Hazzanut - Course Description

For admissions and degree requirements, please refer to the section on H.L.
Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music.

Hazzanut.pdf

Courses

Introduction to Synagogue Skills I
HAZ 4010, 3 credits
A study of the eastern European nusah for the daily morning, afternoon, and
evening services, as well as the Lithuanian trope systems for Torah and Haftarah
chanting.

Introduction to Synagogue Skills II
HAZ 4011, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4010.

Advanced Cantillation I
HAZ 4110, 3 credits
An in-depth study of the music and grammar of the cantillation system. The
course concentrates on the Polish Lithuanian and German traditions and covers
the ta'amim of the books of Esther, Ruth, Lamentations, Song of Songs, and
Ecclesiastes, and the application of the shira melody.

Advanced Cantillation II
HAZ 4111, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4110.

Nusah for Shabbat I
HAZ 4210, 3 credits
A comprehensive study of the Shabbat prayer chant and its interpretation in the
contemporary synagogue. Students are required to perform selected sections of
the service in class.

Nusah for Shabbat II
HAZ 4211, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4210.

Shabbat Nusah Practicum I
HAZ 4220, 3 credits
A thorough exploration of various settings of the Shabbat liturgy, beginning with
Kabbalat Shabbat and continuing through the Musaf service. Individual coaching
sessions assist in preparation for this course.

Shabbat Nusah Practicum II
HAZ 4221, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4220.

Nusah for the Days of Awe I
HAZ 4240, 3 credits
An intensive examination of the Days of Awe mahzor. Students are expected to
master the nusah and representative recitatives of the High Holy Days.

Nusah for the Days of Awe II
HAZ 4241, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4240.

Days of Awe Practicum I
HAZ 4250, 3 credits
An in-depth exploration of various settings of High Holy Day texts through
recommended cantorial recitatives as well as modal improvisation.

Days of Awe Practicum II
HAZ 4251, 3 credits
Continuation of 4250.

Nusah for the Three Festivals I
HAZ 4270, 3 credits
A careful study of the three festivals' mahzor and prayer chants. Students are
required to chant sections of the service in class. Emphasis is on improvisational
techniques. Individual coaching sessions assist in preparation for this course.

Nusah for the Three Festivals II
HAZ 4271, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4270.

Nusah Theory
HAZ 4280, 3 credits
An exploration of case studies, selections from the liturgy, and theoretical issues
in the context of various nusah sources.

Intermediate Nusah Theory
HAZ 4281, 3 credits
An implementation of the theoretical components of High Holy Day and festival
nusah through exercises, drills, and class presentations.

Advanced Cantorial Recitative I
HAZ 4290, 3 credits
This practical course provides senior cantorial students with a variety of musical
settings for the liturgies of Shabbat, holidays, and life-cycle events.

Advanced Cantorial Recitative II
HAZ 4291, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4290.

Advanced Nusah Seminar
HAZ 4300, 3 credits
A review of the four years of nusah in preparation for the pre-graduation
comprehensive examination.

Scales, Modes, and Motifs I
HAZ 4410, 3 credits
Close examination of structural components of the modal framework of
Ashkenazi chant.

Scales, Modes, and Motifs II
HAZ 4411, 3 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4410.

Cantorial Seminar I
HAZ 4420, 2 credits
An overall introduction to the needs of today's Conservative cantorate. Through
guided discussions and presentations by students and faculty, participants
explore their own spiritual commitments. This course also devotes time to helping
students refine basic synagogue skills.

Cantorial Seminar II
HAZ 4421, 2 credits
Continuation of HAZ 4420.

Practical Hazzanut I
HAZ 5550, 2 credits
A professional skills course that addresses the ongoing issues facing the hazzan
today. Topics include interview preparation, administrative responsibilities, and
participation in life-cycle events, including funerals, weddings, and baby namings.

Coaching
HAZ 4400, 1 credit
An individualized tutorial devoted to Cantorial improvisation and interpretation.