Welcome!
We’re so glad you want to know more about the 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.
Campus Visits
- For university tours, open houses and admissions counseling, see Montclair State University Admissions.
- For individual visits to the Cali School, 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. Experience what it is like to be a music major in the Cali School of Music. Request a Visit Day and let us plan a day that is meaningful for you!
On Campus Events by Area
Below find events that are happening on campus this semester. We hope to see you soon!
Spring 2026
BRASS NIGHTS
Cali School brass students present a lively and varied program of solo works.
Contact Brass Coordinator Micah Killion with any questions at killionm@montclair.edu
Brass Night 1
February 18, at 8PM
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall, Cali School of Music
Brass Night 2
March 31, at 8PM
Room G55, Chapin Hall, Cali School of Music
03/21/2026 Sat 12:00 PM
Choral Showcase #Inspired! Workshops
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University
Saturday, March 21, 2026 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
#INSPIRED! Choral Showcase & Immersive Residency Concert
Dr. Anton Armstrong & Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, conductors; Greg Stout, accompanist
Celebrating the transformative and unifying force of choral music. Featuring Cali Immersive Residency guest conductor Dr. Anton Armstrong and 5 choirs: Vocal Accord, University Singers, two HS choir showcase artists – Hillsborough HS Chamber Singers (Ashley Mathews, conductor) and TBA. Culminating in a massed choir performing music by Susan LaBarr, André Thomas, and Rollo Dilworth.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
Vocal Accord, University Singers & Orchestra Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan and Kyle Ritenauer, conductors; Greg Stout, accompanist
Illuminating the theme Sky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within Me through diverse choral music that speaks to our aspirations and limitless potential, need for connection and community, and expression of passion and purpose.
Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) for information about upcoming events
October 22, 2025
Urban Music Teacher Professional Developmnet
Join us for an inspiring day of professional development tailored for urban music educators. Led by experts in music education, this session offers practical strategies, fresh resources, and creative approaches to energize your teaching and engage diverse student communities.
January 12, 2026, 9am-3pm
Cali School of Music
Professional Development for Music Educators (Limited to 60 teachers)
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
The John J. Cali School of Music invites educators to a dynamic professional development day designed to spark innovation in the classroom. Gain actionable insights, network with fellow teachers, and explore new methods to elevate your music program.
Facilitators:
Whitney Covalle
Thomas McCauley
Laura Montanari
Bryan Powell
Marissa Silverman
Register: https://forms.gle/Pkssr7hXTR4iT3xy8
Fridaym March 20, 2026
Choral/Music Education Professional Development featuring Dr. Anton Armstrong
Cost: $20
A day of exploration and inspiration for choral directors, aspiring choral music educators, and community/church choristers via interactive workshops:
- Understanding and Performing African American Spirituals
- Body – Mind – Spirit – Voice: Our Calling as Arts Educators in the 21st Century.
- Music (yours to keep) and boxed lunch provided
- Register via https://forms.gle/rCV4jXqwjFE86HyD7
(RSVP: January 26, 2026, or until places are filled). - Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) with questions.
- Paid parking in Red Hawk Deck, adjacent to Chapin Hall
- Co-hosted by Montclair State ACDA chapter
Contact Marissa Silverman for information about upcoming events.
03/04/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Composition Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Aaron Helgeson for information about upcoming events.
March 30, 2026 | 4-6 pm
Music Therapy Day
Remote Open House via Zoom
Details to come
Learn More about the Music Therapy Program or ask for further information, by contacting Dr. Brian Abrams.
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauley for information about upcoming events.
Contact Oscar Perez for information about upcoming events.
Sunday, March 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm Ticket link to come
University Symphony Orchestra Concert
Kyle Ritenauer, conductor
Join the University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 8pm Ticket link to come
Vocal Accord, University Singers & Orchestra Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan and Kyle Ritenauer, conductors; Greg Stout, accompanist
Illuminating the theme Sky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within Me through diverse choral music that speaks to our aspirations and limitless potential, need for connection and community, and expression of passion and purpose.
Contact Kyle Ritenauer for information about upcoming events.
2/25/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Piano Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact David Witten for information about upcoming events.
Contact Bryan Powell for information about upcoming events.
02/18/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Strings Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/14/2026 Tue 8:00 PM
Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/15/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
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
Contact Kathryn Lockwood for information about upcoming events.
04/01/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Voice Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Lori McCann or Beth Roberts for information about upcoming events.
Double Reed Day 2026
Sunday, February 22, 2026
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
John J. Cali School of Music, Montclair State University
The John J. Cali School of Music invites oboists, bassoonists, students, educators, and community members to Double Reed Day 2026, a full-day celebration of double reed performance, pedagogy, and community.
This free, immersive event features masterclasses, ensemble rehearsal, vendor exhibits, instrument repair services, and a culminating concert, with special guest artists Robert Wagner (bassoon) and James Austin Smith (oboe).
Guest Artists
Robert Wagner, bassoon
James Austin Smith, oboe
Montclair State University Cali School of Music
Faculty & Artists
Alexander Davis
Harry Searing
Lillian Copeland
Toyin Spellman-Diaz
Schedule Highlights
9:00–9:30 AM – Registration
9:30–10:00 AM – Convocation
10:00–11:50 AM – Montclair Faculty Masterclass
12:00–1:20 PM – Lunch Break & Vendor Shopping
1:30–2:50 PM – Guest Masterclasses, Bassoon: Robert Wagner, Oboe: James Austin Smith
3:00–3:50 PM – Double Reed Ensemble Rehearsal (Participants)
4:00–5:00 PM – Culmination Concert
Vendors & Repair
O. DiBella Music / Woodwind Workshop (instrument repair)
Reeds n’ Stuff
Laubin Oboe
Woodwind Workshop
Miller Marketing
Registration is required:
https://bit.ly/double-reed-day-2026
Free and open to the public. Food will be provided.
Sponsors: FOX Products
Presented by: John J. Cali School of Music, Montclair State University
03/25/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Woodwinds Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
04/15/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Chamber Music Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Benjamin Barron for information about upcoming events.
3D Tour of the Cali School of Music’s Chapin Hall
Concerts
Every year in October, the Cali School celebrates the opening of the school year by presenting Kaleidoscope concerts, where our student and faculty soloists, chamber groups and large ensembles perform. We also present more than 300 daytime and evening concerts and masterclasses by students, faculty and guest artists throughout the year. See Concerts and Events for the most up-to-date listings.