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The top 5 recommended books for cantors
1. Sing the Lord: Music in Divine Worship
I use and recommend this book all across my site. It started when Elana from Font Sound gave me the recommendation to follow and promote the guidelines in this book. I am really glad she did because it is the perfect tool for cantors to learn about their role in the big picture sense.
Some of my favorite features:
- Easily laid out with nice subtitles so you know exactly what to look for
- It gives you a rundown of every angle and type of worship in the Church, including choirs, cantors, and the role of each
- A resource you can use and reference for the rest of your musical service in the Church
- Applicable to the ministry whether you are a beginner or an expert
2. living liturgy for music ministers
I also highly recommend this book. It is a very sensible and compact way to spiritually prepare every week for your singing role as a cantor or even a choir member! If you are looking for Psalm prep, spiritual prep, and liturgical prep all-in-one, this book has got it covered.
Some of my favorite features:
- Gives you a suggested routine for each day of the week
- Provides the readings for the week as well as a reflection on the Gospel and the Psalms
- Easy to connect the Psalms to the readings/Gospel and similarly to your spiritual life
- Applicable to the ministry whether you are a beginner or an expert, a cantor or a choir member
3. handbook for cantors
This book outlines in-depth the roles, skills, and spirituality that a cantor should look to achieve. It covers many vocal techniques as well as how to lead your congregation.
While I will be the first person to tell you that voice lessons are not necessary, you need to know basic vocal techniques! These are very important skills to know and a book that I would recommend checking out for sure!
Some of my favorite features:
- It gives you articulation guidelines, especially in reference to the Psalms
- Provides a section on how to use the book with a group – in case you are a director who needs to facilitate a large number of cantor students
- Teaches you how to practice effectively
- Covers everything from vocal skills and leading, to preparation and singing with spirituality
- It’s a read that is easy and relatable
4. the ministry of cantors
The Ministry of Cantors offers you a fantastic look in the real reason for being a cantor. There is a much deeper reason for being a cantor than just singing well and gesturing for people to pay attention to us.
This book I will highly recommend because it is linked closely and expands on Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship. Based on the preview I can tell you my favorite things about it.
Some of my favorite features:
- It gets to the root of what singing in the Church really is
- Clarifies your role as a cantor and as a Psalmist (by the Church’s definition, not ours)
- Introduces meditation and spirituality to the role as something to be second-nature
- Talks on how you can lead others through the ministry
5. The Parish Cantor: Helping Catholics Pray in Song
While this book might be a bit more dated than the others, it can offer you an insightful look into the roles and responsibilities a cantor has.
It offers a refreshing approach on how to prepare for every type of music a cantor sings.
Some of my favorite features:
- Revised edition, adds on to the previous edition with good information as well
- Outlines expectations and qualification a cantor should have
- Great for beginners all the way up to an expert
- Includes musical examples for visual reference
Why Cantors Should Read
You might think, “hey, I’m not a person who likes to read”, or “I can’t benefit from reading a book on how to cantor, I can just learn by doing”.
I will caution you on this. You can learn from reading. It helps you adjust your viewpoint on what to do.
Reading about your cantor ministry can deepen your love for it, bring you to a realization of spirituality, and simply make you a better cantor.
It has for me.
Who These Books Are For
These books can be for any cantor, choir member, music director, or even pastor.
It is important to know and understand why we are providing music as a part of liturgy during Mass.
additional ways to gain knowledge as a Cantor
You can in several ways:
- With your parish and their training programs
- Through sites like NPM and LTP
- Through online courses like Catholic Cantor Training: The Basics OR
- Advanced Vocal Technique for Cantors (you can get 25% off with code GESSICA25)
What beginning cantors should work on
If you are a beginner, you need to be aware of all the things you must do in order to become a Master at Cantoring.
The role of cantor does include many things:
- Music skills
- Leading skills
- Sensitivity to text and flow of music
- Humbleness
- Spirituality
Check out the posts below to help you in your journey to familiarize yourself with all the ins and outs of cantoring.
It is a wonderful role and a blessing to provide leadership and music for the Church. The key is to find the right tools, and resources, and learn how to approach the ministry the right way.
I hope that the Spiritual Cantor can help you in a small way and point you in the right direction.
May we all be connected under the Eucharist and all united in our desire to praise our Creator! God bless you on your journey!
Related articles:
What is a Cantor in the Catholic Church?
Our Role As Lay Persons in the Church
How to Master Cantoring for Beginners
How to Become a Catholic Cantor
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