Educators, cantorial soloists and other interested students can engage in the world of Jewish music through the academic courses and certificate programs of the JEWISH MUSIC INSTITUTE (JMI). Courses range from a historical survey of Jewish music to cantorial recitatives for the Sabbath and High Holidays, from prayer leading skills to chanting from the Bible.

The Jewish Music Institute offers two certificates: the CERTIFICATE IN JEWISH LITURGICAL MUSIC, focused on providing the professional skills and knowledgen eeded to lead and teach Jewish prayer services, and the CERTIFICATE IN JEWISH MUSIC EDUCATION, focused on professional training for teachers of Jewish music. Either certificate may be pursued as a specialization within a graduate or undergraduate degree program.

The Cantor-Educator Program, created to train individuals for careers in synagogue leadership, Jewish education and Jewish music. Find out more . . .

Directed by Cantor Scott M. Sokol, Ph.D., JMI’s faculty includes eminent scholars and practitioners of Jewish music—among them, Dr. Joshua Jacobson, whose book Chanting the Hebrew Bible: The Art of Cantillation is considered the definitive work in the field; Cantor Jeff Klepper, renowned composer of contemporary synagogue music; and Cantor Brian Mayer, D.S.M., distinguished scholar of Ashkenazic nusah. The JMI also sponsors cultural events throughout the year and is the umbrella organization for the Zamir Chorale of Boston, Kol Rinah: The Youth Chorale of Boston, and Koleinu: The Jewish Community Chorus of Boston.


Certificate in Jewish Liturgical Music
This 21-credit para-professional certificate is designed to train individuals to become cantorial soloists, shlichei tzibbur, ritual directors and Jewish educators, who may be called upon to lead or teach tefillah in their synagogues. Students receive a firm grounding in nusah ha-tefillah, cantillation, liturgy, Hebrew language, life-cycle events and synagogue skills relevant to the leading of prayer.

The Jewish Liturgical Music Program can be completed in one of several tracks: as a freestanding certificate, as part of a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, as part of a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies or as part of a Master of Jewish Education. Those seeking admission must set up an interview and vocal audition with Dr. Sokol.

Prerequisite or Corequisite Courses

	Hebrew I–IV (or the equivalent)
	Theory and Musicianship I (or the equivalent)

Required Courses

	Nusah for Jewish Professionals
	Cantillation for Jewish Professionals
	Rhythms of the Jewish Cycle of Time
	Bible: Text and Context
	Music of the Jewish People
	Liturgy of the Synagogue Service

Certificate in Jewish Music Education
This 18-credit certificate is designed to educate and train teachers of Jewish music in a variety of settings. Music is not only an important area of Jewish experience in and of itself; Jewish music also serves as a method for teaching about other aspects of Jewish life, such as holiday observance. Whether in the synagogue, classroom or summer camp, educators who can teach Jewish music effectively are highly sought after.

The Jewish Music Education Program can be completed in one of two
tracks: as a freestanding certificate or as a specialization within the Master of Jewish education degree.i

Prerequisite or Corequisite Courses

	Hebrew I–IV (or the equivalent)
	Theory and Musicianship I (or the equivalent)

Core Courses

	Topics in Jewish Music Education
	Music of the Jewish People
	Nusah for Jewish Professionals
	Cantillation for Jewish Professionals
	Pedagogy of B’nai Mitzvah
	Teaching and Facilitating Tefillah

The Cantor-Educator Program
Together with the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education, the JMI offers the CANTOR-EDUCATOR PROGRAM, combining coursework that leads to both a Master of Jewish Education and cantorial ordination within a transdenominational setting. This intensive curriculum combines courses in Jewish music, cantorial arts, Jewish education, Jewish studies and Hebrew language. Students complete two professional internships, as cantors and as Jewish educators, as well as choral performance internships with either the Zamir Chorale of Boston or Koleinu: The Jewish Community Chorus of Boston, both based at Hebrew College. They also complete a final project that combines the two fields, or separate final projects in each area of expertise. A series of professional seminars will enable students to explore the intersection between the cantorate and Jewish education.



The JEWISH MUSIC INSTITUTE is supported in part by the Hannah and Samuel D. Grodsky Endowment Fund and the Stone/Teplow Families' Educational Scholarship Fund.


For Information
For information about admissions or application materials, please call the Hebrew College Office of Admissions at 617-559-8610, or email admissions@hebrewcollege.edu.

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