Program Overview

Performance, Master of Music

The Master of Music at Montclair State University's John J. Cali School of Music is designed to help students refine their artistry and prepare for a successful career in the music world. As a student in the MM program, you will receive advanced training designed to support your unique goals as a performer, conductor, or collaborative pianist.

Program Highlights

• Learn from distinguished faculty who are active performers, composers, and conductors
• Perform in professional-level ensembles and productions
• Access career opportunities in nearby New York City

Areas of Concentration

• Collaborative Keyboard
• Conducting (Band or Choral or Orchestral)
• Instrumental
• Jazz Studies
• Keyboard
• Vocal
• Woodwind Doubling

Program Format

The program is offered in-person.

Start Date

The start date for the program is January 2026.

College or School

The program is offered through the College of the Arts; John J. Cali School of Music.

Area of Study

The area of study is Arts, Culture, and Design.

Concentrations Offered

The concentrations offered include:

• Collaborative Keyboard
• Conducting
• Instrumental
• Jazz Studies
• Keyboard
• Vocal
• Woodwind Doubling

Explore Our Concentrations

The Master of Music program allows you to choose from several concentrations, including Collaborative Keyboard, Conducting, Instrumental, Jazz Studies, Keyboard, Vocal, and Woodwind Doubling.

Collaborative Keyboard

The Collaborative Keyboard Concentration provides similar training to the Master of Music degree in Keyboard Performance at the Cali School of Music. As a student, you may choose to specialize in one of two tracks working with vocalists or in instrumental chamber music groups. The curriculum will be tailored to your particular interests and needs.

Conducting - Band or Choral or Orchestral

The MM in Performance Concentration in Conducting program is specifically designed to meet the individual needs of the busy graduate student. Students can choose from three different tracks: Choral, Orchestral, or Wind Band conducting. Each track has a variety of electives from which to choose based on a student's individual needs and interests.

Jazz Studies

Discover your tune in jazz while learning from world-class artists and building the skills to shape the future of this vibrant art form. At Montclair State University, the Jazz Studies concentration celebrates jazz's rich history while preparing you to thrive as a performer, educator, or scholar in today's music industry.

Instrumental

Rooted in the pursuit of mastery, the Master of Music Instrumental Concentration is designed to develop the technical proficiency and artistic expression for aspiring professional musicians. The curriculum in this concentration has been specially cultivated to nurture musical personalities and foster curiosity through courses such as musical style and analysis, performance entrepreneurship, practicums, and private lessons.

Keyboard

The Keyboard Concentration at the Cali School of Music is a two-year graduate program that offers advanced training in performance and also includes important aspects of piano pedagogy and music history. The curriculum includes two full recitals, one of which may include chamber music or a concerto.

Vocal

The Master of Music In Vocal Performance is one of the Cali School's most sought-after graduate performance programs, gaining interest from students around the world. The Vocal Performance program includes ample performance opportunities, advanced study in vocal literature, as well as private vocal lessons and coaching with internationally recognized faculty.

Vocal Performance + Pedagogy

The MM in Vocal Performance with a dual focus on Performance and Pedagogy at Montclair State University's John J. Cali School of Music prepares singers to excel as both performers and educators in today's competitive music world. This unique program combines extensive performance opportunities with in-depth study of both classical and contemporary vocal pedagogy.

Woodwind Doubling

The Master of Music in Performance Woodwind Doubling at Montclair State University prepares versatile, in-demand musicians for careers on stage and in the classroom in the 21st Century. Students study four instrumentsone primary, one secondary major, and two secondary minorsunder the guidance of world-class faculty.

Admissions and Audition Requirements

All music applicants must complete an audition for the Cali School of Music. Your audition may consist of one or more of the following: a formal audition, an interview, a portfolio submission. The combination differs for each program.

Related Programs

• Music MA Master's