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, call 973-655-7610.
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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!
Brass Night 1
02/28/2025 Fri 8:00 PM
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
March 26, 2025
Cali Midweek: Brass + Woodwinds Studio Recitals
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Brass Night 2
04/03/2025 Thu 8:00 PM
Room 201, FREE
Contact Brass Coordinator Ray Riccomini with any questions at riccominir@montclair.edu
University Wind Symphony and the New Rochelle High School Wind Ensemble
Thomas McCauley and Scott Byers, Conductors
Friday, March 21 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Scott Byers and the New Rochelle High School Wind Ensemble join the University Wind Symphony and Dr. Thomas McCauley in a shared concert program that will feature the 2024-2025 Montclair State University Wind Symphony Concerto Competition winner.
University Symphonic Band and Campus Band
Thomas McCauley and Theodora Sotiropoulos, Conductors
Tuesday, April 22 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Join the Montclair State University Symphonic Band and Campus Band as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
University Wind Symphony
“Dance Like Nobody’s Watching”
Thomas McCauley, Conductor
Friday, April 25 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Join us for an evening of band dancing as the University Wind Symphony provides some unique perspectives on the music of J.S. Bach, Arturo Marquez, John Mackey, Jake Runestad, Gunther Schuller, and more.
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauley for information about upcoming events.
Choral Showcase #Inspired!
Vocal Accord, University Singers + Guest Choirs: Princeton Girl Choir Ensemble & Nutley HS Chamber Choir
Heather J. Buchanan, Conductor;
Steven W. Ryan, Accompanist
Sunday, March 23 @ 3:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Celebrating the unique and powerful artistic community created through choral singing, #Inspired! Welcomes guest artists: Princeton Girl Choir Ensemble, Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins, conductor, and the Nutley High School Chamber Singers, Stephone Gaines ‘15 conductor. Choral performances by collegiate and high school musicians showcasing a diversity of styles and genres in a concert that will elevate your spirit.
Spring Choral Concert
Celebrating the Music of Jake Runestad
Vocal Accord, University Singers, Chorale
Heather J. Buchanan, Conductor;
Steven W. Ryan, Accompanist
Friday, April 25 @ 11:30 AM (HS Choral Concert)
Saturday, April 26 @ 8:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Jake Runestad’s compositions are driven by the power of music for positive change. Please join us for a special celebration of selected choral repertoire by the EMMY-winning and GRAMMY-nominated American composer and conductor for this 2024-25 season, culminating in Cali Immersive Residency.
Contact Dr. Heather J. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu) for information about upcoming events
Contact Marissa Silverman for information about upcoming events.
March 5, 2025
Cali Midweek: Cali Composers Studio Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Contact Aaron Helgeson for information about upcoming events.
MUSIC THERAPY DAY
MONDAY MARCH 17, 2025
9:00am – 9:30am Greetings and Orientation to Montclair State University and The John J. Cali School of Music
9:30am – 10:00am An Introduction and Overview of the Music Therapy Profession
10:00am – 10:30am Video Examples of Music Therapy in Action
10:30am – 11:15am The Music Therapy Programs at Montclair State/Questions-and-Answers
11:15am – 11:45am Tour of Cali School of Music and Wrap-Up
Please register in advance for Music Therapy Day, Monday, March 17, 2025
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.
University Jazz Ensemble
Oscar Perez, Director
Thursday, March 20 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
The University Jazz Ensemble plays the repertoire of the great jazz masters as well as modern arrangements and contemporary music.
University Jazz Ensemble
Oscar Perez, Director
Sunday, April 27 @ 3:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
The University Jazz Ensemble plays the repertoire of the great jazz masters as well as modern arrangements and contemporary music.
Contact Oscar Perez for information about upcoming events.
Montclair State University
Mainstage Opera & University
Symphony Orchestra presents
La Calisto
Francesco Cavalli, Composer
Rebecca Jo Loeb, Director
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
Saturday, February 1 @ 8:00 PM Tickets
Sunday, February 2 @ 3:00 PM Tickets
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Cavalli’s poignant and ruckus opera begins in the heavens when we learn that a young, beautiful nymph, Calisto, has the chance to become immortalized as a constellation among the stars. Her story of being pursued by Zeus himself, devastated by the Goddess Diana, and finding herself in the middle of the follies and heartbreaks of an amusing cast of mythological creatures and star crossed lovers leads her down a path of ultimate humiliation and destruction. Will she find her way to the stars, or will she be cursed to live among the vengeful Gods in a beastly form?
Contact Karen Driscoll for information about upcoming events.
More information about the Cali School of Music Opera Program.
University Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 (Choral)
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
Heather J. Buchanan, Conductor;
Saturday, March 22 @ 8:00 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of this epic masterwork, the Chorale (Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, conductor) is honored to collaborate with the Montclair State Symphony Orchestra (Kyle Ritendauer, conductor), performing Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9 under the baton of Kyle Ritenauer. Featuring graduate student and alumni soloists – TBA.
University Symphony Orchestra
Kyle Ritenauer, Conductor
Wednesday, April 23 @ 7:30 PM
Alexander Kasser Theater
$20 Standard | $15 Seniors
Tickets
Join the Montclair State University Symphony Orchestra for another concert of wonderful music featuring the winner of this year’s concerto competition.
Contact Kyle Ritenauer for information about upcoming events.
February 26, 2025
Cali Midweek: Piano + Guitar Studio Recitals
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Contact David Witten for information about upcoming events.
February 12, 2025
Cali Midweek: Percussion Studio Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Contact Bryan Powell for information about upcoming events.
March 19, 2025
Cali Midweek: Strings + Voice Studio Recitals
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
April 16, 2025
Cali Midweek Series: Chamber Music Studio Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
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.
Contact Lori McCann for information about upcoming events.
March 19, 2025
Cali Midweek: Strings + Voice Studio Recitals
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 5pm
Graduate Voice Night
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Friday, March 28, 2025, 5pm
Undergraduate Voice Night
Westminster Hall Room 110, Bloomfield College
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 8pm
Woodwind Night
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 2pm
Cali Midweek: Brass + Woodwinds Studio Recitals
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
FREE
03/23/2025 Sun 11:30 AM
Flute Day
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
The Cali School of Music in partnership with the New Jersey Flute Society will host a masterclass given by Dr. Tanya Witek, MSU flute faculty member since 2008. The class will include performances by four young flutists and will conclude with a reading of a new antiphonal flute choir piece for flutists of all levels (a flash mob of sorts) composed by Beata Moon and commissioned by BridgeMusik.
FREE
03/23/2025 Sun 11:30 AM
Flute Night
Room 201 Chapin Hall
Students and ensembles from the Montclair State University flute studio perform works by composers including Bozza, Coleman, Hindemith, Reinecke, and much more.
FREE
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.