Conducting

At Montclair’s Cali School of Music, undergraduate conducting students have an opportunity to develop the basic skills of conducting and ensemble leadership in our Basic Conducting courses, and music education students have the opportunity to continue exploring the art of conducting through our Conducting for Music Educators course. 

The Cali School of Music offers three separate conducting tracks for graduate students accepted into the program: Choral, Orchestral, and Wind Band. Guided separately by the Director of University Bands, Director of Orchestral Studies, and Director of Choral Activities, each of the different tracks are designed to provide students distinct and area-specific growth opportunities that can include conducting large ensembles in concert settings, taking private lessons, observing rehearsals, and exploring repertoire and programming possibilities.With access to a vibrant performance community, graduate conducting students learn how to communicate musical ideas, lead rehearsals, and support the growth of the musicians around them. The result is a rigorous, supportive environment where students build the technical skills, interpretive insight, and collaborative spirit essential to life as a conductor.