"I want to broaden my musical knowledge in order to better serve my congregation."
What should I know about the special nusach for Shabbat?
How are the music and liturgy for Shabbat morning different from those for Shabbat evening?
Where can I meet and network with other synagogue musicians who share my passion for Jewish music?
Mifgash Musicale Summer Institute for Synagogue Musicians Hebrew Union College - Jewish Insitute of Religion Cincinnati, OH - July 26–July 30, 2009 Download 2009 Registration Form
Mifgash Musicale, a joint program of the Union for Reform Judaism and Hebrew Union College, is designed for synagogue musicians (singers, accompanists and choir directors) who have some experience leading worship but want to engage in more in-depth study of liturgy and repertoire for holidays, cantillation, nusach and choral conducting. This year's curriculum will focus on in-depth study of liturgy and repertoire for Shabbat.
Download the Mifgash Musicaleregistration form. Review the faculty list and bios. Looking for answers to what planning for Mifgash entails? See our Frequently-asked questions. [2009 documents are yet to be posted. 2008 documents remain accessible for your review.]
Location
and tuition will be announced. (Additionally, students are responsible
for either bringing or purchasing certain required texts. Details will
follow upon acceptance.)
PLEASE NOTE: Because Mifgash Musicale requires
a minimum number of accepted registrants in order to take place, we
recommend that you do not commit yourself to travel or other logistical
plans (particularly flight reservations) until you have received word
of your acceptance and word that this year's program will proceed.
Tfilah / Worship
"I am responsible for leading the music at the t'filah /worship services in my congregation."
Where can I find appropriate music?
What does the liturgy mean, and how does it function?
How can I plan a service and adapt the musical settings to include text changes?
What new repertoire is appropriate for use with Mishkan T'filah?
Designed for synagogue musicians (singers, accompanists, choir directors and lay leaders) who want to learn more about leading Shabbat worship, this year's regional workshops will focus on new repertoire.
The North American Jewish Choral Festival draws hundreds of Jewish music lovers each summer. Participants gather for large-group community choral singing; work with the world's top conductors of Jewish choral music in smaller ensembles; choose from workshops on a wide variety of topics related to Jewish music; and enjoy daily concert performances by North America's leading Jewish choirs. Workshops are available for non-singers as well.
For more information, please visit the Zamir Choral Foundation. Registration brochures are available in late winter/early spring.
Song Leading
"I am a religious school music teacher. I will be a camp song leader this summer."
Where can I go to learn new songs?
How can I improve my guitar skills? My song-leading skills?
How can I acquire new teaching ideas and skills?
Where can I network with others who share my passion for contemporary Jewish music?
Hava Nashira is the Reform Movement's primary training ground for song leaders. This workshop is where those with song leading or teaching experience in camps, congregations or community centers learn the latest repertoire, acquire innovative song-leading techniques from the finest song leaders, hone songwriting skills and exchange materials with fellow musicians. In past years, the faculty has included such prominent songwriters and performers as Debbie Friedman, Cantor Jeff Klepper and Craig Taubman.
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