[HANASHIR:3986] RE: Cantorial Investiture

[Steve Greenberg <SIG...>]

Hi Ellen,

I was at Hava Nashira this year, though I doubt you remember me.

I've been interested in the HUC/ACC certification program for close to two
years if not longer.  I called Cantor Goldstein about the program, however,
and he emphasized that if I don't have family responsibilities that require
me to remain in Minneapolis, I should apply for the 5-year program with HUC.

At the time I didn't feel comfortable explaining that I don't have children,
but my partner lives here, and he's not prepared to move to Jerusalem for
one year and New York for four years.  I also can't afford such a program
anyway.

Do you have any advice?  If this conversation would be easier for you over
the phone, let me know and I'll phone you at your office.

Thanks in advance,
Steve Greenberg
Minneapolis


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Esd7657 (at) aol(dot)com [SMTP:Esd7657 (at) aol(dot)com]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 4:10 PM
> To:   hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject:      [HANASHIR:3984] Cantorial Investiture
> 
> 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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