Daniel Henkin

He breaks down complex musical concepts in ways that are highly accessible for the masses, keeps everyone engaged, and delivers remarkable group and individual performances with a consistency that boggles the mind.

– Justin Rosenblum, former Flatbush and Tizmoret singer

Few people have a more recognizable name in the Jewish choral world than Daniel Henkin. His work is everywhere — not just in the ubiquity of his arrangements, but in the endless roster of talent he's cultivated as an educator.

– Mike Boxer, Director, Six13

Being part of Daniel Henkin’s choir was the most formative part of my high school experience. It helped me find my voice, fall in love with group singing, and seeded a passion for Jewish music that blossomed into my adult life. I am forever grateful!

– Eliana Light, Musician and Educator, the Light Lab

I love to work with Daniel and his choir members. As a voice teacher and coach, I am able to help Daniel’s choristers through the specific indications of what he wants to hear from the group. His arranging prowess and love for what he does makes our work together delightful and effective.

– Jamie Leonhart, Somatic Voicework certified voice teacher and vocal coach

I was a student of Daniel's for over a decade-in high school, sleepaway camp, and as an adult-and a fan of Daniel's forever! Daniel is an expert musician and teacher, and he excels at bringing groups together to produce beautiful music and wonderful performances. He has given me a love for music and singing that I will always treasure, and I hope to one day learn music from him again.

– Aryea Aranoff, former student and singer

Daniel Henkin is a master of choir crafting. His personality, humor and musical knowledge propel outstanding sound from our chorus. Without reading music, I’ve enjoyed singing with a large, mixed-experience group for 15 years, each year more fun than the next. Daniel encourages each singer to be their best, and the group to excel.

– Celia Weintrob, Kol Ram singer

I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with Daniel on many levels. As a conductor, an arranger and always an educator because to work with Daniel on any musical project is always be learning without even realizing it. Daniel’s love and enthusiasm for projects is contagious. So much so when my husband’s company was planning to throw a big retirement party for one of the founding partners, we turned to Daniel to compose and arrange the perfect musical send off. As always, Daniel nailed it.

– Atoosa Rubenstein, former editor in chief, Seventeen

Daniel Henkin is recognized as one of the leading proponents of Jewish a cappella music in North America. Watching him conduct or perform live reveals his deep love of choral music.
His arrangements are adored by all who sing them and reveal a deep understanding of choral texture and masterful voicing.
Daniel has a natural ability to cultivate this love and devotion in all members of the ensembles he directs.
His dedication and commitment to the younger generation shines through his work as an educator and conductor.

– Stephen Glass, composer, arranger, conductor

A gifted musician and choral director, Daniel combines a seriousness for the performance of musical arrangements, a talent for directing multi part harmonies and a playful sense of humor that make learning from him and performing with him an absolute delight.

– Anna Freilich, Kol Ram singer

Mr. Henkin is an absolutely incredible mentor and music educator who not only nurtured my love for music and choral singing, but also helped shape the person I am today. With his passion, patience, and dedication, Mr. Henkin has always created spaces where I have found a sense of belonging through music. I’m endlessly grateful for the inspiration and confidence he has given me, both on and off the stage.

– Sophie Mintz, former Ramaz singer, singer in Kol Ram

Daniel Henkin is an exceptional choir director who brought incredible energy, talent, and professionalism to Camp Nesher… It’s his ability to connect with each camper that truly sets him apart. Daniel creates an environment where every participant feels valued and inspired, regardless of their skill level. His enthusiasm is contagious, his arrangements are beautiful, and his leadership is both thoughtful and motivating.

– Abi Moskowitz, Camp Nesher

As the acknowledged “Godfather of Jewish A Cappella,” Daniel Henkin has brought deep musical knowledge and a sense of style to Jewish texts and Israeli pop. His iconic a cappella arrangements have inspired generations of singers. Bring him to your community as a Guest Conductor or Scholar-in-Residence and enjoy his teaching expertise and insights. You will be transformed!

– Cantor Anna West Ott, Conductor and Music Educator

During the time I worked with Daniel, I witnessed his remarkable ability to transform groups — regardless of their experience or motivation — into tight, cohesive, and enthusiastic ensembles. He inspires groups to invest the time and energy needed to become first-rate, well-oiled musical units, all while making the experience enjoyable and rewarding.

– Oded Lev-Ari, GRAMMY-nominated composer

The magic of Daniel’s approach to music education – both then and now – is the way he enfranchises so many people to participate while still demanding musical excellence of every ensemble…In every interaction I’ve witnessed, he is kind and patient. When he introduces himself or the choir at a concert, his remarks are understated and his tone is humble. He has worked with eight-year-olds and octogenarians and treats every person he comes across with dignity and respect.

– Cantor Josh Ehrlich, Cong. Shaarei Tikvah Scarsdale, NY

I came as an absolute beginner to singing Jewish music, but from the very first Kol Ram rehearsal, I felt like I was exactly where I belonged. Daniel and the group of singers he has collaborated with for years are so warm, upbeat, and dynamic—it’s impossible not to sing, sing, sing!

– Fei Lu Fang, Kol Ram singer

Daniel brings to his work a contagious love of music, a deep appreciation for and mastery of the Jewish textual tradition, and an inspiring dedication to his students and collaborators. His ensembles are not only musically excellent; they are joyous, deeply human communities shaped by his leadership. And the success of his choirs—reflected in their large and devoted followings as well as the many awards they have received—is a testament to his rare combination of artistic talent, educational vision, and personal warmth.

– Professor Arnold Franklin Queens College Director, Center for Jewish Studies

Mr. Henkin leads his choirs with extraordinary dedication, pouring his heart into every rehearsal and arrangement to create a space where singers feel inspired, challenged, and truly connected through music. I’ve had the privilege of singing in his choirs for seven years, and he’s been so much more than a director— he’s a mentor and a role model who has shaped who I am today.

– Talia Leifer, former Ramaz singer, current Tizmoret singer

I have had the great privilege of collaborating with Daniel in many different capacities, as a conductor and arranger. He recently created beautiful arrangements for our high holy day choir- these arrangements are creative and musically compelling while still leaving the original melody accessible and singable. He is responsive and professional and I look forward to future collaborations!

– Cantor Rachel Brook, Anshe Emet (Chicago)

Speaking as a member of Kol Ram for 15 years and a fan for 25, it has been a great privilege to sing with Daniel. He is a master director with high standards who is able to work with singers of all ages and abilities. He gets us to sound great. His combination of humor and skills are unparalleled.

– Naomi Weinberger, Kol Ram singer

Daniel Henkin is one of the finest educators, working with students of all ages with patience, kindness and tolerance. Daniel always helps people find their talent and cultivates them. He is an extraordinary choral arranger, and works with others so that they too can learn choral arranging. Every piece of music that he has arranged- Hebrew, Jewish and secular music are true masterpieces. Many choir leaders have been using his arrangements for the last twenty years.

– Rachel Winkler, teacher, Yeshivah of Flatbush

Some say that the essence of choral music is harmony. But in Kol Ram, harmony is not restricted to the music. Daniel includes us in making decisions, and his charm and wit encourage togetherness. If, as it is said, music is the heart's sweetest song, Daniel's talent and grace make us sing our hearts out.

– Judy Sokolow, Kol Ram singer

I have sung, taught, conducted and just listened to countless Daniel Henkin arrangements. One is better than the next. There isn’t an arranger out there that does a better job capturing the essence of the song while still making it his own. He is simply the best!

– Cantor Ethan Leifer

Daniel Henkin has become much more than a teacher to me. He is one of my role models, mentors, and someone that I credit a lot of what I have become to… Beyond music, I have learned from Daniel how to be a leader and more importantly, how to be a mensch. Daniel Henkin is a musical genius and THE person to know and work with if you are pursuing anything in Jewish music.

– Jordan Mittler, former Ramaz student

Daniel's consistency and reliability as a music educator and friend spans generations. His impact has been truly immeasurable, on me personally and on those I've met who are 10 and 20 years older than me. Daniel is a rare gift. If you have the opportunity to be around him, take it.

– Azriel Zylberberg, former Tizmoret singer, singer in Kol Ram

Daniel Henkin’s music is super singable and always brings something fresh to the group. The arrangements are fun, original, and easy to learn without feeling basic. They just work—and singers love them!

– Penny Klein, former Tizmoret singer, singer in Kol Ram