Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tom Ott

The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University shares, with deep sadness, the passing of Tom Ott, a cherished friend of the university and an extraordinary advocate for both the Cali School of Music and the Department of Psychology.

For nearly three decades, Tom and his wife, Lucy Ott, exemplified a profound commitment to generosity and service at Montclair. In 1996, they established David’s Fund, a philanthropic endowment created in memory of their son, David, to support the advancement of music therapy. David, a promising journalism major, experienced a life-altering brain disease. During the seventeen years he lived with lasting physical disabilities following encephalitis, music became a vital source of meaning, comfort, and strength. His wide-ranging musical tastes, from B.B. King to spirituals to Beethoven, deeply influenced his parents’ enduring dedication to the healing power of music.

In David’s memory, the Otts established scholarships for students pursuing music therapy, supporting generations of practitioners committed to compassionate, evidence-based care. Their legacy also lives on through the David Ott Lab for Music and Health, a newly redesigned, forward-looking space at the Cali School dedicated to research and education at the intersection of music, digital technology, and human wellbeing. Equipped with advanced digital tools, the Lab serves as a dynamic resource for students, clinicians, researchers, and community members exploring the role of music in promoting health and wellness. In recent years, the Otts further expanded their impact by supporting cross-disciplinary initiatives in music and neuroscience within the Department of Psychology.

The Otts’ connection to the Cali community extended far beyond their philanthropy. They formed lasting, personal relationships with scholarship recipients, welcoming alumni each year to gather, share experiences, and reflect on the transformative role of music in their lives and work. These gatherings, often described as family reunions, reflected the warmth, humility, and sincerity that defined Tom and Lucy’s approach to giving.

Tom Ott’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Music Therapy program and lives on through the many individuals whose lives have been touched by its graduates. The Cali School extends its heartfelt condolences to Lucy and the entire Ott family, with deep gratitude for their enduring partnership, generosity, and friendship.