John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University

John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University A music education that elevates your future.

The Cali School nurtures creative exploration and the development of nearly 450 students. It presents over 250 performances and masterclasses each year by students, faculty, guest artists, and the eminent Shanghai Quartet, whose members have been artists-in-residence since 2002. The Cali School makes its home in a 1928 building near the entrance of campus that was renovated and expanded in 2009. I

t provides Steinway pianos throughout its classroom and rehearsal spaces and in the 235-seat Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall, where solo and small ensembles perform. Large ensembles and opera productions take place in the Alexander Kasser Theater nearby. Please explore the website, montclair.edu/music, for details about our programs and the admissions process.

Cali students Thomas Chin, Basil Blasa and Emmett Miller caught Cali faculty member Benjamin Baron performing in Bryant ...
05/12/2026

Cali students Thomas Chin, Basil Blasa and Emmett Miller caught Cali faculty member Benjamin Baron performing in Bryant Park with the American Symphony Orchestra chamber group, led by percussionist and composer Javier Diaz, who also happens to be married to our own oboe faculty member Toyin Spellman-Diaz.

The free program, “Afrocubanismo: African Music and Modernity in Cuba”, is part of Diaz’s Contrapunto Musical series, exploring the deep musical connections between Cuba and the United States through chamber music, Afro-Cuban traditions and contemporary concert music.

There’s one more chance to hear this fantastic program:

Tuesday, May 12
5:30 p.m.
Bryant Park Upper Terrace
Free!

Stop by for an after-work concert in the park.

A new generation of musicians celebrates America’s musical legacy at Trinity Church NYC.On Tuesday, June 2, Cali School ...
05/12/2026

A new generation of musicians celebrates America’s musical legacy at Trinity Church NYC.

On Tuesday, June 2, Cali School of Music brass musicians join forces with NOVUS NY and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS for Music at 250: American Legacy, a special free concert presented as part of Trinity’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Featuring works by Mary Lou Williams, Margaret Bonds, Florence Price, and Sawney Freeman, the program honors voices that helped shape American music while spotlighting the artists carrying that story forward.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Trinity Church Wall Street, NYC
Free admission

Learn more at https://bit.ly/trinity-250

Cali at the Met Gala.Professor of Harp Kathryn Andrews performed at the 2026 Met Gala last Monday as part of a six-harp ...
05/11/2026

Cali at the Met Gala.

Professor of Harp Kathryn Andrews performed at the 2026 Met Gala last Monday as part of a six-harp ensemble for the evening’s performance.

Kathryn is pictured second from the left in this Vogue photo by Poupay Jutharat, and yes, casually rubbing elbows with A-list stars including Heidi Klum, Marcello Hernandez, Janelle Monáe, Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny.

A pretty incredible stage for one of our own. Congratulations, Kathryn!

Photo credit: Vogue / Poupay Jutharat

Congratulations to Karen Driscoll, Head of Artistic Operations/Opera and Assistant Teaching Professor of Voice at the Ca...
05/05/2026

Congratulations to Karen Driscoll, Head of Artistic Operations/Opera and Assistant Teaching Professor of Voice at the Cali School of Music, on receiving Montclair State University’s 2026 Teaching Faculty Award.

Karen was recognized at the May Faculty Showcase for her innovative teaching, her commitment to student learning and belonging, and the care she brings to mentoring the next generation of artists. She has strengthened the Opera program at the Cali School in so many ways, and this honor comes hot off the heels of two successful Opera Workshop productions this weekend!

Brava, Karen! A well-deserved honor.

Cali Pathways students take the stage for two Spring Showcase performances, sharing the talent, progress, and joy they’v...
05/05/2026

Cali Pathways students take the stage for two Spring Showcase performances, sharing the talent, progress, and joy they’ve built throughout the year.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of young musicians.

Friday, May 8 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 | 4 p.m.
Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall

Learn more: montclair.edu/music/pathways

Summer Strings Chamber Music Camp returns August 17-22, 2026.Open to intermediate and advanced string students entering ...
05/04/2026

Summer Strings Chamber Music Camp returns August 17-22, 2026.

Open to intermediate and advanced string students entering grades 8-12 in Fall 2026, plus recent high school graduates. No previous chamber music experience required.

Students will spend the week building chamber music skills through coachings, masterclasses, seminars, and demonstrations with Cali School faculty, ending with a final public concert on Saturday, August 22 at 11 AM.

Tuition is $390. Registration deadline is May 31.

Register: bit.ly/summer-strings-2026
Learn more: montclair.edu/music/summer-strings

Montclair State University Chorale earned a glowing review for its recent collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony o...
04/30/2026

Montclair State University Chorale earned a glowing review for its recent collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony of their Mozart’s Requiem performance.

The reviewed concert took place April 16 at NJPAC in Newark, with additional performances on April 18 at NJPAC and April 19 at State Theatre New Jersey.

NJArts.net reviewer Courtney Smith praised the performance for its “clarity and balance” and later shared with New Jersey Symphony staff that it was “outstanding” and “the best Mozart Requiem I’ve heard.” (!!!)

Congratulations to the University Chorale, directed by Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, and to everyone involved in this powerful collaboration.

Read the full review at the link in bio:
https://bit.ly/MSUChoraleReview

Photo: Rob Davidson

It’s time for another Faculty Spotlight Post. This Tuesday, we will be covering one of our adjunct professors in Tuba, C...
04/28/2026

It’s time for another Faculty Spotlight Post. This Tuesday, we will be covering one of our adjunct professors in Tuba, Chris Hall!

Professor Chris Hall started as the Principal Tuba in the Metropolitan Orchestra from 1996 until his retirement in 2024. Before his work with the Met, he served as a freelance musician in the area of Chicago, performing in several places, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, as well as the St. Louis Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Hall won two international solo competitions throughout the 1990’s which cemented his legacy as an outstanding soloist. 

Professor Hall was given the opportunity to contribute on John Williams’ compositions for “Saving Private Ryan,” having his precise technical skills and overall musicianship be showcased on the piece “Hymn to the Fallen”. He contributed as well on Charles Wourinen’s new piece “Never Again The Same” in 2006 for both voice (bass) and tuba. This same piece was recorded for Wourinen’s first CD release. As well as teaching at the Cali School, he maintains a private studio where he cultivates the next generation of brass players.

We will be covering a new faculty member every Tuesday! Stay tuned!

Course Alert 🚨 “What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body”This August, the Cali School of Music presents an inten...
04/27/2026

Course Alert 🚨

“What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body”

This August, the Cali School of Music presents an intensive week-long Body Mapping course for music educators and performers at all stages of their careers.

Led by Dr. Heather J. Buchanan, Licensed Body Mapping Educator, this course explores intentional movement, practical anatomy, self-awareness, and efficient dynamic movement to help musicians prevent injury, support wellness, and make music with greater freedom.

August 17–21, 2026
8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Montclair State University
Chapin Hall G55

Professional Development Certificate available: 35 hours

Registration:
Adults: $750
MSU/Cali Alumni: $675
Students 18+: $600

$200 deposit due June 29. Balance due July 17.

Register at bit.ly/body-mapping-summer-intensive

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Last call to nominate a young musician for Cali Pathways.The deadline to nominate a student for the 2026–27 Cali Pathway...
04/27/2026

Last call to nominate a young musician for Cali Pathways.

The deadline to nominate a student for the 2026–27 Cali Pathways Project is May 4.

This program supports talented, driven students in grades 8–12 from under-resourced backgrounds with lessons, mentoring, performance opportunities, college prep, and more.

Pathways students go on to top conservatories, win major awards, and perform on national stages. We’re proud of what they’re building and who they’re becoming.

Help us find the next group of artists ready to grow.

Nominate a student. Support the future of music.

Hear Pathways students live
May 8, 7:30 PM
May 10, 4 PM
Leshowitz Recital Hall

Learn more, nominate, or donate at the link in bio.
https://www.montclair.edu/music/pathways/

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