[HANASHIR:4526] Part-time cantorial study

[Chazzzan <Chazzzan...>]

I have received information about Cantorial Certification from two sources.  
One is the Cantors' Assembly (CA), sponsored by the Jewish Theological 
Seminary (Conservative), and the other is the American Conference of Cantors  
(ACC), and affiliate of UAHC (Reform).

Both programs are similar.  They require a period of study with an 
established cantor, as well as testing during the period of study.  This 
cantor will be "sponsoring" the student to the organization.  Both require 
that the applicant be Jewish, as well as the applicant's spouse.  Both also 
require a period of service to a local congregation.

The ACC program seems to be more formalized, with required musical and 
psychological testing, as well as audition tapes.  The ACC program has a very 
high "wash-out" rate.  In a recent year, only 2 of 10 applicants were 
accepted into the program.  The program is intended to be demanding, as an 
equivalent to the 5-year program of full time study at the HUC school of 
Sacred Music.
To get more information on the ACC program, email Cantor Alane Simons Katzew  
cantask (at) aol(dot)com

To get more information on the CA program, contact the Jewish Theological 
Seminary  (www.jtsa.edu)

Good luck!  Happy Turkey Day!

Brian Serle
Cantor-in-Training
Milwaukee, WI

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