Sam Glaser
Encyclopedia
Sam Glaser is a popular composer, performer and interpreter of Jewish music
. Referred to as one of the top ten Jewish artists in the United States
by Moment Magazine, he holds a global fifty-city music tour culminating in Israel
every year.
He performs annually to over 100,000 people of all ages at such venues as The Greek Theater
, Universal Amphitheatre
and Dodger Stadium
, and toured cities such as Sydney
, London
, Hong Kong
, and Tel Aviv
.
While an Orthodox Jew himself, he holds concerts as well as sings in synagogues of all streams of Judaism
, which are Orthodox
, Conservative
, Reform
, and Reconstructionist
.
, California
and started performing at the age of 7. He graduated from the University of Colorado
with a B.A.
in Business and Minor in Music, and also attended the Berklee College of Music
in Boston
and the UCLA Film Scoring Program. Glaser currently lives in Los Angeles
in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood with his wife Shira and children Max, Jesse and Sarah. Though Max is musically talented, he doesn't preform like his father.
choral book, Kol Haneshama.
He produces his music through his own record company Glaser Musicworks as well as producing scores for film and television. Glaser is also a prolific producer of albums for other recording artists.
at the University of Judaism
(now the American Jewish University) where he supervised the music curriculum
and directed the Cultural Arts Program. For four years he was the Musical Director at the Yad b'Yad youth theatre as also served as Music Director for the Brandeis-Bardin Institute
in Simi Valley
, California
. Glaser is also involved with the Coalition for Advancement of Jewish Education, and the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity.
Jewish music
Jewish music is the music and melodies of the Jewish People which have evolved over time throughout the long course of Jewish History. In some instances Jewish Music is of a religious nature, spiritual songs and refrains are common in Jewish Services throughout the world, while other times, it is...
. Referred to as one of the top ten Jewish artists in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
by Moment Magazine, he holds a global fifty-city music tour culminating in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
every year.
He performs annually to over 100,000 people of all ages at such venues as The Greek Theater
Greek Theatre (Los Angeles)
The Greek Theatre is a 5,700-seat amphitheater, located at Griffith Park, in Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1929, opening on September 29 of that year...
, Universal Amphitheatre
Gibson Amphitheatre
The Gibson Amphitheatre is a theatre located in Universal City, California, USA. It seats up to 6,189 for concerts, including 6,089 chairback seats...
and Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
, and toured cities such as Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, and Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
.
While an Orthodox Jew himself, he holds concerts as well as sings in synagogues of all streams of Judaism
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
, which are Orthodox
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
, Conservative
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a modern stream of Judaism that arose out of intellectual currents in Germany in the mid-19th century and took institutional form in the United States in the early 1900s.Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism,...
, Reform
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
, and Reconstructionist
Reconstructionist Judaism
Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan . The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as a branch of Conservative Judaism, before it splintered...
.
Personal life
Glaser was born to a Jewish family in Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and started performing at the age of 7. He graduated from the University of Colorado
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
with a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in Business and Minor in Music, and also attended the Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
and the UCLA Film Scoring Program. Glaser currently lives in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood with his wife Shira and children Max, Jesse and Sarah. Though Max is musically talented, he doesn't preform like his father.
Music career
Glaser has released twenty albums, as well as four collections of lyrics and poetry, four musicals, three sheet music songbooks of his Jewish music and an SATBSATB
In music, SATB is an initialism for soprano, alto, tenor, bass, defining the voices required by a chorus or choir to perform a particular musical work...
choral book, Kol Haneshama.
He produces his music through his own record company Glaser Musicworks as well as producing scores for film and television. Glaser is also a prolific producer of albums for other recording artists.
Professional career
Glaser served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Music Commission for five years. Glaser also produced the annual American Jewish Song Festival, a song writing competition from 1992 to 2000. In 1995, Glaser was appointed Music Coordinator for the Department of Continuing EducationContinuing education
Continuing education is an all-encompassing term within a broad spectrum of post-secondary learning activities and programs. The term is used mainly in the United States and Canada...
at the University of Judaism
University of Judaism
The American Jewish University, formerly the separate institutions University of Judaism and Brandeis-Bardin Institute, is a Jewish, non-denominational educational institution in Los Angeles, California....
(now the American Jewish University) where he supervised the music curriculum
Curriculum
See also Syllabus.In formal education, a curriculum is the set of courses, and their content, offered at a school or university. As an idea, curriculum stems from the Latin word for race course, referring to the course of deeds and experiences through which children grow to become mature adults...
and directed the Cultural Arts Program. For four years he was the Musical Director at the Yad b'Yad youth theatre as also served as Music Director for the Brandeis-Bardin Institute
Brandeis-Bardin Institute
The Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University is a Jewish retreat located in Simi Valley, California, USA. Formerly known as the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, it is used for nondenominational summer programs for children, teens and young adults....
in Simi Valley
Simi Valley
Simi Valley is a synclinal valley in Southern California in the United States. It is an enclosed or hidden valley surrounded by mountains and hills. It is connected to the San Fernando Valley to the east by the Santa Susana Pass & 118 freeway, and in the west the narrows of the Arroyo Simi and 118...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Glaser is also involved with the Coalition for Advancement of Jewish Education, and the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity.
Albums
- HineniHineniHineni was, as a result of a speech given at the Madison Square Garden by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis on November 18, 1973, "one of the first Ba'al Teshuva movements...
(1992) including "Hieni," "Shabbas," and "Pitchu Li." - A Day in the Life (1994) based on the daily cycle of Jewish prayers.
- Across The RiverAcross the RiverAcross the River is a 1982 song written by Peter Gabriel, with the collaboration of Stewart Copeland on drums, L. Shankar on violins and David Rhodes on guitars...
(1997) - Songs inspired by major holidaysJewish holidayJewish holidays are days observed by Jews as holy or secular commemorations of important events in Jewish history. In Hebrew, Jewish holidays and festivals, depending on their nature, may be called yom tov or chag or ta'anit...
and lifecycle events.- Promoted this album in an over 50 city global tour (called the One Hand/One Heart tour) in 1998 and 1999.
- Kol Bamidbar/A Musical Journey Through the Five Books of Moses (1999) - Thirteen songs of Jewish historyJewish historyJewish history is the history of the Jews, their religion and culture, as it developed and interacted with other peoples, religions and cultures. Since Jewish history is over 4000 years long and includes hundreds of different populations, any treatment can only be provided in broad strokes...
from the stories of the TorahTorahTorah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five books of the bible—Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five... - The Songs We Sing (2001), a compilation of the most popular contemporary songs from Israel
- The Bridge (2002) - Fifteen original songs focusing on themes themes that unite the Jewish people.
- The album was sponsored by Israel's Common Denominator organization, where the album was played in over 50 unity concerts during 2002 and 2003 where many cities held it with at least three synagogues across denominational lines (OrthodoxOrthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
, ConservativeConservative JudaismConservative Judaism is a modern stream of Judaism that arose out of intellectual currents in Germany in the mid-19th century and took institutional form in the United States in the early 1900s.Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism,...
, ReformReform JudaismReform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
, and ReconstructionistReconstructionist JudaismReconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan . The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as a branch of Conservative Judaism, before it splintered...
).
- The album was sponsored by Israel's Common Denominator organization, where the album was played in over 50 unity concerts during 2002 and 2003 where many cities held it with at least three synagogues across denominational lines (Orthodox
- Presence (2003) based on the themes of the High Holidays
- Edge of Light (2003), a solo piano/voice double CD with pianist Sharone Kushnir.
- Soap Soup (2004) - A secular children's albumChildren's musicChildren's music is used here to refer to music composed and performed for children by adults. In European influenced contexts this means music, usually songs, written specifically for a juvenile audience. The composers are usually adults. Children's music has historically held both entertainment...
- Won the Parent's Choice Recommended award, the National Parenting Publications award, the John Lennon Songwriting ContestJohn Lennon Songwriting ContestThe John Lennon Songwriting Contest, named for the former member of The Beatles, is a songwriting competition for songwriters, open to amateurs and professionals. The contest accepts instrumental pieces as well as songs with a vocal component. Though all entries must include a CD, cassette, or...
and the Children's Music Web trophy.
- Won the Parent's Choice Recommended award, the National Parenting Publications award, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest
- Nigun/Voice of the Soul (2006) - Sixteen nigunim (songs without words)
- Co-production with RebbeSoul and Bruce Burger
- Vocals included the Jewish bands, Moshav BandMoshav BandThe Moshav Band is now simply known as "Moshav."The Israel-born Moshav Band grew up on Moshav Mevo Modiim, a musical village located in the hills between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Their home, founded by the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, was and continues to be the birthplace of many Jewish songs...
, SoulfarmSoulfarmSoulfarm is a New York City based Jam band founded in 1991. Their music is a mix of Jewish/Middle Eastern, rock, bluegrass, and celtic influences .The current lineup is*C Lanzbom - Lead Guitar, Vocals...
, Blue FringeBlue FringeBlue Fringe is an American Jewish rock band. The band's songs cover a range of genres including pop, rock, punk and R'n'B, based around Jewish themes. Blue Fringe was formed in 2003 and has released 3 albums...
, Gershon VerobaGershon Veroba-Biography:He sang from when he was a child in his father's choir and for friends, but focused professional career actually began in 1980, when he recorded as a singer, keyboardist and even a drummer in a band formed by guitarist, Steve Simenowitz, called Jewish Blues on a now-collectible album...
and Beatachon.
- Rockin' Chanukah Revue (2007) - Chanukah album
- HallelHallelHallel is a Jewish prayer—a verbatim recitation from Psalms 113–118, which is used for praise and thanksgiving that is recited by observant Jews on Jewish holidays.-Holy days:...
(2008) - The Songs We Sing Volume 2 (2010)