| Cantorial Program - Academic Information |
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The curriculum includes an integrated approach to liturgical music in which the students learn both Reform repertoire and traditional nusach, along with liturgy and modal theory for Shabbat, High Holy Days, Festivals, and Life Cycles. Students study musicianship, guitar, piano, conducting, composition, and arranging; Judaica and text courses including Bible, Midrash, Philosophy, and History; and professional development courses in education, counseling, and music technology. Students are assigned practica (mini-recitals) during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years culminating in a Senior Recital (based on a thesis) during the 5th year. Students also have the option of taking one additional year of course work in order to earn a Master of Arts in Religious Education. YEAR-IN-ISRAEL The Year-in-Israel Program is mandatory for all first-year cantorial students. Matriculation into the Year-in-Israel Program is conditioned upon passing a Hebrew language competency examination, demonstrating the equivalent of at least two years of college-level Hebrew. 
The Year-in-Israel Program includes a number of orientation sessions and seminars at the beginning of the academic year and thereafter throughout the course of study. Among the topics examined are: (a) a basic orientation to Jerusalem past and present, (b) an introduction to Modern Israel, (c) a discussion of the role of Reform Judaism, and (d) an examination of the roles of Jewish professionals within the community. Course of Study Students are expected to study a minimum of 25 credit hours of classroom study, divided between core courses (14 credits), professional courses (9 credits), and a weekly First Year Seminar (2 credits).
III. First Year Seminar: "Concepts in Jewish Living" For one day a week, Israel is the classroom, as students explore aspects of Judaism and the Jewish State. Some days studies take place on campus, and many others there are site visits of various kinds. Learning techniques include text study sessions, film, independent research, and more. Two of the extended field study trips are part of the wider course. Requirements include two research papers and active participation. Sessions tend to run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. throughout the year. Subjects include Religion and State, Life Cycle, and Zionism. IV. Other Requirements
Students are also encouraged to participate in a range of additional activities and learning opportunities including:
Priorities The curriculum of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music trains cantors for the diverse demands of the 21st-century cantorate. Students prepare to become full-fledged clergy partners in congregations. There are four major areas of studies:
As a second year student, you will have a week of orientation in mid-August, the week prior to the Kallah (retreat) that marks the beginning of the school year. You will be given a tour of the school and the neighborhood and meet with various administrators and faculty. You will attend vocal master classes and intensive High Holy Day Repertoire courses. On Friday, you will attend a Shabbat dinner and service at a New York Reform synagogue. Course of Study The Liturgical Core is the heart of the DFSSM cantorial program. In years 1-4, the students take an integrated series of courses in liturgy, modes, traditional and Reform repertoire. Year one focuses on Weekday, year two on Shabbat, year three on High Holy Days, year four on Three Festivals and Life Cycle. In years 2-4 students prepare and perform practica that reinforce the core subject for the year. In year five students study advanced repertoire and delve even more deeply into the study of liturgy. This core culminates in the thesis and senior recital. Students also develop their general musical skills throughout the five years. There are two years of musicianship, three semesters of guitar, two of piano, conducting, arranging and composition. They study music analysis, are introduced to ethnomusicology, and learn to harmonize the Jewish modes. Each student also sings in the chorus. As future teachers, they also study Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish Theology, and History. They take courses in theory and practice of Jewish education. Finally, there is a sequence of courses in professional development. Students learn communication skills and family theory. They receive mentoring support for their work at student pulpits and develop their leadership skills through guided study. They take a course in clergy counseling and can study spiritual direction. Many opt to take CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) in the summer. Frequently Offered Electives Music Analysis Jewish Music in American Life (Ethnomusicology) Arranging and Orchestration Beyond Misheberach - Music of Debbie Friedman Coaching in the folk genre Music as Midrash Art of Meaningful worship Advanced Nusach and improvisation Golden Age of Cantorial Music Intermediate Conducting Creative Keyboard Accompaniment Technology for Clergy Field Work Beginning in your second year, you are eligible for placement in positions as a student cantor. One day is set aside each Spring for pulpit auditions. In cooperation with area synagogues, Cantor Josee Wolff, Director of Student Placement, will match you with a congregation. You are eligible for monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, and High Holy Day positions. In addition, you have the opportunity to teach music and B'nai Mitzvah in local Hebrew schools. All employment arrangements between students and congregations are subject to regulations of the Placement Office of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, which must be consulted by students considering positions. The Director of Student Placement is there to both guide you and answer any questions you may have. |
