[HANASHIR:1847] Re: "cantor"

[LeighKorn <LeighKorn...>]

Membership in the ACC (American Conference of Cantors) is granted to those who
have completed certified cantorial programs or have (I believe) passed a set
of certification exams.  The subsidiary organization of the ACC is the GTM
(Guild of Temple Musicians), of which I am a member.  The guild is open to
anyone who works in, promotes, or has an interest in Jewish music, whether
they are Jewish or not.  However, only a Jewish member of the GTM (according
to Guild and ACC guidelines), may "register" themselves as a Soloist.  While I
serve my congregation in a full-time cantorial capacity (there is not a cantor
here), my title is Cantorial Soloist/Youth Educator.

Cantorial training is very intensive.  The program just went to five years at
HUC.  To some maybe it's just a title....but would you want someone using the
title Dr. just because they had studied medicine a lot and felt they were able
to practice?  I have no problem using the title Soloist.  It's what I am...and
after all it's what in my heart that counts when I sing.

Leigh Korn
Cantorial Soloist/Youth Educator
Temple Judah
Cedar Rapids, IA