[HANASHIR:3984] Cantorial Investiture

[Esd7657 <Esd7657...>]

Hi friends - 

I hope that in my  capacity as Associate Dean of Hebrew Union College, I can 
attempt to answer some of the recent questions about investiture.  Basically, 
I'll keep it very short and encourage anyone interested to write me directly 
at edreskin (at) huc(dot)edu(dot)
1)  If one wishes to become a Cantor in the Reform movement, one can go to 
HUC.  JTS is the Cantorial seminary for the Conservative movement.  The 
Academy for Jewish Religion is non-denominational, but is also non-accredited 
(something they are working toward, I understand) so they are not a 
"graduate" school in the same sense as HUC or JTS (not a judgement call, just 
a statement).
2) One can become "certified" through the program co-sponsored by the ACC and 
HUC, by becoming an Associate Member of the ACC, passing some rigorous 
musical, vocal and academic test, and being sponsored by a synagogue in which 
one works, as was mentioned.  You can contact me for more info on this one.
3)  HUC's program is indeed a 5 year post graduate program, with the first 
year in Israel. Once must enter with a good foundation in theory, 
harmonization, sightsinging, Hebrew and a pleasing voice to boot.  It's not 
easy, but it's thorough  - all Nusach, extensive 'reform' settings to 
liturgy, lots of text study, Yiddish and Israeli Art Songs, Conducting, 
Modes, and numerous professional development courses designed to make sure 
that one emerges as a clergy person, not just a singer.  You are not only 
invested as clergy, you receive a M.S.M. ( a Master's Degree in Sacred 
Music).  Once again, I'm happy to talk about it further with anyone who's 
interested.

So - that's the short scoop, believe it or not.  Hope that it was helpful.
Shana Tova um'tukah, and a gut'n k'vitl,
Ellen Dreskin

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