The Jewish Theological Seminary
Academics
H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music
H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music
The H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music offers a five-year course of study that fosters spiritual growth while leading to cantorial investiture. As a member of the clergy, the cantor leads the community in prayer, teaches the texts of the liturgy, and shares pastoral duties with the rabbi. Cantors are authorities on Jewish music for the Jewish and general community.
The H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music are two schools devoted to Jewish musical studies; they train selected advanced students as hazzanim for congregational service or to be teachers of Jewish music, choral directors, composers, or scholars. The H. L. Miller Cantorial School awards the diploma of hazzan and the College of Jewish Music awards the master of sacred music degree. Students preparing for the cantorate are enrolled in both schools and are expected to complete the diploma program and the master of sacred music degree simultaneously, preferably within a five-year period.
It should be noted that the curriculum of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School and the degree programs of the College of Jewish Music require full-time attendance. Part-time and nonmatriculated students may be accepted for admission under special circumstances and by permission of the director.
The demands of a rapidly changing world call for new approaches to the way in which we will train the next generation of hazzanim. While there are many congregations looking for the hazzan who will specialize in the musical and liturgical life of his or her congregants, there are certainly many synagogues that are looking for the multi-faceted hazzan who can serve the congregation in myriad ways. Likewise, there are students in our school who themselves are looking to find different ways to reach out and connect with Klal Yisrael.
The evolving curriculum of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School begins to address those needs by offering three different tracks: the traditional hazzan-musician, the hazzan-educator and the hazzan-pastor. There is a core of courses common to each, but also a diminution of certain courses combined with an increase in others for the student who is pursuing one of these hybrid roles. Regardless of the path pursued, all students will have a number of new courses that will address the needs of the contemporary congregation. "Tradition and Change" has been the motto of our movement for generations and it certainly applies when looking at the future of the cantorate. There is much that is good and necessary in what has been the traditional education of the American hazzan, but there is also much that is new and different for a hazzan to know when honing his or her craft today.
The hazzan is a shaliah tzibbur, an agent or representative of the community. However, he or she, like the kohen who also serves as the agent of the people—he/she is sheluha didan, our agent, to use the Talmud's formulation—is also sheluha derahmana, an agent of the Holy One. Therefore, the Cantorial School needs to train hazzanim to serve in both roles.
Sheluha didan—A hazzan needs to be sensitive to the needs, abilities and desires of the congregation he/she is serving, and to the general characteristics of the contemporary congregation. This means that he/she needs training in the use of popular tunes, which many contemporary congregants find inviting and moving. Basic training in the use of guitar can also help the hazzan be effective in more informal settings or within the service itself. For those congregants who are musically gifted and/or motivated she needs training in forming and conducting a choir.
Sheluha derahmana—Together with being responsive to the predilections of his/her congregants, the hazzan also has an opportunity and an obligation to educate and inspire the kahal, thereby helping it to gain an appreciation for the sacred musical traditions of the Jewish people and their religious and aesthetic power. This is accomplished through the use of nusah and the judicial introduction of cantorial pieces, both traditional and contemporary, into the service. To achieve these goals it is important that the aspiring hazzan receive training in nusah hatefillah, cantorial recitatives and the history of sacred music. He/she should also study the history of liturgy as well as the liturgical texts themselves. This last component is particularly important for enabling the hazzan to match music to words in a way that will inspire the kahal. Additionally, his/her education should prepare him/her to teach the congregation about the history, aesthetics and meaning of sacred music, as well as the links between liturgy and music, in an effective manner.
A third component of the education of hazzanim is necessitated by the realities of contemporary congregations. In addition to leading services, hazzanim are often also expected to train bnai and bnot mitzvah, to teach in the synagogue school, to teach adult education courses, to serve in a pastoral role and to write a column for the synagogue bulletin. Moreover, in congregations that have no rabbi they are expected to serve in many of the roles that are normally those of the rabbi. Therefore, a hazzan should have the opportunity to get training in education, pastoral work, and practical rabbinics.
Finally, as a clergy person the hazzan is often expected to serve as a religious exemplar. This means that students need to be acculturated to a Jewishly committed way of life in the classroom and outside of it. This goal can be achieved through courses in practical halakhah and intensive involvement in religious experiences in the context of JTS as well as the larger Jewish community.
Notes on the Evolving Curriculum
The expanding and evolving roles of the contemporary hazzan inform this evolving curriculum. It defines the course of study that is required of all students who are to be invested as hazzanim while creating tracks for professional specialization. The Hazzan-Educator and Hazzan-Pastor tracks will now be offered to our students in addition to the traditional Hazzan-Master of Sacred Music (MSM). This reconfiguration allows Cantorial school courses to follow the regular JTS horarium, enabling qualified students in the other schools to take Miller school courses and likewise allowing cantorial students more readily to enroll in courses outside the Miller school.
To make room for professional tracks while still retaining the essential core of Cantorial studies, the existing required nusah courses have been reconstructed so that the essential material can be covered in one semester as opposed to the original two semester format. A second semester of intensive study is required of those students pursuing the MSM, but offered as an elective for those in the other tracks. By concentrating the core material into one semester of intensive work, any student at JTS, cantorial or other, will be able to learn the essential material specific to the course, and those who wish to delve further into that material will have a second semester available to them as an elective. Similarly, the History of Jewish Music (previously known as Bibliographic Survey) will be compacted from three semesters into two required semesters by removing the performance elements of the course. A third semester which will focus on the performance elements removed from the first two will be required only of the MSM students while offered to the non-MSM students as an elective. It should be possible to make the same arrangement with the nusah theory sequence, with the first two semesters (Scales, Modes and Motifs) required for all, and the third (nusah theory) offered as an elective for those specializing in one of the other tracks while remaining a required course for the MSM students.
Faculty
Dean of Division of Religious Leadership
Rabbi Daniel S. Nevins
Director
Nancy Abramson
Associate Professor
Boaz Tarsi
Adjunct Professor
Marsha Bryan Edelman
Adjunct Associate Professor
David L. Tilman
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Gerald Cohen
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
Ray Harrell
Adjunct Instructors
Ellen Arad Miller
Joel Caplan
Perry Fine
Natasha Hirschhorn
Robert Kieval
Jacob Mendelson
JoAnn Rice
Joyce Rosenzweig
Faith Steinsnyder
Coaches of Hazzanut
Lawrence Avery
Rafi Frieder
Alberto Mizrahi
Richard Nadel
Martha Novick
Simon Spiro
Admissions Information
The director welcomes any person considering cantorial school to come for a preliminary discussion. There are many issues to consider, and early advice could be of great benefit to an applicant.
Candidates must be Jewish according to halakhah and are expected to be living according to Jewish tradition. The mitzvot should guide the lives of all cantorial school candidates. These mitzvot include, but are not limited to: traditional observance of Shabbat and festivals, regular daily prayer with tallit and tefillin, observance of dietary laws, active participation in talmud Torah, and acts of gemilut hasadim. Women candidates are required to accept equality of obligation for the mitzvot from which women have been traditionally exempted, including tallit, tefillin, and tefillah.
While Conservative Judaism recognizes the validity of pluralism in religious expression within the boundaries delineated by the Movement, the director and faculty reserve the right to determine the degree of observance required of candidates and students. It is recognized that applicants may be in the course of deepening their Jewish commitments. Personal religious guidance is available for students from the director or an adviser at any time.
An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university must be earned before the anticipated date of registration in the H. L. Miller Cantorial School. Applicants preparing for the cantorate must have a professional-quality singing voice, or a voice that shows clear indication of acquiring this quality in a few years. The candidate should have a knowledge of the rudiments of music, as well as some ear training, sight-singing skill and, preferably, some instrumental background.
The admissions committee meets twice yearly, in December and January. Entrance examinations include an audition, an individual interview, and tests aimed at determining music aptitude and levels of Hebraic and general music knowledge. Candidates for admission are requested to prepare two musical selections: one classical secular piece to be prepared for performance with piano accompaniment, and one prayer setting from the Jewish liturgy to be chanted a cappella.
An applicant who, in the opinion of the faculty, does not meet all of the educational requirements, but is otherwise qualified may be accepted conditionally. The conditional status will be removed when the student has reached a satisfactory level of knowledge in the area of the deficiency.
The candidacy of all students in the cantorial program will be reviewed during the students' second semester. The faculty, in conjunction with the director, will review the progress each student has made to date and assess the student's potential to complete the degree successfully. If the faculty and the director are not satisfied with either the student's progress or potential, they may exercise their prerogative of terminating the student's participation in the program.
All admissions inquiries and requests for applications should be addressed to the director, H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music, 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027-4649; or contact the schools at (212) 678-8037 or cantorial@jtsa.edu.
The material necessary for application must be submitted by November 15 for December auditions and by December 15 for January auditions. Submissions should include:
- A completed application form together with the $60 fee
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary studies
- A CD or tape recording
Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Course of Study
Year One
The first year of the cantorial investiture program and the academic degree program is a program especially designed for cantorial students. It includes intensive Hebrew language study; selected chapters of rabbinic texts and Jewish law codes; a survey of the Tanakh; an introduction to the chant of the weekday prayer service and the cantillation of the Pentateuch and Haftarot; and courses on ancient and modern Israel. Students are expected to continue their voice training privately with voice teachers and are responsible for the costs involved over and above the costs of the program itself.
Continuation of cantorial studies on the second-year level presupposes the successful completion of the first-year curriculum with at least a B average. It is also necessary to have the recommendation of the faculty committee that assesses the academic and musical progress of beginning students.
Year Two and Beyond
Students who successfully complete the first-year curriculum will continue studying in three main areas: general music, Jewish music, and Judaica text study.
Required courses in general music include ear training, music theory and harmony, choral conducting, choral singing, guitar and piano. Students may be exempted from some of these courses on the basis of a proficiency examination and the permission of the instructor.
Students must continue studies in voice on a private basis and are solely responsible for the costs involved. To assist students in judging their vocal progress, the faculty will periodically sit as a vocal board. Students will be notified early in the term regarding dates and preparation for vocal board sessions.
The results of a Hebrew language placement examination will determine the courses a student will need to complete the Hebrew language requirement. Students are expected to place into HEB 2201 or higher. If necessary, a student will be required to attend a JTS summer session prior to year two to meet this requirement. After completion of HEB 5203, two semesters of liturgical Hebrew are required for all students, as well as a course in Hebrew grammar.
Following a fourth-year seminar with the director, fifth-year cantorial students will join their fellow senior rabbinical students in a year-long seminar as part of their professional skills training.
Four one-year courses in nusah are required. These courses are team taught and consist of theory, practicum, and individual coaching sessions. Each year, students will participate in nusah presentations, representative of their work in a simulated synagogue atmosphere. The nusah faculty and the director will evaluate performances and counsel the students. The Guidelines to Nusah Presentation are available in the director's office.
Students studying at the H. L. Miller Cantorial School must complete 32 credits of class work, including master's essay supervision at the College of Jewish Music. A thesis adviser will be chosen by each student in the third year of study. Three typed copies of the essay are to be filed in the office of the director no later than mid-April of the following year.
Required Course Distribution for the Hazzan-MSM track
Year One
FALL
Bible
Hebrew
Liturgical Hebrew
Halakhah
Theory and Musicianship
Nusah and Cantillation
Ethnomusicology
Introduction to Liturgy
HAZ 4400: Coaching
SPRING
Bible
Hebrew
Halakhah
Liturgical Hebrew
Theory and Musicianship
Nusah and Cantillation
History of Jewish
Introduction to Liturgy
HAZ 4400: Coaching
Year Two
FALL
HEB 2201: Intermediate Hebrew I
HAZ 4110: Advanced Cantillation I
HAZ 4210: Nusah for Shabbat I
HAZ 4220: Shabbat Nusah Practicum I
HAZ 4400: Coaching
HAZ 4420: Cantorial Seminar I
JMU 4010: Bibliographic and Historical Survey of Synagogue Music Literature I
MUS 4110: Chorus
MUS 4210: Beginning Music Theory I
MUS 4310: Beginning Musicianship I
BIB 5012: Introduction to Bible
SPRING
HEB 5203: Intermediate Hebrew II
HAZ 4111: Advanced Cantillation II
HAZ 4211: Nusah for Shabbat II
HAZ 4221: Shabbat Nusah Practicum II
HAZ 4400: Coaching
HAZ 4421: Cantorial Seminar II
JMU 4011: Bibliographic and Historical Survey of Synagogue Music Literature II
LIT 5333: Liturgy of Shabbat and the Three Festivals
CDE 4111: Practical Halakha
MUS 4111: Chorus
MUS 4211: Beginning Music Theory II
MUS 4311: Beginning Musicianship II
Year Three
FALL
HEB 5009: Hebrew Grammar
HEB 5105: Liturgical Hebrew I
HAZ 4240: Nusah for the Days of Awe I
HAZ 4250: Days of Awe Nusah Practicum I
HAZ 4400: Coaching
HAZ 4410: Scales, Modes, and Motifs I
LIT 5175: Liturgy of the Days of Awe
MUS 4112: Chorus
MUS 4212: Intermediate Music Theory I
MUS 4312: Intermediate Musicianship I
MUS 4300: Piano for the classroom and choir
JMU 5996: Master's Thesis Seminar
SPRING
HEB 5106: Liturgical Hebrew II
HAZ 4241: Nusah for Days of Awe II
HAZ 4251: Days of Awe Nusah Practicum II
HAZ 4411: Scales, Modes, and Motifs II
HAZ 4400: Coaching
JMU 4013: Bibliographic and Historical Survey of Synagogue Music Literature III
MUS 4113: Chorus
MUS 4213: Intermediate Music Theory II
MUS 4313: Intermediate Musicianship II
JMU 5997: Master's Thesis Advisory
BIB 4101: The Haftarot
Year Four
FALL
HAZ 4236: Three Festivals Nusah Practicum I
HAZ 4270: Nusah for the Three Festivals I
HAZ 4280: Intermediate Nusah Theory I
HAZ 4400: Coaching
HAZ 5550: Practical Hazzanut I
JMU 4500: Survey of Jewish Folk and Art Song I
MUS 4114: Chorus
MUS 4130: Conducting I
MUS 4214: Advanced Music Theory I
MUS 4314: Upper Musicianship I
MUS 4350: Guitar worksop and music for the contemporary Synagogue
JMU 5998: Master's Thesis Advisory
SPRING
HAZ 4237: Three Festivals Nusah Practicum II
HAZ 4271:Nusah for the Three Festivals II
HAZ 4400: Coaching
JMU 4501: Survey of Jewish Folk and Art Song II
MUS 4115: Chorus
MUS 4131: Conducting II
MUS 4215: Advanced Music Theory II
MUS 4315: Upper Musicianship II
JMU 5999: Master's Thesis Advisory
Year Five
FALL
HAZ 4290: Advanced Cantorial Recitative
HAZ 4300: Advanced Nusah Seminar
HAZ 4400: Coaching
MUS 4216: Composition, Arranging, and Analysis I
MUS 4316: Advanced Musicianship I
MUS 5998: Senior Recital Collegium I
PRO 7409: Religious Leadership Seminar: The Rabbi and Hazzan as Religious Leaders I
SPRING
HAZ 4291: Advanced Cantorial Recitative
HAZ 4400: Coaching
MUS 4217: Composition, Arranging, and Analysis II
MUS 4317: Advanced Musicianship II
MUS 5999: Senior Recital Collegium II
PRO 7410: Religious Leadership Seminar: The Rabbi and Hazzan as Religious Leaders II
Coaching
Students are assigned a weekly coaching lesson (HAZ 4400).
Chorus
Students must register for at least six semesters of chorus (MUS 4110–4115).
Piano Workshop
Students must register for Piano Workshop (MUS 4300–4307), unless they are exempted from the course by the instructor.
Jewish Education Requirements
Students must register for at least two of the following three offerings:
- EDU 5031: Skills for Teaching
- EDU 5525: Translating Jewish Theology for an Educational Setting
- EDU 5055: Teaching Prayer
Electives
Electives may be chosen from any of The Graduate School offerings, including:
- Bible
- Rabbinic texts
- Jewish history
- Jewish thought
- Pastoral care
Students must complete six elective courses. The particular courses will be selected through consultation with the interim director. These courses are usually taken during the third, fourth, and fifth years.
Cantorial Studies and Jewish Education
Students may also earn an MA degree in Jewish Education while pursuing their cantorial studies. In addition to the courses required for the diploma of hazzan, students must take 12 credits of graduate courses in Judaica at the 5000 level or above as well as twenty-five credits in education. Students interested in this program are encouraged to meet with the director of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School and the dean of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education as early as possible to determine the necessary course of study. A determination will also be made as to the particular courses in the College of Jewish Music that may be transferable to the degree in Jewish Education.
Joint Graduate School MA / Cantorial Investiture Program
For details, please see the Special MA Programs in The Graduate School section.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include the successful completion of required courses, comprehensive examinations, master's thesis, and recitals in sacred and general music. Candidates for the academic degree and the diploma of hazzan are expected to complete all course work and examinations within five years. An extension of one year may be granted upon written application to the director.
Investiture
Investiture as hazzan will be conferred by the chancellor, on recommendation of the interim director and the dean of the Division of Religious Leadership, and is dependent upon completion of all academic and other requirements. Investiture will not be recommended if a grade of INC remains on the student's record in a required course. Investiture takes place in May of each year at JTS's commencement exercises. All students to be invested in any one year are expected to be present at all commencement day ceremonies.
College of Jewish Music
Admission Requirements and Procedures
Men and women who are college graduates and possess a general Jewish background, including knowledge of Hebrew, Bible, Jewish history, the prayerbook, and customs of the synagogue, but who are not interested in the diploma of hazzan, may, nevertheless, apply for admission to the degree programs of the College of Jewish Music. Admission is determined by the admissions committee on the basis of entrance examinations and personal interviews held at JTS in December and again in the spring. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
All inquiries regarding admission should be addressed to the director, H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music, 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027-4649; or contact the schools at(212) 678-8037 or cantorial@jtsa.edu.
List College Jewish Music Major
Qualified List College students may elect to major in Jewish music on either a pre-cantorial or a non-cantorial track, taking the requisite courses at the H. L. Miller Cantorial School. Acceptance into this major field requires the permission of the interim director of the College of Jewish Music. A graduate of List College who has completed the necessary courses toward the music major, and is accepted for study at the H. L. Miller Cantorial School, may receive advanced standing for studies toward a cantor's diploma. Additional information may be obtained at the Office of the College of Jewish Music.
Master of Sacred Music
The College of Jewish Music offers the master of sacred music degree in Jewish music. Normally this degree is offered in conjunction with the diploma of hazzan. Candidates who wish to acquire a master of sacred music degree without a diploma of hazzan will be considered by the faculty only in special cases, and an admissions interview for this arrangement is not unconditionally guaranteed. Candidates for this degree must demonstrate knowledge of the Hebrew language as well as competence in general and Jewish music. A minimum ofthirty-two credits of graduate work in the College of Jewish Music and the submission of a satisfactory essay, prepared under faculty supervision, in either nusah, musicology, music theory, or the history of Jewish music, are also required. Candidates must demonstrate a mastery of Hebrew and may be required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of one or two European languages. They must pass oral and written comprehensive examinations in their major and related fields of study. Recitals appropriate to the field of specialization may also be required.
Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling
The Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling represents an integrated pastoral care curriculum that includes academic learning, professional skills, and religious and personal identity formation. Students who are interested in preparing themselves for the world of professional chaplaincy will be in an excellent position to become leaders in the field. Students who wish to become clergy or religious professionals in agencies or schools will have the in-depth pastoral training to serve the needs of their congregants, clients, and students on a high level and with expertise in the rich pastoral resources of Judaism.
The new Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling can be earned by anyone enrolled in any MA program at JTS.
View a more detailed description of the program and its requirements.
Academic Standards
Attendance
Regular class attendance is required. Instructors shall have the right to stipulate attendance requirements within the first two weeks of the semester and to indicate the penalties that may result from failure to comply with these requirements.
Grades
Letter grades indicate the following: A, excellent; B, good; C, fair; D, poor; F, failure; R, auditor. No credit will be given for grades of D+ or lower.
A letter grade is assigned for each course unless (a) it is indicated at registration that a course will be graded only on a Pass-D-Fail basis, or (b) a request for Pass-D-Fail grading is submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined below.
Iyun students may register for Pass-D-Fail grades for elective courses with a maximum of two per semester.
Students electing to take courses on a Pass-D-Fail basis must indicate their preference at registration or on the appropriate form, which must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than two weeks after the first day of classes, the exact date to be indicated on the academic calendar. After this date, students may not alter the basis under which they have registered for their courses that semester.
Instructors will not be informed which students have elected to take their courses on a Pass-D-Fail basis. At the end of the semester, the instructor will submit letter grades for each student; the Registrar will transcribe letter grades for students who requested a Pass-D-Fail option as follows:
- The grade of P will be assigned for students who have earned a letter grade of C- or higher
- The grades of D and F will be so transcribed
Once the grade of P has been recorded, the instructor's letter grade will not be available to any individual, committee, or institution under any circumstances.
The grade of R will indicate that a student has registered for the course as an auditor and agreed to do all course work except a written paper and/or final examination. Such a course will neither yield academic credits nor meet departmental requirements in the H. L. Miller Cantorial School.
Once a grade has been received in the Registrar's Office, it may be changed by the course instructor only upon written application by the instructor to the interim director. The interim director's approval is required.
Academic Probation
Any one of the following situations results in being placed on academic probation:
- A student receives one F
- A student receives two grades of D in one semester
- A student receives one D in each of two consecutive semesters
- A student compiles a semester grade point average of less than 2.7
The period of probation extends through the student's next semester of full-time status, though the student can become subject to dismissal by receiving a grade lower than C- during a probationary semester, even if enrolled only part-time. Courses may not be taken on a Pass-D-Fail basis during a probationary semester.
Students who receive grades of INC should be aware that they may be placed on probation in the following semester depending on the resolution of the INC.
A student on academic probation shall be restored to good standing if the following requirements are met:
- No grade lower than C- is earned during the probationary semester
- No grade of INC is granted during the probationary semester
- A grade point average of 3.0 is compiled for all courses in the probationary semester
- A full academic load (of at least five courses at JTS) is taken during the probationary semester
Semester grade point averages for purposes of academic probation shall be calculated according to the following numerical equivalents:
A+ 4.33 A 4.00 A- 3.67
B+ 3.33 B 3.00 B- 2.67
C+ 2.33 C 2.00 C- 1.67
D+ 1.33 D 1.00 D- 0.67
F 0
When calculating semester grade point averages for purposes of academic probation and restoration to good standing, all courses shall be given equal weight irrespective of the number of credits assigned. As stated above, courses may not be taken on a Pass-D-Fail basis during the probationary semester. If, however, probation occurs retroactively, and courses have already been taken on a Pass-D-Fail basis, the interim director shall determine whether the student should be restored to good standing on the basis of work done in the probationary semester. In the case of probationary semesters coinciding with the required year of study in Israel, the same rules shall generally apply, but in cases in which grading policies result in any ambiguity, the interim director's discretion shall be applied in the determination of whether good standing has been achieved.
A student who receives a grade of D or F in a probationary semester shall be subject to dismissal from the school. If a grade of INC granted during the probationary semester becomes either D or F, the student is subject to immediate dismissal.
Under normal circumstances, no student can be on academic probation for more than two (including nonconsecutive) semesters during his/her career in the H. L. Miller Cantorial School. A student who is to go on academic probation for the third time faces dismissal. In addition, a student who goes on academic probation a second time loses eligibility for financial aid in the probationary semester.
The permanent transcript of a student will list each semester of academic probation.
Disciplinary procedures, including appeal procedures, are detailed in the Student Disciplinary Procedures Guide available in the Office of the Registrar.
Incompletes
A student who, for compelling reasons, finds it necessary to postpone the submission of required course work may petition for the grade of incomplete (INC). The student must obtain a Request for Incomplete form from the Office of the Registrar. This form must contain all information requested, including a description of the work to be completed and the due date. The form must be signed by the student, instructor, and interim director or adviser of students. The form should be returned to the Registrar's Office. The last day to request an incomplete and submit the form is indicated in the academic calendar.
All remaining course work must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the date specified in the academic calendar. Generally, this date is six weeks from the end of the final examination period.
The registrar shall record that the work has been submitted and provide a written receipt to the student for the work received. A copy of the receipt from the registrar should be brought to the H. L. Miller Cantorial School Office. The registrar will transmit the completed work to the instructor. The student is advised to retain a copy of all work submitted to the Registrar's Office.
The grade of INC shall remain on the student's transcript until a grade has been submitted by the instructor.
If a student fails to submit the outstanding work to the Registrar's Office by the specified due date, the grade of INC will be converted to the alternate letter grade previously submitted by the instructor. This alternate grade reflects the instructor's assessment of a student's performance, taking into account the fact that work is missing. Students should be aware that the missing work may have been counted as an F (or 0) in the computation of the final grade for the course.
In special circumstances, the interim director has the authority to grant an extension for the submission of overdue work as long as it is agreeable to the instructor. This extension must be sent in writing by the interim director to the Registrar's Office.
Students may carry no more than one INC on their transcript at any one time. Students carrying more than one INC may not be permitted to register for subsequent semesters. Students may not request an INC for any course during the semester of their ordination.
Absence From Final Examinations
A student who, because of illness or personal emergency, cannot be present for a scheduled final examination must inform the Registrar's Office as soon as possible and indicate the reasons for the absence. The Registrar's Office will inform the instructor and the interim director of the student's absence. The student must arrange with the instructor for a makeup examination if the student still cannot be present for the regularly scheduled makeup examination day. The instructor will inform the Registrar's Office of the arrangement and provide the office with the exam so that it can be given to the student.
Students may not request Incompletes in advance for an in-class final examination. The student must take the makeup examination as soon as possible, but no later than the date indicated in the academic calendar governing the completion of outstanding work.
Withdrawal
With the permission of the interim director or adviser to students, students may withdraw from a course by the date listed in the academic calendar. Students who discontinue attendance in a course but who fail to withdraw formally within the designated period will receive the letter grade earned, usually an F, having completed only a portion of the class.
Leave of Absence
Students who wish to discontinue their studies temporarily may request a leave of absence.
The interim director may approve such requests for a period of two semesters with a possible extension for a maximum of two additional semesters. Students must register for a leave of absence each semester for which it applies and pay the appropriate fee, until studies are resumed.
Academic Calendar
Please refer to the calendar for the H. L. Miller Cantorial School, which is not identical to the general JTS calendar. It is available in the H. L. Miller Cantorial School Office.
Placement
The placement of students in part-time positions as hazzanim is handled by the Cantors Assembly placement service.
All students receive a copy of the code of procedures for placement and are expected to observe the rules and regulations as befits the dignity of a sacred calling. For further information, students should consult the director.
The Sabin Family Music Library
The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary has a steadily growing music collection that is housed in the Sabin Family Music Library. It contains manuscripts and printed materials as well as recordings of cantorial and general music of interest to music students. The Sabin Library offers opportunities for serious research as well as listening pleasure. The excellent audio equipment, complete with earphones for private listening, is augmented by a library atmosphere conducive to the appreciation of the rare material as well as the more current discs and tapes. Hours are posted in the Sabin Family Music Library.