About Matt
Matt Austerklein is a prayer leader, musician, and scholar exploring the religious meaning of Jewish musical forms.
A congregational cantor for over a decade, Matt has worked in diverse pastoral, lifecycle, and educational settings. He serves as a mentor to new and student cantors, and works on projects shaping the Jewish musical future.
Matt is is a multi-genre artist of contemporary and classic Jewish music. He is currently a PhD candidate in Jewish Studies at Halle-Wittenberg University (Germany), where he is writing his dissertation on the professionalization of Ashkenazi cantors in early modern Europe.
Testimonials
“Cantor Matt Austerklein’s presentation was absolutely brilliant! The members of our congregation, whether in person or watching via livestream were awed and delighted with Cantor Austerklein’s glorious and rich vocal skills, his wide range of knowledge and his endearing personality and sense of humor. He is an inspirational educator and a rare gem in the cantorial world.”
~Cantor Kathryn Wolfe Sebo
The Temple-Tifereth Israel, Cleveland, Ohio
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"Cantor Austerklein led a compelling series of sessions for the general public on Shakespeare and the Bible. His presentations were lively and really encouraged audience participation. Our event was both in-person and remote, and Matt kept both groups excited and engaged.
--Julia Lupton, Distinguished Professor of English, University of California, Irvine