Requirements for the Degree

Cantorial Studies Curriculum

This track is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in Jewish ritual life primarily as hazzanim (cantors). Students will complete 45 graduate credits as follows:

Music 18 Credits

• Discovering Jewish Music (Music 30839) 3 credits
• The Art of Jewish Music (Music 40810) 3 credits
• Synagogue Music Literature (Music 40818) 3 credits
• Music in Jewish Education (Music 40833) 3 credits
• Electives, 6 credits
  

Jewish Studies 27 Credits

• Liturgy, 18 credits
• Bible, 3 credits
• Perspectives in American Judaism (Thought 30705) 3 credits
• Pastoral Care in Jewish Tradition (Chaplaincy 41301) 3 credits

Students will also be required to complete comprehensive examinations in nusach, cantillation, Jewish music history and liturgy, and to prepare either a master’s thesis or a recital with program notes. In addition, students will be required to complete a supervised internship.

Additional Graduation Requirements and Pre-requisites

Due to the broad skills required of graduates of the music program, there are several graduation requirements that may be fulfilled through undergraduate study (pre-requisites or their equivalent) or that may be taken concurrently while pursuing the graduate credential at Gratz College. These graduation requirements include:

• Hebrew Language - Students must demonstrate Hebrew language proficiency equivalent to that attained through the completion of Hebrew 10304.
• Jewish Studies - Students must demonstrate undergraduate competency in Jewish studies equivalent to the following:
• • Bible 3
  • Literature 3
  • History 3
  • Rabbinics 3
  • Jewish Thought 3
  • Social & Political Science 3
    

• Education - Given the importance of their role as educators, students must demonstrate preparation for teaching equivalent to the skills addressed in Education 10201 (Introduction to Education: A Basic Skills Approach.)

• Jewish Music - All students must demonstrate knowledge of cantillation equivalent to Music 10821 (Biblical Chants from Beginning to Eycha). Students selecting the Cantorial Studies curriculum must also demonstrate mastery of traditional Ashkenazic nusach (prayer chant) equivalent to the 15-credit sequence provided at Gratz College.

• General Music - Students must demonstrate knowledge of general music equivalent to the following:
• • Music Theory 12
  • Music History 6
  • Conducting 3
• Piano Proficiency - Students must demonstrate ability to play the first movement of an early Mozart sonata or its equivalent. Students selecting the Cantorial Studies curriculum must also demonstrate pleasing vocal quality.