If you are at all familiar with the term cantor, you know it is a term for a song-leader at Mass. More traditionally, a leader within the Jewish sect of music and chant. If you have no idea, know that the roles of a cantor far surpass just being a leader of music.

While there are many aspects that go into becoming a well-versed cantor, there are some specific areas that I feel should be expected and provided for those wishing to become one. I will discuss those expectations later in this article.

For now, let’s figure out why we even need to talk about these things!

Why Would I Write About Cantor Expectations?

I have been singing for most of my life, and a majority of those years have been spent in a choir loft, on a singing ambo, in front of a microphone in front of a church, or in a school choir or musical. These experiences have changed me and have made me a better person.

Also, holding a degree in vocal education drives me to excellence in what I do as a cantor and as a musician. I want to impart my experiences and knowledge to others who may be struggling with the same things.

However, there were multiple times where I was confused about my specific expectations for the parish I would be serving in at the time. I was also confused about other expectations that the music ministry team or congregation had of me. It was challenging and scary to try to fit into something I might not be comfortable with.

Hence the need for clearer and individualized expectations.

Why Should There Be a Website for Cantors?

There are key aspects of music ministry and being a cantor the Catholic Church that goes hand-in-hand. Here are a few expectations that I deem to be extra-important as a teacher and musician myself.

1. A cantor should have the knowledge of what kind of responsibilities they will have
2. A cantor should know how to navigate music properly, whether that is through reading music, having an excellent ear for pitch, practicing daily, or other similar skill.
3. He/she should have access to vocal-growth resources, as well as example videos and training to improve their overall cantoring experience.
4. A cantor should be taught how to sing within the Spirit, and know how to give the congregation a prayerful, fulfilling musical experience.
5. He/she should feel comfortable, open, and excited about their experience of being a cantor.

These are very detailed and specific requirements, are they not? They are concepts that I see inconsistencies in, whether in my own experience, someone else’s experience, or in online forums.

The Church has also outlined its expectations and guidelines in their Second Vatican Council document over church music, Musicam Sacram.

5 Expectations for Cantors

Expectation 1: Knowledge of Responsibilities

In every parish, there are certain tasks that a cantor is expected to fulfill. They will no doubt vary by parish, diocese, and by dialect even. Some parishes have an English and Spanish music ministry or other languages integrated into weekly or weekend Masses.

That presents challenges, it presents questions. What am I really responsible for? It is just singing, leading the people? Am I to also recite announcements? Do I have to attend a weekly choir practice? How much do I have to practice? What training do I need to do my duty well?

Of course, these challenges are going to be individualized based on many factors. But I think cantors should know the basic outline of what they will be expected to do before they volunteer to become one or get hired to serve that parish.

Once they know those basic duties, and perhaps an idea of possible other duties, training should be provided for those individuals becoming cantors, just in case there is something that is new to them. This will help dispell any doubt about exactly each duty is and how to perform that duty!

Expectation 2: Musically Learned

This might come as a given, but you’d be surprised at how many people are affected by a poorly trained cantor. Sometimes it bugs the congregation, sometimes other musicians and choir members are put out when the person leading the congregation does not have authority over the music.

It becomes a problem when a cantor does not know how to sight-read or listen to the piano. Having good reading or listening skills is imperative to a cantor’s main job.

Don’t take this the wrong way, anybody can learn how to do such things and how to get better at singing, sight-reading, and navigating the music. It takes time, training, and personal effort for sure.

I just believe that all those who wish to become a cantor should have the resources in order to get them to a good place where they can joyfully participate in that ministry.

Expectation 3: Continuing Vocal Education

While it takes a little while to learn all the aspects of music you might need in order to become a cantor, the training should not stop there.

I see cantors going years without a new training session, without reminders about how to do certain things, without workshops to renew their vocal confidence and vocal health.

Vocal education goes far beyond “learning how to sing”. It delves into the realms of vocal health, posture, best practices, and other tracks like that.

It doesn’t make sense to turn someone into a singer, and then just let them loose to figure the rest out. Does it?

Expectation 4: Sing Spiritually

This is one of my most ardent passion when it comes to music. Often as a choir teacher, I would pull out a fantastically-written spiritual, only to have my students sing it like a hymn, with no feeling or passion put into it. It pained me to my soul, and I would beg them to put some love into it.

While some songs will require a more somber, held-back tone, most Mass music is joyful and filled with mentions of the Trinity, Church community, and the Eucharist!

Why don’t we sing like it? Have we even been taught how to do so? Is it a personal problem or a music ministry problem?

Cantors should know this information. Some cantors are going to be more easily moved by the music than others, and that’s okay. I am not asking you to become a gospel singer overnight, nor is that the goal.

The goal is to connect with the music in a way that undeniably brings the love of Jesus to everyone in that room. Or at least give them the chance to experience that.

Be the instrument of the Spirit, and let the river flow.

Expectation 5: Exciting Experience

Think of all the young people who are itching to be a part of the church choir, to grow up and sing just like someone they admire.

What if they grow up, and that opportunity no longer looks attractive to them? What happened to make that person rethink his/her position?

To go even further, what if they haven’t been taught how to be a confident vocalist? That they are a huge part of how the Mass goes in that particular ministry?

Maybe they saw what a drag it was for others who had done it. Or perhaps they heard stories from existing cantors on how they were burnt out, and it stole all their time.

This may happen, and it does happen, and it’s scary, isn’t it? We want others to be open to becoming cantors because it can be a wonderful experience!

I truly believe with the right training, mindset, and mission in mind, cantoring can always be a moving and learning experience for every person involved!

That’s a Lot of Expectations!

Let recap. Here are the five expectations any cantor could or should be required to fulfill.

• Clear, outlined responsibilities
• Trained, confident cantors
• Effective, ongoing education
• Connected, meaningful leading
• Positive, engaging experience

I don’t think this encompasses all of the issues that cantoring might entail. But I do believe it is a place to start.

I recognize that these will not be the situations in a lot of parishes who have a thriving music ministry. Many parishes are surpassing expectations with the right resources and personnel to create a wonderful music ministry experience for all. All too often, though, I visit a church and experience one or more of these potential issues. While it could affect parishes of all sizes, my guess is that it affects smaller parishes more often.

What about you? What situation do you find you struggle the most in? Do you feel your church’s music ministry could us some aid in any or all of these categories?

Please comment and share. Let’s commit to bringing the best we can to our Lord while singing praises to Him.

You might also enjoy reading the following articles:

What is a Cantor in the Catholic Church?

Are You Scared to Sing?

How to Sing Well at Early Morning Mass

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