[HANASHIR:3975] Re: Becoming a Reform cantor/Hello

[Freedabet <Freedabet...>]

-- [ From: Michael Freed * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --

There are several ways to become 'Certified' or the equivalent.  You can 
attend HUC or JTS for the 5 year program, and my understanding is then you 
are automatically 'invested' as a Cantor or Hazzan.  If you do not attend one 
of these schools, you can apply for membership in the ACC or CA based on 
demonstrating knowledge and having experience.  The requirements vary for 
either organization, but are similar.  And, ACC and CA members serve all 
types of congregations.  The AJR provides training, and, upon graduation, a 
Smicha (the same as they grant to their Rabbinic graduates) but my 
understanding is that you would still have to apply to the CA or ACC and meet 
the same requirements to be a 'certified cantor' and receive their job 
placement assistance and other benefits.  You can become a Cantorial Soloist 
by joining the Guild of Temple Musicians (no requirements, just a form), 
which is affiliated with the ACC.  This is worthwhile as it gets you on the 
mailing list for the GTM/ACC directory and GTM newsletter and events.  I hope 
I got it right -- I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm misinformed.

P.S.  Since this is my first posting, let me introduce myself.  My name is 
Michael Freed and in May of this year I began serving as Cantor at Burbank 
Temple Emanu El (Conservative) near Los Angeles (downtown Burbank really IS 
beautiful nowadays).  Before that, I was Bass Soloist and occasional Hazzan 
Sh'lishi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles (there are two full-time Hazzanim at 
Sinai - Meir Finkelstein ('steen') and David Silverstein (as in Gertrude 
Stein).  I began my studies with Aryell Cohen (organist/choir master at 
Sinai) and continue with Cantor Sam Kelemer. And, I am about to begin year 2 
of the 3 year Cantorial Literature class at HUC-LA with Cantor Sam Radwine.

This was my first High Holy Days, exhausting but exhilarating and a long list 
of things to improve upon for next year.  Not much rest this week as I 
continue through my first year of holidays, dinners, religious school, etc, 
etc, etc.  Some (perhaps many, don't know the list well yet) of you have been 
there.


L'shannah Tovah


-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

> Date: Tuesday, 21-Sep-99 04:00 PM
> 
> From: Rabbi Richard Schachet   \ Internet:    (lvrabbi (at) lvcm(dot)com)
> To:   hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org     \ Internet:    (hanashir (at) 
> shamash(dot)org)
> cc:   schachet (at) usc(dot)edu         \ Internet:    (schachet (at) 
> usc(dot)edu)
> 
> Subject:  [HANASHIR:3969] Re: Becoming  a Reform cantor
> 
> Sender: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Reply-to:       hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> To:     hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> CC:     schachet (at) usc(dot)edu
> Some Cantors, I understand can be certified.  The Academy for Jewish
> Religion in N.Y. and L.A. also trains Cantors.  Ask my son-in-law Cantor
> Wally Schachet-Briskin at schachet (at) usc(dot)edu what he thinks.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chazzzan (at) aol(dot)com <Chazzzan (at) aol(dot)com>
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org <hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org>
> Date: 21/mm/1999 11:42 AM
> Subject: [HANASHIR:3967] Re: Becoming a Reform cantor
> 
> 
> >This is directed to Josee and others here who are experts in this field --
> >How does one become an officially-designated cantor in the Reform movement?
> >I have several years cantorial experience in Reform, Conservative and
> >Orthodox settings.  Must I study with a local cantor and earn a Cantorial
> >Soloist designation first?  Must I live in Cinci, NYC, or LA and study full
> >time at HUC/JIR, or can I do this long-distance?
> >Please advise!
> >Shanah Tovah to all
> >
> >Brian Serle
> >
> >
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

-------- REPLY, End of original message --------

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