Montclair State University Music Therapy

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Montclair State University Music Therapy

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Preparing music therapists since 1969 through musical, clinical, and academic study at Montclair State's John J. Cali School of Music.

https://tinyurl.com/MSUmusictherapy

09/18/2026

Welcome, to the groove maestro himself, Michael Kammers! Michael is graduate alumnus of John J. Cali School of Music. Michael will be teaching a section of MUTC 101: Computer Music and Technology this semester.

Michael earned his board certification after completing his music therapy internship at Nordoff Robbins Center at NYU . He is an active community musician who supports improvised music cultures throughout New York City, including through his longstanding role as bandleader of the legendary The MK Groove Orchestra.

With his combination of technical expertise, creative wisdom, and deep humanity, Michael will help Cali students think more expansively about music, technology, creativity, and community.

09/13/2026

Just one of several exciting projects and publications coming out of the Ott Lab John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University

09/11/2026

Celebrating our amazing faculty and support staff, and starting with the one and only Professor Amy Clarkson who has been with the Music Therapy Program for over 25 years! She serves as the pre-internship clinical coordinator and teaches courses were students learn to conceptualize and practice range of music therapy approaches and methods. She helps students grow their comfort and flexibility with keyboard accompaniment and improvisation. She serves as clinical site supervisor at the Ben Samuels Children’s Center on campus, and within her private practice. We love and appreciate Professor Amy Clarkson so much! Show her some love in the comments!!

09/10/2026

Off to a great start! Meeting with new students, faculty, and MTSO. We are thrilled to have Lonn joining us from the Netherlands ArtEZ Muziektherapie this month to observe and learn from each other. So many exciting projects and events coming up, so stay tuned!!

09/08/2026

Our graduate students come in with different clinical backgrounds and different questions they want to explore and focus on in their studies.

In this video, Dr. Brian Abrams, Director of the Graduate Program, and graduate student Hannah Stratton talk about Graduate Music Therapy John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University

Graduate students and alumni, what made you decide to pursue a graduate degree in music thearpy here at MSU?

John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The David Ott Lab for Music and Health

09/03/2026

One of the questions we hear most is "When do music therapy students begin working in clinical settings?"

In this video, Professor Amy Clarkson talks about beginning supervised clinical training and undergraduate student Gabriella Surace shares her experience.

Students and alumni, do you remember your first practicum? What surprised you most?
John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The David Ott Lab for Music and Health

09/01/2026

The first year as a music therapy major covers a lot and stays focused on learning core music competencies within John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University! It includes music courses, work on your primary instrument, learning new instruments, and your first Introduction to Music Therapy class that begin to show how all of it connects to music therapy.

This video gives a quick look at what new undergraduate students can expect during their first year at Montclair.

Current students and alumni, what do you wish you had known before your first semester?

John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The David Ott Lab for Music and Health

08/27/2026

Students do not all come into music therapy with the same music, background, or experiences, and we don’t want them to!

In this video, Professor Tara Davis and Dr. Michael Viega talk about diversity within the program, as well as the David Ott Lab for Music and Health, where students can research and explore recording, beatmaking, DJing, music production, and other digital music technologies.

If you had an afternoon in the Ott Lab, what would you want to make?

John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The David Ott Lab for Music and Health

08/26/2026

Attention Music Therapy Alumni! We are creating an alumni email list to share job postings, networking opportunities, program events, and other updates.

If you would like to be added, please email Dr. Michael Viega at [email protected]
John J. Cali School of Music MSU MTSO David Ott Lab at MSU
Image description: A red flyer with a large black speech bubble. Yellow and white text reads “Attention Cali School of Music: Music Therapy Alumni.” The flyer includes Dr. Viega’s email address and QR codes for the Montclair State University Music Therapy Instagram and pages.

08/25/2026

What is it actually like to be a music therapy student at Montclair?

In this video, undergraduate student (and current President of our Music Therapy Student Organization) Giana Pellegrini and members of our faculty talk about the student experience, the MTSO, and the community students build here.

Current students and alumni, what person or experience helped you feel connected to our program? Any memories of the MTSO that stand out to you?

John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The David Ott Lab for Music and Health

Address

1 Normal Ave
Montclair, NJ
07043

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