John J. Cali School of Music

The John J. Cali School of Music is a comprehensive, professional school of music centered on preparing the creative leaders of tomorrow. The school is dedicated to a premier artistic and academic education offering exceptional conservatory-level training in best-in-class facilities.

Students choose from majors in performance, jazz studies, composition, music education, recording arts + production, and music therapy, studying with world-class musicians dedicated to their artistic and personal growth. The school offers Bachelor of Music (BMus), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Music (MM), and Master of Arts (MA) degrees.

Jazz StudiesMusic EducationMusic TherapyPerformanceTheory + CompositionRecording Arts + Production

Cali Immersive Residency Program

Join us for our fifth annual re-imagined professional residency program at the John J. Cali School of Music. The week-long residencies include a rotation of top-rated artists and ensembles. Each residency will contribute to an ongoing exploration of the ever-changing landscape of music today, introducing students to a future that will be, at times, less traditional. Through the multiple opportunities to learn and collaborate with guest artists, Cali students will broaden their understanding of their future musical careers.

More Information and Schedule of Events

Please join us for the public events at the Cali School of Music and the Bridges Series concerts at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, co-presented with Kaufman Music Center

Performance Ensemble Information

Performance is a vital element in all of our programs. We expect students to grow in their specialties and as musicians throughout their lives. We present over 300 concerts and masterclasses a year by students, faculty, guest artists and the Harlem Quartet, ensemble-in-residence.

FREE Cali Midweek Concerts presents students, faculty and guest artists in small ensembles. Our annual Kaleidoscope concerts offer multiple soloists and small and large ensembles performing many styles of music. Large ensemble and opera performances take place in the acoustically acclaimed Alexander Kasser Theater, while solo, jazz combo and chamber recitals take place in the Cali School’s Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall.

BandChamberChoirJazzOpera OrchestraGrad Quartet Residency

Campus Visits

To learn about events or schedule visits:

For university tours, open houses and admissions counseling, see Montclair State University Admissions.
For individual visits to the Cali School, call 973-655-7212.

Request a Visit Day!

A great way to learn more about the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University is to experience it for yourself. We invite you to spend time with us and meet students, faculty and staff as well as participate in classes and ensembles. Request a Visit Day at the Cali School of Music and let us plan a day that is meaningful for you!

Request a Visit Day More Info About Visiting the Cali School Virtual Stroll through Chapin Hall

Artist-in-Residence 2024-25

We are pleased to announce that Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) has joined the Cali School of Music as our new Artist-in-Residence for the 2024-2025 academic year. A distinguished Black, Haitian-American composer and violinist, DBR is recognized for his innovative fusion of electronic, African-American, and classical music. His collaborations with prominent artists such as J’Nai Bridges, Lady Gaga, and Philip Glass have established him as a transformative figure in contemporary music. DBR’s extensive body of work includes scores for film, theater, and dance, with notable contributions such as the soundtrack for the acclaimed documentary “Ailey” and over 30 album recordings. His achievements are further highlighted by two regional Emmy Awards and the prestigious Sphinx Organization Arthur L. Johnson Award.

We look forward to the invaluable experiences and knowledge DBR will bring to our students throughout the 2024-2025 academic year and in the Immersive Residency Program.

Schedule

Events

Cali Kasser Theater Events FREE Wednesday Cali Midweek SeriesCali Immersive Residency EventsStudent RecitalsEvent Calendar

See live stream videos from Leshowitz Recital Hall and Alexander Kasser Theater
Cali Live

Cali School of Music News

Dr. Micah Killion named Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Brass CoordinatorTuesday May 27, 2025
Dr. Leah Batstone Named Assistant Professor of Music HistoryDistinguished musicologist and founder of the Ukrainian Contemporary Music Festival brings global expertise to Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music.Monday April 28, 2025
Alumni SpotlightTessa Dolce and Alex Lemma Take Center Stage in the Professional WorldFriday March 28, 2025
Dr. Marla MeissnerInspires Cali students through music and mentorshipFriday March 28, 2025