Visit the School

Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) for information about upcoming events

Student Testimonials:

“The highlight of my time here at Montclair State was when I had the opportunity to perform with the Kronos String Quartet through the amazing Immersive Residency Program.  It was a dream come true for me.  I come from rock n’roll and started with the guitar.  When I first heard Kronos play Purple Haze, it blew my mind.  To be able to play with Kronos on stage at Merkin Hall was something out of a story book. ”
—Randy León, MM. Cello Performance 2023

“The John J Cali School of music has been a place where I’ve been able to blossom as a musician through the various opportunities that have been made accessible to me. Whether it’s masterclasses, residencies, or even my private lessons, the Cali school has given me the tools and experiences to excel beyond my expectations. ”
—Daniella Renteria, BM Violin Performance 2024

Student Testimonials:

“The highlight of my time here at Montclair State was when I had the opportunity to perform with the Kronos String Quartet through the amazing Immersive Residency Program.  It was a dream come true for me.  I come from rock n’roll and started with the guitar.  When I first heard Kronos play Purple Haze, it blew my mind.  To be able to play with Kronos on stage at Merkin Hall was something out of a story book. ”
—Randy León, MM. Cello Performance 2023

“The John J Cali School of music has been a place where I’ve been able to blossom as a musician through the various opportunities that have been made accessible to me. Whether it’s masterclasses, residencies, or even my private lessons, the Cali school has given me the tools and experiences to excel beyond my expectations. ”
—Daniella Renteria, BM Violin Performance 2024

String Masterclasses

Wed | Feb 7 | 11:30am-1pm
Immersive Residency Artist
Vijay Gupta – Violin Masterclass
Leshowitz Recital Hall

Participants can anticipate a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional musical instruction, delving into the intersection of music, social justice, and personal growth, as Gupta shares insights on harnessing the power of music for positive change and fostering empathetic connections.

Wed | Feb 14 | 11am-1pm
Brent Edmondson – Bass Masterclass
Room 230

Sharing his extensive musical career, technical expertise, and diverse roles as Principal Double Bass of the Lancaster Symphony and the Pennsylvania Philharmonic, performer with renowned orchestras, global tour member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and bassist, composer, music producer, and founder of bass-focused summer programs with all of our string students.

Wed | Feb 28 | 12-1:30pm
Katie Lansdale – Violin Masterclass
Leshowitz Recital Hall

Widely acclaimed as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator, violinist Katie Lansdale has performed globally, won Grand Prizes at prestigious chamber competitions, collaborated with renowned artists, including Yo Yo Ma, and founded the acclaimed Locrian new music group in New York, while also directing the Promisek Bach+ Festival; currently a faculty member at the Hartt School and Boston Conservatory, Lansdale is a champion of musical connections to children and communities through initiatives like Music for 1000 Children.

Time for Three
Immersive Residency Artists
Tue | Mar 6
Violin/Bass Masterclass 11am-1pm

Wed | Mar 7
Chamber Masterclass 10am-12pm
Leshowitz Recital Hall

Participants can expect a dynamic and innovative learning experience, blending classical and contemporary styles, as the acclaimed ensemble imparts insights on technique, improvisation, and musical expression.

Wed | Mar 20 | 10:30am-Noon
Hsin-Yun Huang – Masterclass Viola
Leshowitz Recital Hall

Hsin-Yun Huang, a leading violist of her generation, has performed globally with renowned ensembles, including the Berlin Radio Orchestra and Brentano String Quartet, while actively commissioning new works and promoting music education through her initiative VivaViola!

Wed | Apr 10 | 10:30am-Noon
Wolfram Koessel – Cello Masterclass
Leshowitz Recital Hall

Cellist Wolfram Koessel, known for his critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut, has established himself as a sought-after musician with a diverse career as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician, performing internationally in prestigious concert halls; he is a member of the American String Quartet, serves on the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music, and has collaborated with renowned artists across the globe.