SJM Certificates and Specializations

The School of Jewish Music offers three certificate programs that may be taken as stand-alone certificates or that may applied toward fulfilling requirements for certain degree programs. Students may take individual courses, but only after passing an audition process to demonstrate musicianship, musical literacy, vocal ability (for some courses) and Hebrew proficiency. SJM Certificate programs may be taken full- or part-time.

Certificate in Jewish Sacred Music—21 credits

This certificate is designed to train individuals to become cantorial soloists, sh’lichei tsibbur, ritual directors and Jewish educators, who may be called upon to lead or teach tefillah in their synagogues. Students receive a basic grounding in nusah ha-tefillah, cantillation, liturgy, Hebrew language, life-cycle events and synagogue skills relevant to the leading of prayer.

The Certificate in Jewish Sacred Music may be completed as a freestanding certificate; select courses may be applied toward fulfilling requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies or a Master of Jewish Education. Those seeking admission must set up an interview and vocal audition.

The curriculum is comprised of seven courses, including some elective choices. Courses include basic cantillation, Shabbat and daily nusah and liturgy, surveys of Jewish music, vocal performance, at least one semester of coaching and an optional Bet Midrash in nusah. Most courses require Hebrew language proficiency through Hebrew VI. Students must pass a comprehensive exam to complete the certificate.

Read about one student's decision to  enroll in the Certificate in Jewish Sacred Music and become a cantorial soloist on the Hebrew College blog.

Certificate in Cantillation—12 credits

Through this four-course certificate program, students learn the melodies, Hebrew grammar and pronunciation required for public chanting of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), as well as how this system of cantillation enhances understanding of the biblical text. Coursework includes Cantillation I–III, a choice of either Biblical Text and Context or Genres of Biblical Literature and at least one semester of cantillation coaching. All courses require Hebrew language proficiency through Hebrew VI. Students must pass a comprehensive exam to complete the certificate.

The Certificate in Cantillation may be completed as a freestanding certificate; select courses may be applied toward fulfilling requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies or  a Master of Jewish Education. 

Certificate in Jewish Music Education—18 credits

This six-course 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, including holiday observance, Zionism and Jewish history. Whether in the synagogue, classroom or summer camp, educators who can teach Jewish music effectively are highly sought.

The Certificate in 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. Most courses require Hebrew language proficiency through Hebrew IV. Coursework combines study of Jewish music and Jewish education, as well as the pedagogy of b’nai mitzvah. Students must complete at least one semester of coaching and one semester of field experience. The certificate culminates with a comprehensive exam in repertoire, guitar proficiency and practicum performance.