Jerusalem Sounds (2nd-4th Year Students)

Introduction

Jerusalem Sounds is a new and unique initiative of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (JAMD) and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rothberg International School (RIS). Studies include a full music program consisting of individual instruction, performance in small and large ensembles and classes in Jewish and Israeli music. Students also choose from a wide range of university courses in Religious, Israel and Middle Eastern Studies, Behavioral Sciences and Environmental Studies, as well as Hebrew Language. For details see the online course list.

Program

Students may come for a semester or a year. The program includes the following components:

• Intensive Hebrew Language Program – Ulpan (4-10 credits)                                                                                 
• Individual Instruction (4 credits)
• Ensembles (4 credits)
• Klezmer Seminar and Workshop or The Hebrew Song: History, Poetry and Music (2 credits)
• 2 classes at the Rothberg International School (6 credits)
   

Program Dates
 

Music Curriculum

• Individual Instruction. Instrumentalists and voice students will receive weekly individual instruction by academy teachers.
• Ensembles. The multi-disciplinary ensemble work, ranging from classical music to any modern or ethnic style conceivable, will help instrumentalists and vocalists develop a wide range of performance techniques and skills. Emphasis will be placed on the expanded role of the performer as not only an interpreter, but rather an essential, active and creative contributor to the realization of a musical work.
• Klezmer Seminar and Workshop. Klezmers have been a part of Jewish society since the Middle Ages. Since then, their function has been to bring happiness to the community in times of festivity and rejoicing, when the sounds of their music called the people to dance. These musicians, who came from humble origins, were in fact the composers and guardians of Jewish melody. They were fervent and exhilarating performers who touched the very heartstrings of the Jewish soul. Even their name, constructed from the initials of Cohen, Levi and Israel, symbolized Jewish unity.
  The course presents klezmer literature as well as the klezmer's unique performance of their music. Students will be placed into various instrumental ensembles in order to learn characteristic klezmer modes (Ahava Raba, Magen Avot, etc.), the different styles (Doina, Prayer, Dances, Theater Music), embellishments and classic rhythms.
  The performance workshop will highlight the special relationship between the traditional klezmer repertoire and contemporary klezmer composition and improvisation.
• The Hebrew Song. The Hebrew Song is distinguished not only by an immense wealth of sources and influences but also by its unique creative power. It is moreover regarded as the natural setting for the image of the native born Israeli – the sabra – in his land.
  The course will explore the origins of the Hebrew Song's early style; the first composers – both newcomers and natives; the primary song types: nature songs, festival songs, poetic songs and lyrical songs; and mutual interactions between language and music.
   

Admission Requirements
Music majors studying instruments, voice, composition or conducting who have completed 28 semester credits with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 and above (or its equivalent) are eligible to apply. Applicants will be required to audition and applications will be jointly reviewed by the RIS and the JAMD.

Applications 
Applications for spring semesters must be submitted by November 15 and for autumn semesters by April 15. Applications can be made through the RIS website. Please note on the application that you are applying for Jerusalem Sounds.

Financial Aid
A limited number of scholarships, based on demonstrated need or merit, are available from the offices listed below. Applicants should follow the procedure as delineated by their local office.
 

Housing
Participants are housed in the modern Scopus Student Village, adjacent to the Hebrew University campus on Mount Scopus. Each student is allocated a private air-conditioned bedroom in a suite with 4 other bedrooms as well as a living room, a kitchen and bathroom facilities. A high-speed Internet connection and telephone landline are available for an additional fee. Linens, blankets, pillows, dinnerware and cooking utensils can be purchased locally. A supermarket and self-service laundry are located in the Student Village. Reasonably priced meals and snacks may be purchased on campus as well as in the nearby French Hill shopping center.

Extracurricular Activity Package Students receive a full activity package, which includes opportunities for touring the country, attending seminars and workshops, and participating in cultural and social events as well as holiday celebrations and recreational clubs. Popular tours in the past have included Cave Day in the Judean Hills, Galilee/Golan Weekend, Masada, Negev Desert tour, and the 4-day Sea-to-Sea Hike from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee. The package also provides students with a cell phone for the duration of their stay in order to ensure communication at all times.

Health and Counseling Services

Comprehensive health insurance is included in the tuition fee. Students also have access to an in-house psychologist.

Madrichim - Counselors
A team of specially selected Israeli students called madrichim reside in the Student Village and facilitate the acclimation of international students to life and society in Israel. In the event of an emergency, a counselor is on call 24-hours-a-day.

Sports Center
The Lerner Family Indoor Sports Complex, located near the Student Village, includes a semi-Olympic swimming pool, sauna, gym, weight room, spinning studio and aerobic center. Adjacent to the complex are the Sir Arthur Gilbert tennis courts. Students may participate in a wide variety of classes offered at the center. Membership entails an extra fee.

Security
The safety, security and well-being of its students are of primary concern to the JAMD and the Hebrew University. A comprehensive security orientation is given to all students upon arrival. Entrances to the Student Village as well as the Edmond J. Safra and Mt. Scopus campuses are guarded, and all of these facilities are patrolled around the clock. Shuttles and buses connect the two campuses. Student activities, whether on- or off-campus, meet the strictest security requirements.