John J. Cali School of Music
About Cali
At the John J. Cali School of Music, exceptional artists, educators, scholars, students, and guest performers come together in a community defined by creativity, ambition, and care. Music moves through every part of Cali life, from private studios and rehearsal rooms to major performances, interdisciplinary collaborations, community partnerships, and stages far beyond campus. Here, students grow alongside dedicated faculty and internationally recognized artists, developing the artistry, confidence, and imagination to build meaningful lives in music and contribute to its future.
Areas of Study
Performance Areas
Music Education
Music Therapy
Jazz Studies
Recording Arts and Production
Composition and Music Theory
Who we are
The John J. Cali School of Music is a professional music school with the energy of a creative community. We prepare students to become thoughtful artists, skilled performers, inspiring educators, innovative scholars, and adaptable leaders in a changing musical world.
At Cali, rigorous training is paired with close mentorship, frequent performance opportunities, and meaningful collaboration across disciplines and traditions. Students are challenged to deepen their craft, expand their perspective, and discover the kind of musical life they want to build. Whether in the classroom, studio, rehearsal room, lab, or on stage, Cali students are supported as they find their voice and prepare for lives of purpose, artistry, and impact.
2026-27 Cali Artist-in-Residence: Gabriel Kahane
Composer, singer-songwriter, conductor, and theater artist Gabriel Kahane joins Cali as the 2026–27 Artist-in-Residence. Known for crossing boundaries between classical music, songwriting, and theater, Kahane brings a distinctive and wide-ranging artistic voice to the Cali community through performances, conversations, and student collaborations.
Cali School of Music Events
Cali Midweek Series: Meet Gabriel Kahane - Cali 2026-27 Artist-in-Residence
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- Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall
Important Links
Faculty and Staff Directory
Faculty and Staff Resources
Current Student Resources
Performance and Academic Area Information
Cali Events and Livestream
Academic Operations
Performing Ensembles
Performance is at the heart of the Cali School experience. Across every program, students have regular opportunities to perform, collaborate, and grow as artists. Each year, Cali presents more than 300 concerts, recitals, masterclasses, and special events featuring students, faculty, ensembles, and guest artists.
Students perform in many settings, from solo and chamber recitals to jazz combos, opera productions, choirs, orchestras, bands, percussion ensembles, contemporary music projects, and large collaborative concerts. Annual events such as Kaleidoscope bring together soloists and ensembles of all sizes in performances that span many styles and traditions.
Large ensemble and opera performances are held in the Alexander Kasser Theater, while solo recitals, jazz performances, chamber music, guest artist events, and other Cali concerts take place in the Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall and performance spaces across campus.
Cali Facilities Information
Find essential information about visiting and using Cali School of Music facilities, including directions and parking, building access and hours, Chapin Hall policies, practice rooms, performance spaces, technology resources and general building procedures. This section also includes details about Chapin Hall rentals, instrument and equipment checkout, maintenance requests, lost and found, University closings and policies that help keep Cali’s spaces safe, accessible and available to the community.
Donate to Cali
The John J. Cali School of Music wouldn’t be the shining pillar of academic and musical excellence without the support of our friends and donors.
Become part of a legacy that will provide enrichment for future generations.
There are many ways to give. Here are the funds we are most passionate about.
Special Programs Links
Artist Vision Project
Cali Collective Ensemble
Cali Pathways Project
Graduate Quartet Residency
Stokes Music Camp
Summer Strings Camp
Cali School of Music News
“Studying music in an environment that values creativity has made me a stronger musician. The Cali School feels like a second home, and being surrounded by friends who support you makes a real difference.”
— Ryan Branco ’25, Music Education Major, Trumpet
Questions?
- 973-655-7212
- 1 Normal Ave, Chapin Hall