Guides and Policies
Contacts
To MSU Student/Faculty Directory
University Resources
Parking
Office of Information Technology (OIT)
Sprague Library
Music Databases (Sprague Library)
University Catalog
MSU Student Handbook
Schedules of Courses
Blackboard
Cali School Administration
Director—Robert Cart (973-655-7212, cartr@mail.montclair.edu, CH-148)
Assoc. Director of Administration—Michael Albaugh (973-655-5226; albaughm@mail.montclair.edu, CH-142)
Assoc. Director of Faculty—Jeffrey Kunkel (973-655-7215; kunkelj@mail.montclair.edu; CH-220)
Main Office/Auditions Coordinator—JaNeen Vinson (973-655-7212; vinsonj@mail.montclair.edu, CH-144)
Finance—Andrew Pecota (973-655-5476; pecotaa@mail.montclair.edu, CH-146)
Academic Administrator—Gina Balestracci (973-655-7219; balestraccig@mail.montclair.edu, CH-131)
Concert Manager—Martha Learner (973-655-7263; learnerm@mail.montclair.edu, CH-129)
Jeffrey Rosolen, Production Manager (973-655-7885; rosolenj@mail.montclair.edu, CH-120)
Preparatory Center for the Arts (Prep Center) Director—Marla Meissner
(973-655-4443; musicprep@mail.montclair.edu, CH-450)
Coordinators and Advisors for Academic Concentrations and Applied Music
BMus—Education (Marissa Silverman, undergraduate coordinator and advisor)
MA and Certification—Education (Lisa DeLorenzo, graduate coordinator, advisor)
Music Therapy (all programs) — (Brian Abrams, coordinator, advisor)
MA in Performance, Performer’s Certificate and Artist Diploma — (David Witten, advisor)
BMus/MA in Theory/Composition — (Ting Ho, advisor)
Brass — Donald Batchelder (batchelderd@mail.montclair.edu)
Guitar — Darrin O'Neill (oneilld@mail.montclair.edu)
Percussion — Barry Centanni (centannib@mail.montclair.edu)
Piano, Organ, Harpsichord — David Witten (wittend@mail.montclair.edu)
Strings — Nicholas Tzavaras (tzavarasn@mail.montclair.edu)
Composition — Ting Ho (hoti@mail.montclair.edu)
Theory — Ruth Rendleman (rendlemanr@mail.montclair.edu)
Voice— Stephen Oosting (oostings@mail.montclair.edu)
Chamber Music — Tanya Witek (witekt@mail.montclair.edu)
Woodwinds — Harry Searing (searingh@mail.montclair.edu)
Music Theater — Clay James (jamesbr@mail.montclair.edu)
Who Helps Students
Advising: Students should see their advisors for curricular matters, and the school administrator, Gina Balestracci, for procedural issues and help with forms or authorizations.
Problems between a student and private teacher: Students are asked to talk to the instructor first, if possible. If the problem is not resolved, the student should talk to the Associate Director for Faculty (ADF) for guidance. Faculty should speak with the student first, if possible, and then with the ADF.
Course-related problems: students are asked to talk to the instructor first, then the director. Faculty should speak to the student having problems, if possible) and then the student’s advisor and director.
Personal problems: Counseling and Psychological Services (part of the Health and Wellness Center); Dean of Students; campus ministries offer services for faculty, staff and students.
Final Audits: faculty advisors monitor final audits for students.
Student Organizations
Your students may be involved in groups and activities sponsored by professional organizations, fraternities, and other student-interest groups that music students may join. Some groups are:
American String Teachers Association (ASTA) - Mary Ann Mumm, faculty advisor
Student chapter of the organization providing resources for educational and professional development of string teachers. (www.astaweb.com)
International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE), New Jersey - Jeffrey Kunkel, faculty advisor
Student chapter of the organization providing resources for educational and professional development of jazz teachers.
MENC (National Association for Music Education) - Lisa DeLorenzo, faculty advisor
This student-run organization is MSU’s collegiate chapter of the national association. Meetings provide information and often feature guest speakers who address various aspects of music education. Dues pay for national membership in MENC as well as the state organization.
Music Therapy Students’ Organization - Brian Abrams, faculty advisor
Student-founded organization that promotes the needs and interests of music therapy students. The elected officers and the membership meet several times per semester to hear presentations about music therapy and related disciplines, and to participate in university and community social events and service projects.
Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) - Shelley Axelson, faculty advisor
Sigma Alpha Iota is a chapter of the national professional music fraternity for women, founded in 1903 that promotes the highest standards of musical excellence. The sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota usually perform at least one concert each year and provide service projects, such as ushering at performances and arranging receptions, for the School of Music. The fraternity is not limited to majors and encourages all women interested in music to join. Informational meetings are held several times each year.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia - Loren C. Fortna, faculty advisor
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is the world’s oldest and largest secret national fraternal society in music. Sinfonia was born on October 6, 1898, at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Lambda Mu Chapter was founded on the campus of Montclair State College on March 31, 1962. The Object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit; the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students; the advancement of music in America and a loyalty to the Alma Mater. Lambda Mu performs at least one concert each year and provides service projects for the Cali School of Music. Phi Mu Alpha is not limited to music majors and encourages all men interested in music to join. Informational meetings are held several times each year.
Student Advisory Committee (SAC) - TBA
This elected group provides a means of communication among the school's students, faculty and staff. It gives students an informal voice in school policy matters.
Preparatory Center for the Arts (Music Prep) - Marla Meissner, director
(CH 450; 973-655-4443; musicprep@mail.montclair.edu)
The Music Prep provides an opportunity for children and adults in the Montclair area to take classes, private lessons, and other instruction from MSU faculty and advanced students. The Prep hires Cali School of Music students to teach in its weekday and Saturday programs. Faculty may recommend students to teach.
MSU students who are not eligible for credit-bearing private music instruction may study through the Prep with Cali School faculty. The Prep also sponsors the Stokes Forest Music Camp in association with the New Jersey School of Conservation. Students may be hired to serve as counselors at the camp.
Facilities
Cali School - Chapin Hall (CH)
During the academic year, the building and practice rooms are open every day from 7 am until 11 pm. On Saturdays, the Preparatory Center for the Arts (Music Prep) uses most of the classrooms and practice rooms until mid-afternoon, but then rooms are available until 11 pm.
For safety reasons, students are only permitted in the building during regular hours. Students are only allowed in classrooms when faculty or staff members are present. Campus police officers have been instructed to enforce this policy.
Mailboxes
Faculty and staff mailboxes, located in room 149, are accessible for mail, messages and materials.
Telephones
Emergency — Phones and emergency contact information are located in the hallways on every floor.
Cell Phones — Please remind students to turn of all cell phones and pagers during classes and performances.
Faculty offices and studios
Faculty offices and studios are off limits to unsupervised students. Students found violating this rule may be required to forfeit practice and/or performance privileges.
Leshowitz Recital Hall
The hall is available for degree recitals and Cali School ensembles including times for dress rehearsal and performance. See our recital policies for complete information.
Maintenance of facilities
All maintenance and facilities concerns should be brought to the attention of Andrew Pecota by leaving a detailed note about the problem in his mailbox or by emailing pecotaa@mail.montclair.edu. We ask that all students assume responsibility for leaving areas where they work as clean and orderly as possible.
Practice rooms
If practice rooms are not in use for lessons, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis for music majors.
Keys
Students may not be given keys to studios or other locked areas. Students gaining access through violation of this rule may be subject to university sanctions.
Food in the Cali building
Food is allowed only at the tables in the ground floor lounge area. No receptions are allowed in the building.
Pianos
Let the concert manager know about any tuning needs or concerns.
Computers/Audio Software
The computer lab (CH-122) provides Macintosh computers with keyboards and professional audio software for use by students. Lab hours are posted each semester.
Copying
The school copier is for the use of faculty only. There are self-serve copiers in Sprague Library and the Student Center.
Bulletin Boards
Notices may be posted on designated general bulletin boards only. Any notices taped to doors or in stairwells will be removed. Permission is required from the Student Affairs Office (Student Center 4th floor) to post flyers at other locations on campus.
Bookstore - www.bkstr.com
The campus bookstore (973-655-5460; fax: 973-655-1291) on the ground floor of the Student Center sells textbooks, stationery, school supplies, general books, etc.
University Closings
Closings are announced at montclair.edu/closings. Check the website or call the university automated line 973-655-7810 before leaving for campus.
Lost and Found
Turn in found items at the main office and check there for lost items. Metronomes and other music-related items will be kept in the building. Non-musical items are sent to the official lost and found at the campus police office after a few weeks. The Cali School is not responsible for lost items.
Music Resources
History and Research
American Musicological Society
College Music Society
Indiana University - Cook Music Library
International Music Score Library (IMSLP - public domain scores)
Internet Movie Database
Juilliard Manuscript Collection Web Site
Library of Congress (SONIC - Text & Sound Catalogs)
Organizations
AFM - American Federation of Musicians
AGMA - American Guild of Musical Artists
AGO - American Guild of Organists
AMTA - American Music Therapy Association
ASTA - American String Teachers Association
CBMT - Certification Board for Music Therapists
Historic Brass Society
IAJE - International Association of Jazz Educatiors - New Jersey Chapter
ITEA - International Tuba Euphonium Association
League of American Orchestras
MENC - National Association of Music Educators
NATS - National Association of Teachers of Singing
NJMEA - New Jersey Music Educators Association
NJSO - New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Organ Historical Society
Specialist
Music Teacher Resources
Arts in Psychotherapy (music therapy)
Music Theory (tutorial)
Music Theory Online
Music Theory Resources
Music Therapy World
News
All Music Guide
Billboard Online
Blues Revue Magazine
BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation (music)
Harmony Central
Intermusic
Jazz Online
Lyrics
Archive of Misheard Lyrics
Music.com
MusiciansNews.com
NPR - National Public Radio
Opera America
Opera Magazine
Pollstar
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
VH1 Music