What does a Cantor do?
Cantors are trained vocalists and spiritual leaders who guide Jewish congregations in song and prayer. Their work may include planning and leading worship music, teaching Torah reading and ritual, preparing congregants for life-cycle events, providing pastoral support, and collaborating with clergy and community members.
At a Glance
Professional preparation commonly includes graduate-level study in sacred music, Jewish liturgy, Hebrew, pastoral care, and religious education through an accredited cantorial or seminary program. Graduates may begin with smaller congregations or assistant and associate cantor roles before moving into senior leadership.
Getting accepted to a sacred music program at a seminary is the first step to finding work as a cantor. These institutions are highly selective, sometimes taking as few as five students a year.
Vocal performance; music theory; composition; liturgy and sacred music; Hebrew (and, to a lesser extent, Yiddish); other musical instruments, especially guitar; leadership; emotional intelligence (empathy)
Although this is certainly a musical role, it is even more so an interpersonal one. As educators and congregation leaders, cantors must be friendly, patient, and committed to a life of service.
Cantors usually work six days per week, including Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and all major religious holidays. As pastoral caregivers, they are sometimes called upon to serve individuals in their community outside of work hours, whether that means making a typical social call, paying a visit to a hospitalized congregation member, or providing emotional support in the wake of an unexpected tragedy.
