jewish Liturgy I)

 C606 Religious School Curriculum                                     Cantor Gordon

In this course students will learn how to establish or enrich a religious school music curriculum, providing for future generations the wealth, love and respect for our musical heritage.

 4^th Quarter

 C599  Internships

This internship in Israel or the U.S. provides the opportunity to officiate on the beema in the various functions learned the past year. Students will travel, if necessary, to spend a Shabbat with either of the Cantors and demonstrate proficiency.

Apply to the Cantorial Arts Program