The Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music (BSJM) began in 1954 as the Cantorial Training Institute (CTI). Our first director was Dr. Karl Adler who served simultaneously as Director of CTI and Yeshiva College Music Department Head. Dr. Adler was succeeded as director by Cantor Macy Nulman, noted scholar and author. Since 1985, Cantor Bernard Beer has served as our school's third director.

In 1984 as the result of a generous donation by Mr. Philip Belz of Memphis, Tennessee, CTI was renamed the Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music in honor of Philip and in memory of his wife Sarah. As our courses encompass every aspect of Jewish music rather than just cantorial training, the new name more accurately described our school.

We are grateful to Mr. Jack Belz, son of Philip and Sarah Belz, for his continued and unwavering support of our school and its mission of educating and preparing aspiring professional Cantors, Ba'alei Tefillah, Music Educators and synagogue laymen as well, to serve the Jewish community throughout the world