![Cellist and bassist perform a duet onstage](/sites/default/files/styles/400x192/public/2026-08/Cali-School-Chamber-Stage.jpg?h=f0845c92&itok=5lN-0dpV) # John J. Cali School of Music ## Who We Are Find the inspiration, mentorship and opportunities to grow your passion for music at the John J. Cali School of Music. Study with renowned faculty, perform in exceptional venues and collaborate with fellow musicians as you build the confidence, creativity and experience for a future in music. ## Connect with Us - [ TikTok version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.tiktok.com/@montclair_CALI) - [ Instagram version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.instagram.com/montclair_CALI) - [ YouTube version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.youtube.com/@montclair_CALI) - [ Facebook version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.facebook.com/montclairCALI) [Join Our Mailing List](https://forms.gle/iy7NL7A5mWWXzck67) ## Perform Often. Grow Deeply. 400+ Concerts, masterclasses and ensemble performances each year. Experience vital growth through annual concerts, masterclasses and elite ensembles at the John J. Cali School of Music. 6–8 Artists-in-Residence Each Year ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) 230+ Faculty Artists and Mentors ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) 4:1 Student-to-faculty ratio ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) ## Why the John J. Cali School of Music? Whether your focus is Jazz, Composition, Music Production, Performance, Music Education or Music Therapy, our comprehensive programs are designed to support your artistic development and professional growth. Discover the path that’s right for you. ![Cellists on stage in a concert](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-06/121122_7845_Crawford%20Concert.jpg?h=3630b449&itok=DcUWJ2IY) ### Where Music Meets Opportunity and Community **Gain stage experience with our** [**Performing Ensembles**](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/arts/john-j-cali-school-music/performing-ensembles)  Find your place in performance through band, chamber, choir, jazz, opera and orchestra ensembles. **Connect to real opportunities with Studio Events** From studio nights and masterclasses to showcases, performances and all-day events, they connect you to the work, community and opportunities within each program. **Attend the** [**Midweek Concert Series**](https://www.montclair.edu/events?search=Midweek) **for a preview of life at Cali** Through performances and special events featuring faculty, students and guest artists, this free series invites you into the creative life of the school. ![Wynton Marsalis with a student](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-06/Wynton%20Marsalis%20Masterclasses%2011-9-21%2064.jpg?h=40fd0755&itok=SLVxxbWk) Wynton Marsalis with a student during the inaugural season of the Cali Immersive Residency Program. ### Learn from Renowned Guest Artists Work alongside some of today’s most celebrated visiting artists and ensembles through the Cali School’s annual Immersive Residency Program. Guest artists come to campus for weeklong residencies featuring masterclasses, performances, workshops and conversations, with many events open to the public free of charge. Public events take place at the Cali School of Music and through the Bridges Series at Merkin Hall in New York City, co-presented with Kaufman Music Center. - [Join us for this year's Immersive Residency](/campus-life/arts-culture/immersive-residency) Wynton Marsalis with a student during the inaugural season of the Cali Immersive Residency Program. ![Voice performer on stage with University Chorus](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-08/Cali-Lead-with-Passion.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=51dp6KTW) ### Lead with Passion Prepare to become a creative leader among the next generation of musicians at the John J. Cali School of Music. You will receive rigorous conservatory-level training, expert faculty mentorship, and the support and opportunity to grow as an artist, scholar and future professional. ![Exterior view of Chapin Hall with red plants in the foreground](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-08/071013_9366_Chapin-Cali-Building.jpg?h=b9d6cb07&itok=iTGl4hSc) ### Request a Cali Visit Day Experience the Cali School for yourself. Spend time with our students, faculty and staff and get a firsthand look at life at the School of Music. Your visit may include opportunities to sit in on classes, observe ensembles and explore our facilities. Request a Cali Visit Day and let us plan a day that is meaningful for you! - [Visit Cali](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeI9aaqX0hzAX0-bpeN82meX6C7AjVVQVLKB0ypkb76kG8CBw/viewform) - [Tour the University](/admissions-aid/visit-and-tour) ## Ready for your audition? Follow these step-by-step instructions to audition for the John J. Cali School of Music. Information for all requirements, including repertoire guidelines, important deadlines, what to expect on audition day — and most importantly, how to apply. [Review Audition Requirements](/admissions-aid/how-apply-montclair-state-university/john-j-cali-school-music-audition-requirements) ![singer on stage photographed from behind](/sites/default/files/styles/770x420/public/2026-08/030526_1715_CALI_Sound_Check_Students-LAROSA.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=FkkdMxWm) ![Alyssa Muñiz with Guitar](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1440/public/2026-06/Alyssa%20Mu%C3%B1izAlumni.jpg?h=84071268&itok=AjNsgBSn) > “My time at Montclair helped me find my voice again and showed me how music could be used not just to perform, but to heal.” Alyssa Muñiz ’25 **Music Therapy** **Aspiring Board-Certified Music Therapist** ![hawk icon](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/hawk.svg) ## The Cali Pathways Project Empowering future musicians, the Cali Pathways Project at Montclair State University opens doors for talented, under-resourced students in grades 8–12. The program helps bridge the path from high school to a professional music career, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of musical potential. ## Eligibility Criteria Applicants should be students in grades 8 through 12 who show both aptitude for and dedication to music, whether instrumental or vocal, and who intend to study music in college. A music teacher or ensemble director must nominate students. After nomination, students will be asked to submit an audition video, and selected applicants will be invited to interview. - [Nominate a Student](https://inside.montclair.edu/node/5543) ## Become a Donor Cali Pathways helps talented young musicians access the guidance, training, and resources they need to pursue music in college and beyond. Support this life-changing program and help open doors for under-resourced students with extraordinary potential. [Give Now](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/arts/john-j-cali-school-music/donate-cali-school) ![Pathways student with a trumpet speaking to a professor](/sites/default/files/styles/770x420/public/2026-06/Cali%20Pathways%2012-13-2022%20119.CROP_.jpg?h=9cc2ab6a&itok=f2GoOFU3) > “Cali has given me the chance to grow through inspiring teachers, meaningful challenges, and a community that supports who I am as both a musician and a person.” Ashley Mendeke ’26 **Graduate Performance, Flute** **Musician in the West Point Band** [Read About Ashley’s Cali Journey](https://inside.montclair.edu/news/cali-student-spotlight-ashley-mendeke) ![hawk icon](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/hawk.svg) ## Cali School Leadership Meet the people leading the Cali School of Music and helping guide its students, programs, and community. They play an important role in shaping your experience here, both in and out of the classroom. ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/SheaScruggs.Ins_.SQ__0.jpg?h=97a24197&itok=FKkDYUwZ) ### [Shea Scruggs](/faculty-staff/shea-scruggs) - Director, John J. Cali School of Music ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/StephanieHaggerstone.Ins_.SQ_.jpg?h=eb6658bb&itok=cqiUKzzI) ### [Stephanie Haggerstone](/faculty-staff/stephanie-haggerstone) - Associate Director, Cali School of Music ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/ScottRichards.Ins_.SQ_.jpg?h=91f4cfd6&itok=xEDxYFCx) ### [Scott D Richards](/faculty-staff/scott-d-richards) - Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/ThomasMcCauley.Ins_.SQ_.jpg?h=499cc0e9&itok=nxfsR-ex) ### [Thomas McCauley](/faculty-staff/thomas-mccauley) - Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/HeatherBuchanan.Ins_.SQ_.jpg?h=e97b7805&itok=F9umxt_P) ### [Heather Buchanan](/faculty-staff/heather-buchanan) - Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/KyleRitenauer.Ins_.SQ_.jpg?h=fb0e607e&itok=Y5B3OgYP) ### [Kyle Ritenauer](/faculty-staff/kyle-ritenauer) - Director of Orchestral Studies ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/OscarPerez.Ins_.SQ__0_0.jpg?h=7a8ebceb&itok=yDh65PJT) ### [Oscar Perez](/faculty-staff/oscar-perez) - Assistant Professor Go to the previous slide 1/ Go to the next slide [Visit the Cali Faculty and Staff Directory](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/arts/john-j-cali-school-music/cali-faculty-and-staff-directory) ## Featured Programs Unleash your artistry and learn from the best at the Cali School of Music. Choose from a diverse range of majors and join a community where world-renowned musicians invest deeply in your growth. Your journey from student to professional starts here. [All Cali Programs](https://www.montclair.edu/academics/program-finder?search=&school%5B588%5D=588) - [Music](/academics/programs/bmus-music) - BMUS - [Music](/academics/programs/ma-music) - MA - [Performance, Master of Music](/academics/programs/performance-master-of-music) - MM - [Recording Arts and Production](/academics/programs/ba-recording-arts-and-production) - BA ![Khalid Abdallah](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1440/public/2026-06/Khalid%20Abdallah%201.jpg?h=d2a57391&itok=s19GyYZ4) > “My musical journey has opened doors I never imagined and pushed me to grow through every opportunity along the way.” Khalid Abdallah **Cali Pathways Project, Trumpet** **Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award recipient and From the Top Learning and Media Lab Fellow** [Read Khalid’s Cali Journey](https://inside.montclair.edu/news/cali-pathways-student-honored-national-awards) ![hawk icon](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/hawk.svg) ## News and Announcements - ![Ben Coulson sits on a wall on campus.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-10/092926_238_Ben_Coulson_SGA_President-LAROSA_0.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=qy1L6qX4) Front Page News [ Why These Students Chose to Transfer to Montclair State University](/news-media/news-stories/why-i-transferred-montclair-state-university) October 21, 2026 - ![Student on stage at piano with computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/030526_979_CALI_Sound_Check_Students-LAROSA.jpg.4.2x.generic.jpg?h=84071268&itok=sX34JjAQ) Student Outcomes [ The First Graduate of the Cali Pathways Project Plays Into the Similarities of Music and Business](/news-media/news-stories/first-graduate-cali-pathways-project-plays-similarities-music-and-business) May 15, 2026 - ![Pat Metheny laughs on stage as he holds a guitar in his lap.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-03/header-021725_100769_Cali-Pat-Metheny-and-Billy-Hart_MP.jpg?h=a92f03cd&itok=PfA9_H2R) Front Page News [ Tops in Music: How Does Montclair State University Attract World-Class Musicians?](/news-media/news-stories/tops-music-how-does-montclair-state-university-attract-world-class-musicians) February 27, 2025 [More Cali News](/news-media/news-stories?school%5B588%5D=588) ## Cali School of Music Concerts & Events ![Julie Pacheco, Chad Smith and Sal Lozano](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/Multiple%20Woodwind%20Day.png?h=197483aa&itok=A7a4uQzh) 15 Nov [Multiple Woodwind Day Fall 2026 Featuring Sal Lozano](https://www.montclair.edu/events/multiple-woodwind-day-fall-2026-featuring-sal-lozano) - Nov 15, 2026, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm - Location Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall ![Hands Free backstage](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/HandsFree_-_1200x1200_-_LudovicaBurtone.jpg?h=cd2a7045&itok=6_aydTKq) 16 Nov [Cali Immersive Residency: The Hands Free and Members of the Dance Heginbotham](https://www.montclair.edu/events/cali-immersive-residency-hands-free-and-members-dance-heginbotham) - Nov 16, 2026, 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Location Several Venues in Chapin Hall ![Hands Free backstage](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/HandsFree_-_1200x1200_-_LudovicaBurtone.jpg?h=cd2a7045&itok=6_aydTKq) 18 Nov [Cali Immersive Residency: The Hands Free and Members of the Dance Heginbotham](https://www.montclair.edu/events/cali-immersive-residency-hands-free-and-members-dance-heginbotham) - Nov 18, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Location Several Venues in Chapin Hall [More Cali Events](/events?school%5B588%5D=588) ## Catch the Live Performance - [Watch Stream](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/arts/john-j-cali-school-music/cali-events-and-livestream) ## Train. Perform. Grow. Find your place among passionate musicians in a community shaped by high artistic standards. You will feel supported and challenged as you grow toward professional levels. - [ ![West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble on stage](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/_MG_9025.jpg?h=790be497&itok=JT92wUMD) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/_MG_9025.jpg?itok=CHmj8v7I) - [ ![Rhiannon Giddens on stage](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/110922_6449_CALI%20Residency%20-%20Rhiannon%20Giddens.jpg?h=49de03db&itok=whvgibxP) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/110922_6449_CALI%20Residency%20-%20Rhiannon%20Giddens.jpg?itok=c3Sumjnr) - [ ![String students performing](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/121122_7602_Crawford%20Concert.jpg?h=3630b449&itok=UO0t9gIW) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/121122_7602_Crawford%20Concert.jpg?itok=L3dpN2Tw) - [ ![Jazz students on stage performing at Dizzy’s club in NYC](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/20230417_203220.jpg?h=19f14c2c&itok=RsV74ikU) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/20230417_203220.jpg?itok=bIbi4662) - [ ![Cali Collective in front of the Cali School of Music](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/Cali%20Collective%20Ensemble%202025%2018.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=3bTcpCH9) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/Cali%20Collective%20Ensemble%202025%2018.jpg?itok=VyjjPD8E) - [ ![Isabel Leonard performing with the University Symphony Orchestra](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/Isabel%20Leonard%20Orchestra%20Performance%20and%20Masterclass%2011-9-2025%208.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=OAKsIkVe) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/Isabel%20Leonard%20Orchestra%20Performance%20and%20Masterclass%2011-9-2025%208.jpg?itok=5ZttKXyg) - [ ![Magic Flute Opera cast on stage](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/Magic%20Flute%20Cast%202%201-30-2026%201744.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=IKIUsMcW) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/Magic%20Flute%20Cast%202%201-30-2026%201744.jpg?itok=i7l80NrO) - [ ![Piano student on stage in Leshowitz Recital Hall](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-06/P1050136.JPG?h=0d27ee61&itok=jgLayBmy) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-06/P1050136.JPG?itok=gbtlC68g) - [ ![Cali Choir in concert](/sites/default/files/styles/700x700/public/2026-08/Cali-Choirs-Fall-Concert-11-2-2025-221.jpg?h=7eabb7da&itok=eo3V3ZOu) View Image and Caption ](%20%20%20%20/sites/default/files/styles/2560w_2560h/public/2026-08/Cali-Choirs-Fall-Concert-11-2-2025-221.jpg?itok=YeMx6ebf) Go to the previous slide 1/ Go to the next slide ## Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. John J. Cali School of Music At the John J. Cali School of Music, exceptional artists, educators, scholars, students, and guest performers come together in a community defined by creativity, ambition, and care. - Telephone [973-655-7212](tel:973-655-7212) - Address Chapin Hall