Performance, Master of Music

The Collaborative Keyboard Concentration provides similar training to the Master of Music degree in Keyboard Performance at the Cali School of Music. As a student, you may choose to specialize in one of two tracks — working with vocalists or in instrumental chamber music groups. The curriculum will be tailored to your particular interests and needs. Our program offers advanced training in all aspects of collaborative performance and may emphasize skills such as Basso Continuo, sight-reading, organ and harpsichord playing, and even understanding of jazz harmony. These concentrations prepare the students for more versatile careers, collaborating in many types of music. 

Your professors are highly trained musicians active in the fields of vocal and chamber music. Students graduate with the necessary skills to begin their own careers as professional musicians, teachers or music entrepreneurs. 

For more information, contact David Witten 

See the curriculum.

The MM in Performance - Concentration in Conducting program is specifically designed to meet the individual needs of the busy graduate student.

Students can choose from three different tracks: Choral, Orchestral or Wind Band conducting. One-on-one instruction and ensemble podium opportunities (which vary with each track) are features of the degree program.

Each available track of the Conducting Concentration is fine-tuned by our esteemed ensemble directors. Students are encouraged to reach out to the director of your chosen track to learn more. 

For Audition information for the Conducting Concentration, contact:

• Choral: Heather Buchanan, buchananh@montclair.edu
• Wind/Band: Tom McCauley, mccauleyt@montclair.edu 
• Orchestral: Kyle Rittenauer, ritenauerk@montclair.edu 

See the curriculum.

Rooted in the pursuit of mastery, the Master of Music - Instrumental Concentration is designed to develop the technical proficiency and artistic expression for aspiring professional musicians. The curriculum in this concentration has been specially cultivated to nurture musical personalities and foster curiosity through courses such as musical style and analysis, performance entrepreneurship, practicums and private lessons. Students in this program will have ample performance opportunities across multiple genres, and in venues both on and off campus. Under the guidance of our esteemed faculty, students will showcase their individual growth through two degree commencing recitals. 

For more information, contact:

• Brass - Micah Killion killionm@montclair.edu
• Guitar - Oren Fader; fadero@montclair.edu
• Percussion - Eric Borghi; borghie@montclair.edu
• Piano - David Witten; wittend@montclair.edu
• Strings - Kathryn Lockwood; lockwoodka@montclair.edu
• Woodwinds - Alexander Davis; davisa@montclair.edu
• Voice - Beth Roberts; robertsb@montclair.edu & Lori McCann; mccannl@montclair.edu

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Discover your tune in jazz while learning from world-class artists and building the skills to shape the future of this vibrant art form. At Montclair State University, the Jazz Studies concentration celebrates jazz’s rich history while preparing you to thrive as a performer, educator or scholar in today’s music industry. You’ll study with acclaimed faculty and guest artists, gaining insight into both tradition and innovation. Our unique opportunities — including the Immersive Residency Program and a partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center — put you on stage and in rehearsal with some of the world’s most accomplished musicians. 

In addition to advanced jazz training, you’ll take courses in music, liberal arts, and sciences, broadening your understanding of the world and the realities of today’s music business. You’ll graduate with a solid foundation in jazz performance, composition, improvisation and pedagogy, ready to pursue careers in performance, education, or graduate study. 

For more information, contact: Oscar Perez at perezo@montclair.edu.

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The Keyboard Concentration at the Cali School of Music is a two-year graduate program that offers advanced training in performance, and also includes important aspects of piano pedagogy and music history. The curriculum includes two full recitals, one of which may include chamber music or a concerto. A culminating project consisting either of music history and theory exams or a scholarly paper and lecture/demonstration also is required. 

You will receive specialized instruction by highly trained pianists who are active in the fields of solo and chamber music in the USA and internationally. You will graduate with the necessary skills to begin your own career as a professional musician or teacher or even as a music entrepreneur. 

For more information, contact: David Witten; wittend@montclair.edu. 

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The Master of Music in Performance - Multiple Woodwinds at Montclair State University prepares versatile, in-demand musicians for careers on stage and in the classroom in the 21st Century. Students study four instruments—one primary, one secondary major and two secondary minors—under the guidance of world-class faculty. Performance opportunities are abundant, from orchestra, wind symphony and jazz ensembles to chamber music, musical theatre pit orchestras and the Broadway Repertory Ensemble. With a curriculum that encourages fluency across classical, jazz, pop, and rock, students graduate ready to thrive in any musical setting. Alumni of this program perform on Broadway, national tours and in regional theatres, while others teach in competitive arts schools nationwide. This is the ideal program for aspiring woodwind performers and educators who want to expand their technical mastery, artistic range, and professional opportunities in today’s diverse music industry. 

For more information, contact Chad Smith; smithchad@montclair.edu. 

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The Master of Music in Performance - Vocal is one of the Cali School of Music’s most sought-after graduate performance programs, gaining interest from students around the world. There are two areas of Vocal tracks available: Vocal Performance and Vocal Performance & Pedagogy. The program includes ample performance opportunities, advanced study in vocal literature, as well as private vocal lessons & coaching with internationally recognized faculty. 

The dual focus on Performance and Pedagogy at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music prepares singers to excel as both performers and educators in today’s competitive music world. This unique program combines extensive performance opportunities with in-depth study of both classical and contemporary vocal pedagogy. Through a cross-departmental collaboration with Montclair’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, you’ll receive specialized instruction from highly respected Speech-Language Pathologists, assisting them in advanced insight into vocal health and technique. You’ll refine your musicianship through lessons, ensembles and stage work while expanding your ability to teach students effectively.
Whether your next step is a professional singing career, private teaching studio, or further doctoral study, this dual-focus master’s program equips you with the artistic, pedagogical and professional skills to thrive as a versatile and confident vocal artist-teacher.

The auditioning student must demonstrate outstanding instrumental or vocal ability and motivation toward high standards of performance.

For more information, contact: Beth Roberts; robertsb@montclair.edu & Lori McCann; mccannl@montclair.edu. 

See the curriculum.