When reviewing a student application to the Cantor-Educator program, Dr. Scott M. Sokol was pleasantly surprised to find the letter of recommendation praising not only the potential student but also the program itself—as a model of cantorial training at the forefront of national programs. He couldn't help but agree.

"Within a year of its establishment, I can honestly say we have gained the best faculty of any cantorial program," says Sokol, CEP director and dean of the Jewish Music Institute.

All distinguished scholars in the cantorial arts, the faculty include Dr. Joshua Jacobson, Hazzan Brian Mayer and Hazzan Jeff Klepper. This fall, two more gifted faculty will enhance the roster: Hazzan Charles Osbourne of Temple Emanuel in Newton, a prolific composer and soloist, and Hazzan Robbie Solomon of Temple Isaiah in Lexington, lead singer and composer of the Boston-based Jewish vocal group, Safam.

The program expects 10 new students this fall, including four former students in the Jewish liturgical music certificate program who have switched to full-time, bringing the program's total enrollment to 15. Varying in age, background and musical and life experiences, the students range from recent college graduates and cantorial soloists to lawyers and second-career seekers.

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