Course of Study

Year One

The first year of the cantorial investiture program and the academic degree program is
generally spent in Israel at a program especially designed for cantorial students. It includes an introduction to Jewish philosophy; intensive Hebrew language study; selected chapters of rabbinic texts and Jewish law codes; a survey of the Tanakh; an introduction to the chant ofthe weekday prayer service and to 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 in Israel and are responsible for the costs involved over and above the costs of the program itself. Financial aid for the year in Israel is awarded on the same basis as for the training in New York. 

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 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 taken at the end of the Israel
year determine the courses a student will need to complete the Hebrew language requirement.

Students are expected to place into HEB 2201 or higher upon their return from Israel. 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 Dean, fifth-year cantorial students will join their
fellow senior rabbinical students in a year-long colloquium 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 dean will evaluate performances and counsel the
students. The Guidelines to Nusah Presentation are available in the Dean's Office.

Students studying at 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 fourth year of study. Three typed copies of the essay are to be filed in the Office of the Dean no later than mid-April of the final year. 

Required Course Distribution

Year One (in Israel)

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Year Five

Cantorial Studies and Jewish Education

Students may also earn a 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 25 credits in education. Students interested in this program are encouraged to meet with the deans of H. L. Miller Cantorial School and 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 visit www.jtsa.edu/graduate/sma.shtml.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements include the successful completion of required courses,
comprehensive examinations 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 dean.

Investiture

Investiture as hazzan will be conferred by the chancellor, on recommendation of the dean,
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.