Welcome!
We’re so glad you want to know more about the Cali School of Music.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýJohn J. Cali School of MusicÌýis 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 inÌýperformance, jazz studies, composition, music education, recording arts + production,Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýmusic therapy, studying with world-class musicians dedicated to their artistic and personal growth. The school offersÌýBachelor of Music (BMus), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Music (MM),Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýMaster of Arts (MA)Ìý»å±ð²µ°ù±ð±ð²õ.
Campus Visits
- For university tours, open houses and admissions counseling, seeÌý.
- For individual visits to the Cali School, Request a Visit Day
A great way to learn more about the Cali School of Music at ÌÇÐÄvlog is to experience it for yourself.Ìý We invite you to spend time with us and meet students, faculty and staff as well as participate in classes and ensembles.Ìý Experience what it is like to be a music major in the Cali School of Music.Ìý Ìýand 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! WorkshopsÌý
Alexander Kasser Theater, ÌÇÐÄvlog
Saturday, March 21, 2026 @ 8pmÌýTicket link to come
#INSPIRED! Choral Showcase & Immersive Residency Concert
Dr. Anton Armstrong & Dr. Heather J. Buchanan,Ìýconductors; Greg Stout,Ìýaccompanist
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 @ 8pmÌýTicket link to come
Vocal Accord, University Singers & Orchestra Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan and Kyle Ritenauer,Ìýconductors; Greg Stout,Ìýaccompanist
Illuminating the themeÌýSky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within MeÌýthrough 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:
Friday, 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 21stÌý°ä±ð²Ô³Ù³Ü°ù²â.
- Music (yours to keep) and boxed lunch provided
- Register ±¹¾±²¹Ìý
(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
Ìý
Contact Marissa SilvermanÌýfor information about upcoming events.
03/04/2026 Wed 2:00 PM
Cali Midweek: Composition Recital
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Contact Aaron HelgesonÌýfor information about upcoming events.
Music Therapy Day / Open House — Spring 2026
March 30th, 2026, 4pm-6pm, via Zoom
Please join us for an overview of our Undergraduate and Graduate Music Therapy programs, with an opportunity to talk with/ask questions of the Music Therapy Faculty!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Learn More about the Music Therapy Program or ask for further information, by contacting Dr. Brian Abrams.
Contact Dr. Thomas McCauleyÌýfor information about upcoming events.
Contact Oscar PerezÌýfor information about upcoming events.
Sunday, March 22, 2026 @ 7:30pmÌýTicket link to come
University Symphony Orchestra ConcertÌý
Kyle Ritenauer,Ìýconductor
Join the University Symphony Orchestra as they present an eclectic and entertaining evening of music.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 8pmÌýTicket link to come
Vocal Accord, University Singers & Orchestra Concert
Dr. Heather J. Buchanan and Kyle Ritenauer,Ìýconductors; Greg Stout,Ìýaccompanist
Illuminating the themeÌýSky Above Me – Earth Below Me – Fire Within MeÌýthrough 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 WittenÌýfor information about upcoming events.
Contact Bryan PowellÌýfor 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.Ìý It was a dream come true for me.Ìý I come from rock n’roll and started with the guitar.Ìý When I first heard Kronos play Purple Haze, it blew my mind.Ìý To be able to play with Kronos on stage at Merkin Hall was something out of a story book.Ìýâ€
—Randy León,ÌýMM. 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. â€
—Daniella Renteria,ÌýBM 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 for information about upcoming events.
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 facultyÌýsoloists, 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. SeeÌýConcerts and EventsÌýfor the most up-to-date listings.