What is a Cantor?

Among Lutherans, the cantor’s role can be summarized as “leader of the congregation’s song.”

Sometimes the word is given its German spelling as kantor, perhaps partly in deference to Johann Sebastian Bach’s positions holding that very title, especially at the Lutheran Church of St. Thomas in Leipzig.

Leadership of the congregation’s song has many implications beyond song leading during a worship service. Depending on the cantor’s skills and interests, the cantor may play the organ and/or piano (or another instrument), conduct a choir or other ensembles, assist in singing during portions of the service, compose or arrange music for the congregation or its ensembles, or a combination of these.

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians provides a helpful definition of the cantor’s role:

“The term cantor is the historic designation for the vocation of the Lutheran Church musician. The cantor normally serves as organist, director of choirs and instrumental groups, and teaches, encourages, and nurtures the musical talent of the congregation. The cantor’s calling, however, extends beyond the preparation of music for the various services. The cantor takes an interest in the personal and spiritual lives of those with whom he or she works, and is often musically active in the larger community in which the congregation is situated.”  (from “Statement on Worship and Music,” item 3. b, retrieved from https://alcm.org/about/worship_statement/).