Music

BMUSMajor

Students practice during Jazz band class.

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree is designed for students who are passionate about performance, education, and the art of music. As a BMus student, you’ll study with internationally recognized faculty who perform with some of the world’s leading ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. Their expertise and professional connections provide you with access to vibrant music communities in New York City and beyond.

In the BMus program, you’ll refine your artistry on your primary instrument or voice, participate in chamber and ensemble concerts and present two individual recitals. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors who support your artistic and technical growth, preparing you for careers as performers, educators and scholars—or for graduate study in music and teaching.

Program Highlights

  • Concentrations in Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Performance, School and Community Settings, and the Music/Teaching P–12 (M.A.T.) Combined Program
  • Individual recitals plus chamber music and ensemble opportunities
  • Faculty with international performance and teaching experience
  • Proximity to New York City’s world-class music scene

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Composition

The BMus in Music Composition prepares you to develop your unique artistic voice while building the skills to succeed as a professional composer or arranger. You’ll study orchestration, counterpoint, electronic music, and analysis while creating original works performed in recitals and masterclasses. With mentorship from faculty composers, you’ll gain the foundation to pursue graduate study or a career in film scoring, arranging and concert music or to pursue graduate studies in Composition.

See the curriculum.

Jazz Studies

The Jazz Studies Concentration provides creative and innovative training in all styles of jazz for undergraduate students who wish to become jazz professionals. It honors the traditions of jazz while preparing you for today’s professional world. You’ll learn improvisation, theory, arranging and performance from acclaimed faculty and guest artists. With opportunities like Montclair’s Immersive Residency Program and partnerships with Jazz at Lincoln Center, you’ll be ready to contribute to the growth and future of this art form.

See the curriculum.

Performance

The Performance Concentration focuses on the mastery of technical skills, broad solo and ensemble experience and the nurturing of artistic growth to help students reach their full potential. This concentration covers Instrumental, Keyboard and Voice.

See the curriculum.

School and Community Settings

The School and Community Settings Concentration prepares you to teach in private schools or enter other music or non-music related fields. This concentration is ideal for students seeking careers in arts organizations, nonprofit work or informal teaching-learning environments. It does not lead to certification for teaching in the New Jersey public schools.

See the curriculum.

Combined Bachelor of Music (BMus) and Master of Arts (MAT)

This five-year combined program allows you to earn both your BM and Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with P–12 certification. You’ll gain advanced training in music making and pedagogy while completing coursework and fieldwork in education. This accelerated pathway prepares you for a teaching career with the added advantage of graduate-level expertise and credentials. It also offers you the opportunity to combine study for a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with advanced study for the Master of Arts in Teaching, leading to certification for teaching music and students with disabilities.

See the curriculum.

Application Requirements

All applicants must complete both an application and an audition (or portfolio/interview, depending on program). Please review the detailed audition requirements and repertoire requirements thoroughly and carefully to avoid delays.

Step 1
Submit an application

Freshman & Transfer Applicants: apply through Undergraduate Admissions.

Current Montclair Students (Change of Major): No new university application required.
Email Coordinator of Music Admissions, Linsay Setzer (setzerl@montclair.edu) with:

  • Full name
  • Instrument/voice
  • Desired concentration
  • Complete the audition registration form.
  • Submit a short statement of purpose.
  • Audition in person (no video submissions).
Step 2
Prepare Requirements and Repertoire

Composition Concentration

  • Audition on primary instrument/voice.
  • Interview with faculty.
  • Portfolio: at least 3 original works (scores/recordings).

Jazz Studies Concentration

  • Audition on primary instrument/voice.
  • No interview required.

Music Education and School & Community Settings Concentrations

  • Audition on primary instrument/voice.
  • Interview with Music Education faculty.
  • Jazz+Education (BMus): follow jazz repertoire; select “School & Community Settings” on application.

Performance Concentration

  • Audition on a primary instrument/voice.
  • No interview or portfolio required.

Review detailed repertoire requirements.

Step 3
Register for an Audition
  • Registration opens once your application is submitted
  • Access the audition registration form through your portal
  • $35 non-refundable fee required
  • Choose one audition date and one audition method:
    • Live Audition (on campus) – you select the date, faculty assign your time.
    • Video Audition – upload required repertoire as links; interviews scheduled via Zoom if needed.

Review detailed audition requirements.

Step 4
Prepare Your Audition

Live Auditions

  • Bring spare copies of music.
  • Vocalists: repertoire memorized; bring binder/tablet for accompanist.
  • Dress comfortably but presentably.
  • Light snacks and water provided.

Video Auditions

  • Record in a quiet, well-lit space.
  • Introduce each piece.
  • Ensure clear audio balance.
  • Frame correctly (vocalists: waist-up; instrumentalists: face, hands and instrument visible).
  • Submit as one playlist or folder via YouTube or Google Drive.

Audition Dates & Deadlines

  • Feb 7, 2026 – Live & Video. Deadline: Jan 18
  • Feb 14, 2026 – Live & Video. Deadline: Jan 26
  • Mar 28, 2026 – Live & Video. Deadline: Mar 8

Applicants are scheduled for a short time slot within each audition day. Keep the date free until your schedule is confirmed.

Related Programs

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

John J. Cali School of Music

The John J. Cali School of Music is a comprehensive, professional school of music centered on preparing the creative leaders of tomorrow. The school is dedicated to a premier artistic and academic education offering exceptional conservatory-level training in best-in-class facilities.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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