The Cantorial Arts Program at The American Seminary for Contemporary Judaism is designed to train future Chazzans to function effectively on the bimahs of the major movements of the American and World Jewish Communities.

The instructional components of the program are founded on the premise of providing students the optimum learning and experiential opportunities needed for them to enter any synagogue and conduct services for that congregation, whatever the need or orientation. Students are encouraged to seek the opportunity to take part in or lead services within their own local congregations throughout their time at the seminary. The seminary tries to involve local contacts in the students progress.

Students begin by being given a solid foundation in traditional nusach. As their studies progress they are exposed to the varied expressions and styles of Jewish liturgical music, which were developed over time, cultures and religious movements. Students study and are prepared to daven across the spectrum of contemporary Jewish American congregations.

The students who graduate from the Cantorial Arts program at The ASCJ will be prepared to take on the responsibility of being the “voice of the congregation” in all ritual and ceremonial events and observances that take place in and out of the synagogue during the Jewish Calendar year, including life cycle and chaplaincy work.