Certificate Programs

Committed to the highest quality standards of performance and scholarship, the School of Jewish Music is also dedicated to bridging the world of academia and the community — making Jewish music accessible by creating a more literate laity through certificate programs for congregants, lay leaders, cantorial soloists and gabbaim. The School of Jewish Music offers part-time graduate-level certificate programs in Jewish sacred music, cantillation and Jewish music education for cantorial soloists, Jewish professionals and lay people.

These programs may be taken as stand-alone certificates or 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 time or part time.

Certificate in Jewish Sacred Music (20 or 22 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 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 composed of seven courses, including basic Torah cantillation; basic nusach for Shabbat and High Holy Days; liturgy of the synagogue service, Jewish music survey and repertoire courses; vocal performance class; and at least one semester of cantorial coaching. This certificate can be completed either on campus or online.

Certificate in Cantillation (20 or 21 credits)

Through this seven-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 through III, a choice of either Biblical Text and Context or Genres of Biblical Literature, one nusach class, a Jewish music history course, a Jewish repertoire course, vocal performance class and and at least one semester of cantillation coaching. All courses require Hebrew-language proficiency through Hebrew IV. Students must pass a comprehensive exam to complete the certificate. This certificate may only be completed on campus.

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 (24 or 25 credits)

Music is not only an important area of Jewish experience in and of itself, but 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.

This eight-course certificate program is designed to educate and train teachers of Jewish music in a variety of settings. In addition to basic courses in cantillation and nusach, Jewish music and repertoire, the program includes several pedagogy classes and a year-long internship

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. Many 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.

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