[HANASHIR:15119] What everyone is really saying

[Burton A. Zipser <zipmusic...>]

Friends,
        Cantor Contzius has stated his viewpoint most clearly and 
(whether the ACC, the CA, or any of the rabbinic associations are 
"guilds" or "unions" is a different discussion) has drawn a clear 
parallel between the education and training which a doctor, lawyer, 
or even an auto mechanic undergoes in order to become qualified to 
practice their "craft", for which they are able to take one or more 
tests or exams and can be properly recognized and certified as being 
able to practice their chosen professions, with a similar standard 
and capability to function in the fullest sense of the term as a 
cantor or hazzan.
        Just as Harvard Law School, Johns Hopkins Medical School, or 
Wharton Business School are recognized as the top preparatory 
institutions in their respective fields, so are the School of Sacred 
Music of the HUC and the music program of the UTS recognized as the 
leaders in the field of cantorial preparation in the United States.
        The problem which all of those who have voiced their opinions 
have stated is more simple:  While there are many medical, law and 
business schools, there are only two schools which train cantors for 
the UAHC and the USCJ.  However, we do live in a time when there are 
such institutions as the University of Phoenix and other institutions 
of higher learning which do permit people to receive a degree or 
certification, and offer the individual the chance to receive 
"credit" for personal experience or comparative activity.  There are 
recognized schools of higher learning which do provide opportunities 
to obtain certification via weekend classes or by attending summer 
session programs, albeit over a period of several years.  I won't go 
into the topics of on-line learning or distance learning, which have 
been used for some types of educational activity for over 25 years.
        The question might be simplified if it were possible for the 
SSM and the UTS to possibly suggest which of its courses could be 
pursued at other institutions for which credit could be transferred. 
For someone who is going to HUC or JTS right after recewiving a 
bachelor's degree (or even a master's degree), are there other Jewish 
educational institutions where some of the "general education" 
courses required for a degree or certification could be taken which 
would reduce the time required for becoming a qualified cantor or 
hazzan?  As an illustration, would some coursework in Jewish studies 
which are offered in Chicago, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, or 
Philadelphia (among other cities) be accepted as equivalent credit 
which could be included in a program offered at the HUC or JTS?
        On-line learning may be the option of the future.  Is there 
any kind of alternative "equivalency" or "credit for life experience" 
which could be acceptable after appropriate evaluation and 
discussion?  And, if not, why not?  Or is this an adversarial 
question which requires those who wish to serve and those who control 
access to take postures which suggest that no compromise is possible?
                B'shalom,       Burton Zipser

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