[HANASHIR:4041] Cantorial Training Programs

[KCohen1282 <KCohen1282...>]

Shalom, 

Since there has been some discussion about different cantorial training 
programs, I thought that it might be helpful to summarize the essence of the 
Academy for Jewish Religion's Cantorial Program.  The Academy is located in 
New York City, at 15 W. 86 Street.

Founded in 1956, the Academy for Jewish Religion was inspired by Rabbi 
Stephen Wise's vision of educating rabbis and other spiritual leaders for 
k'lal Yisrael, the entire Jewish community.  Since that time, the Academy 
(AJR) has evolved into the world's leading pluralistic seminary ordaining 
both rabbis and cantors.  The Academy is chartered by the Board of Regents of 
the University of the State of New York, and is a registered 501(c)(3) 
federally tax exempt organization.

The Cantorial Program leads to ordination as Hazzan and Teacher in Israel.  
This requires four years of full-time study.  A two-year, supervised 
internship is also required.  Advanced standing may be granted to students 
who demonstrate the required degree of competence.

The core curriculum includes Nusach for the Liturgical Calendar, 
Cantillation,  Cantorial Coaching,  Contemporary Reform Liturgy/Repertoire, 
Jewish Music History, Jewish Art & Folk Song,  Liturgy,  Academy Choir and 
Conducting.  Students must pursue their general music education until they 
meet the required standard.

Some pertinent facts about the Academy's Cantorial Program include:

-AJR believes that rabbis and cantors are partners in spiritual 
congregational leadership.
-Many AJR students are "second career" people who come to their studies 
following successful careers in other professions.
-AJR values and encourages students who weave their own family 
responsibilities into the fabric of our spiritual leadership.
-AJR is in the midst of an accreditation process that will enable the Academy 
to grant masters degrees.  This includes the Masters Degree in Sacred Music.
-AJR's cantors and rabbis know how to create vibrant spiritual experiences 
for Jewish communities and seekers of Judaism as a spiritual path.
-AJR's students and alumni serve congregations representing the full spectrum 
of Jewish religious practice.
-The demand for AJR students and alumni far exceeds the number of rabbis and 
cantors that seek placement.  We expect this trend to accelerate, even as 
AJR's program grows.

For those prospective cantorial students who may be interested in learning 
more about the Academy for Jewish Religion, please call me - Cantor Ken 
Cohen, Director of Cantorial Studies - or you may email me at 
KCohen1282 (at) aol(dot)com(dot)

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