<p>A formal Cantorial Studies program through a formal Jewish-based university program isn’t possible in this situation due to my being married to someone who is not Jewish…
Without exception, all programs disqualify anyone who is married to someone who is not Jewish. </p>
<p>The only option that I am being recommended toward by reps from these programs is to obtain musical training through a community college program and to then apprentice to an active cantor in some area of the country…although doing so is very uncommon. I know of one person who has done this, however his first career was that of a dentist and he studied privately with a retired cantor for a period of years in the seventies before being hired as the cantor for a medium sized synagogue in Southern California. </p>
<p>I will begin attending the local community college this fall which has a musical theater program. After speaking to the head of the Music Department there she believes that “tailoring the program” to both fulfill the requirements of the major as well as my personal needs for musical training that might lay the groundwork to achieve my goal of becoming a cantor. </p>
<p>I am still planning to meet with the Advisor tomorrow from UNR and will also inquire as to his personal opinions and advice. </p>
<p>I’d still like to earn a BM…there is a BM in music education degree offered by UNR that is of some interest to me…however, I am wondering about how to continue vocal studies while pursuing such a degree. </p>
<p>Thank you kindly for all of your insights and advice.</p>