B.A. in Jewish Music
From the psalms of King David and the music of Leviim in the First Temple, through the centuries of Post-Second Temple Jewish music, and into the modern era of Jewish music composition and promotion, this comprehensive curriculum offers a firm foundation for your chosen path in the realm of Kosher Music.
Curriculum
Total Credits - 139
Year 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE ART AND SCIENCE OF MUSIC
1ST SEMESTER:
JM1 Introduction to Music Theory (3 credits)
GEN1 General Studies Course (3 credits)
JM2 History of Jewish Music (3 credits)
JM3 Music in the Torah (3 credits)
JM4-1 Music Ensemble (4 credits)
Subtotal Credits: 16
2ND SEMESTER:
GEN3 General Studies Course (3 credits)
JM7 Principles of Chazanut (3 credits)
GEN4 General Studies Course (3 credits)
JM4 Medieval Jewish Music in Europe (3 credits)
JM5 Tehilim of David HaMelekh and others (3 credit)
Subtotal Credits: 15
Year 2: ADVANCING IN MUSIC EDUCATION
1ST SEMESTER:
JM6 Advanced Music Theory (3 credits)
HEB4 Advanced Hebrew Language* (3 credits)
JM4-2 Music Ensemble (4 credits)
GEN5 General Studies Course (3 credits)
GEN6 General Studies Course (3 credits)
Subtotal Credits: 16
2ND SEMESTER:
JM8 Sacred Music in Jewish Prayers: Secrets of Leviim (3 credits)
GEN7 General Studies Course (3 credits)
JM9 Music Education and Pedagogy (3 credits)
JM10 Developing Music Curriculum for K-12 Environment (3 credits)
JM 11 History of Middle Eastern Jewish Music (3 credits)
JM 12 Contemporary Middle Eastern Jewish Music (3 credits)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP - 2 credits
Subtotal Credits: 19
Year 3: MUSICIAN IN THE WORLD
1ST SEMESTER:
GEN8 General Studies Course (3 credits)
JM4-3 Music Ensemble (4 credits)
JM10-1 Music Performance (4 credits)
JM13 Music Composition within Jewish Tradition (3 credits)
GEN9 General Studies Course (3 credits)
Subtotal Credits: 17
2ND SEMESTER:
GEN9 General Studies Course (3 credits)
JM14 The Business of Music Alef: Production, Marketing, and Promotion (3 credits)
JM15 The Business of Music Bet: Music Publishing and PR (3 credits).
JM16 Artist Representation: Principles of Talent Management (3 credits)
GEN10 General Studies Course (3 credits)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP - 2 credits
Subtotal Credits: 17
Year 4: THE MASTERY OF MUSIC
1ST SEMESTER:
JM17 Senior Recital or Thesis (3 credits)
JM18 Advanced Topics in Jewish Music (3 credits)
JM4-4 Music Ensemble (4 credits)
GEN11 General Studies Course (3 credits)
GEN12 General Studies Course (3 credits)
Subtotal Credits: 16
2ND SEMESTER:
JM10-2 Music Performance (4 credits)
JM19 Torah-based Music Composition (3 credits)
JM20 Capstone Project (4 credits)
JM21 Music Production (3 credits)
Subtotal Credits: 14
Total Credits: 129
* All students must have a minimum of Intermediate Level of command in Lashon Kodesh, or Ancient Hebrew Language.
Students are Required to Complete the Following 42 Core Course Credits:
ENG1. English Writing and Composition (3 credits)
ADM3. Foundation of Law (3 credits)
GEN1. Principles of Logic (3 credit)
COM1. Oral Presentation Skills (3 credits)
COM2. Oral Communications (3 credits)
ADM1. Principles of Business Administration (3 credits)
ADM3. Fundraising for Business (3 credits)
EDU4. Teaching Modesty to Children (3 credits)
JWH1. Jewish History (3 credits)
NSH1. Principles of Family Dynamics (3 credits)
NED1. Principles of Nutrition and Wellness (3 credits)
A foreign language course - 9 credits - can be taken any time during the course of the program and can be eligible for partial credit transfer from High School.
Parnasa Pathways
See How You Can Apply The Knowledge and Training You Receive And Earn A Living To Fit Your Torah-Observant Lifestyle.
Career Opportunities
Some Career Options to Pursue with Your B.A. Degree
Festival Organizing
Jewish Music Festival Coordinator
Organize and coordinate Jewish music festivals, bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate the diversity of Jewish musical expressions.
Music Education
Music Teacher
Play a pivotal role in fostering musical appreciation and skill development among students.
Music Reviews
Music Editor for Jewish Publications
Work for publications or online platforms, curating and editing content related to Jewish music, including reviews, interviews, and features.
Production
Jewish Music Producer
Collaborate with Jewish artists, songwriters, and musicians, guiding the production process from inception to completion, ensuring that the final product aligns with the artistic vision.
Performance
Recording Artist
Pursue a career as a recording artist, producing albums that feature Jewish music, whether traditional or contemporary.
Music Programs
Music Program Coordinator
Serve as the musical leader in a synagogue, school, or in an after-school program overseeing the music program for education,
events, and special occasions.
Consulting for TV/Film
Jewish Music Consulltant
Provide expertise on Jewish music for film and television productions, ensuring accurate representation and cultural sensitivity in the use of music.
Talent Represenation
Talent Agent or Manager
Manage careers of talented Jewish artists helping them create performance opportunities and contributing to development of Torah-based culture.
Composition
Composer/Arranger
Create original compositions or arrange existing Jewish music pieces for choirs, ensembles, or solo performances.
Technology
Jewish Music Technology Specialist
Combine your musical expertise with technology by becoming a specialist in music technology related to Jewish music. This could involve exploring digital production tools, virtual instruments, and interactive technologies to innovate and enhance the creation and experience of Jewish music in the digital age.