cantor

In Judaism and Roman Catholicism, the prayer leader and choirmaster, responsible for singing solo parts of the chant. The position can be held by any lay person. In Protestant churches, the music director is known as the cantor.

The Jewish cantor, or chazan, who leads the singing in synagogue has had a training not only in music and voice work, but in chanting the special prayers for different occasions. He may also assist the rabbi in leading services. Not all synagogues will have a chazan. In Liberal and Reform congregations the chazan may be a woman.