



Why Caldwell for Music?
See what some of our recent graduates have to say about our music programs.

Sara Goodman Iannelli, ’10, Music Education major
Sara graduated in 2010 with a BA in Music Education. She received an MA in Music Education from Montclair State University in 2020 and is now pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Social Justice Education from UMass Amherst which she will finish in 2023. She is the instrumental music teacher for grades 4-6 in Bloomfield, NJ. She received the Kappa Delta Epsilon National Honor Society.
“I transferred to Caldwell from West Chester University, a large state school in PA. Although WCU is known for music and marching band, its large size and high-pressured music conservatory were not a good fit for me. I knew I belonged at a smaller, private university where I could thrive under the guidance of professors who took the time to know me as a person, and not my student ID number. Caldwell did exactly that. As an undergraduate flutist at CU I played the most challenging flute pieces I´ve ever learned. Professor Vega knew my strengths and challenged me to be the best version of myself. It was under her guidance and encouragement that I started teaching private flute lessons myself. The lifelong mentorship and collaboration that the Caldwell professors and alumni have are incomparable.”

Cara Pernas, ’10, Music Education major
Cara graduated in December 2010 with a BA in Music Education. She has an MA in Music Education from Montclair State University and graduated in May 2019. She is currently working at GQR Global Markets as a Senior Associate and teaches voice and piano lessons at GlobalSound Studio in Colorado. In 2016 she won the GRAMMY Foundation Community Award while working in the Choral Department at James J Ferris HS.
“Being a part of Caldwell University’s music program absolutely changed my life. Being a smaller department, it gave me the opportunity for strength and growth in performing. From lead roles to secondary roles to chorus roles, I was able to experience all the different aspects of what it is to be on stage. I also had the opportunity to be a part of different ensembles and learn new instruments! My professors knew who I was and took an interest in my life and who I am as a person. I was always able to reach out for support and never felt left behind, and I always felt seen and appreciated. I still am close to my professors after graduating from Caldwell 12 years ago – the bond I was able to create is a lifelong one.”
Lauren Podkul, ’11, Education and Music major
Lauren graduated from Caldwell in 2011 with a BA in Education and Music. She graduated from Kent State University in 2016 with a Masters of Music in Music Education. She is the orchestra director at both Grace Wilday Junior High School and Abraham Clark High School in Roselle and was named Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year.
“I loved my time at Caldwell University because it was not only a place to go to school, but a community. Because of its smaller size, I got to know my classmates and professors well, and I never felt like I was just another student lost in the crowd. I’m grateful that I went to college in such a supportive environment where I was encouraged to grow and try new things.”


John Piepoli, ’12, Music and Education Major
John graduated from Caldwell in December 2012 with a BA in Music and Education. He completed an MS in Educational Technology from Ramapo College in 2018. He is currently the Director of the 7th-grade band and stage band at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and the percussion instructor of the Summit High School Marching Band. From 2017 to 2020 John was the percussion instructor for the Caldwell University Marching Band.
“I chose Caldwell because of how important I felt the moment I came in for my audition. Prof. Vega, Dr. Greenwald, and Dr. Childress had read my resume prior to the audition, and this made me feel welcomed and comfortable right away. I also got the sense that I would be valued as a student and have many opportunities to be featured and positively contribute to the various ensembles. Many of the other universities and colleges in the area were too large for me and I didn’t feel as though I was that important to them. As a bonus, I loved how close it was to my home which afforded me a great education and allowed me to remain close with my family.”
Brian Singer, ’13, Music Major
Brian graduated in 2013 with a BA in Music and then completed the Post-Bac K-12 Teaching Certification. He is the High School Band Director and Middle School General Music Teacher at the Infinity Institute in Jersey City. He also teaches privately and performs with several ensembles as a professional musician.
“I went to a small high school and wanted a small college atmosphere as well. I got that and so much more at Caldwell. Your classmates and professors become your family and support system; I never would have gotten that anywhere else. I am grateful for everything that my professors taught me at Caldwell; I would not be where I am today without their patience, guidance, and teaching.”


Matt Wilson, ’15, Music and Business Administration major
Matt graduated in 2015 with a double major in Music and Business Administration. He also has a minor in Accounting. He is currently the director of Music Ministry at St. Juliana in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is also an Independent Mortgage Broker licensed in Florida.
“Caldwell University was very inviting and accepting, and the small campus made it easy to be involved in a variety of activities. Some of my closest friends were met in college. I carry some great memories from Caldwell and I hope to stay in touch with the university.”
Dana Poalillo, ’15, Music major and Business Management minor
Dana graduated in 2015 with a BA in Music and a minor in Business Management. She received a master’s degree in music therapy from Montclair State University in December 2020. She is currently a manager at Curly’s Ice Cream in Boonton NJ, where she trains and manages a team in customer service.
“The advice I have for undergraduates is that the professors at Caldwell were always available to address concerns I was having. My advice would be to trust the professors and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”


Nick Bushey, ’16, Music Education major
Nick graduated in 2016 with a BA in Music Education. He will begin a master’s degree in music education in the fall of 2023 from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. He is the General Music Teacher and Choir Director at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Lodi, New Jersey.
“Caldwell University is a non-judgmental community of learning where students pursue their goals with the help of dedicated and supportive professors. I enjoyed the small class sizes at Caldwell University which allowed me to work closely with my professors and classmates. I built long-lasting friendships and accomplished things that I didn’t believe I would ever be able to. I am a more well-rounded professional and a better person because I attended Caldwell University.”
Angela Cirillo, ’16, Music major, Marina Carroll and Charles LaBell Music Scholar ’14
Angela, the Marina Carroll and Charles LaBelle Music Scholar in 2014, graduated with a BA in Music in 2016. She finished her Education Degree at Saint Peter’s University in the alternative route program and continued her education with an MA in Educational Leadership. She has completed a supervisory certification and is pursuing a principal certification as well. She is in her 6th year of teaching Vocal Arts at the Explore Middle School Grades in 6th through 8th grades in the Hudson County School of Technology. In addition, she is an educational coach for the Career and Technical Education Department.
“Caldwell University was a great place to start my passion for music and teaching because it gave me the opportunity to try many different things that I could then take into the classroom such as choir, flute ensemble, children’s opera, musical theater and so much more. When you are a part of a music department that treats you like family and offers you many different aspects in music besides the specific area you are studying, it broadens your knowledge and experience in that field. I would choose Caldwell University all over again. “


Micaela Andrews, ’18, Music Education major, Visual Instructor of Caldwell University Marching Band
Micaela is the Visual Instructor for the Caldwell University Marching Band. She has been part of the program since its inception in 2017 when she served as the first drum major for the ensemble. She was the Marina Carroll and Charles LaBelle Music Scholar in 2016 and 2017 and graduated from Caldwell in 2018 with a BA in Music Education. She is the elementary band director at North Dover Elementary and Academy Street Elementary in the Dover Public Schools. She won the CU Music Department Honors Award in 2019.
“Caldwell was the best choice I made for school. I found a home in the music department that helped me grow as a person and musician. I received so many opportunities to learn that I wouldn’t have been offered in a larger setting. Caldwell made me the person I am today!”
Sarah Martin, ’18, Music Education major
Sarah graduated in December 2018 with a BA in Music Education. She is the Preschool Music Specialist at Claremont Elementary School in Franklin Township Public Schools.
“Caldwell is a supportive community. My professors deeply cared for and assisted me when I needed it the most and always had the best advice. I grew as a musician as well as a person while attending Caldwell. I was very introverted when I began college and I slowly started to break out of my shell as I became more involved in additional clubs and ensembles. I also really enjoyed the small classes and felt it allowed me to be seen as a person instead of a number compared to a larger university. Caldwell was the way to go for me and I hope for you! “


Michelle Mayrer Graziano, 17′, Psychology major and Music minor
Michelle graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Music. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology. She is a school Psychologist in the Belleville Public Schools and received the Governor Education Service Professional of the Year in 2021.
“I had a wonderful undergraduate experience at Caldwell University. The Caldwell community always provided a sense of warmth and belonging. I felt this especially within the music program. The faculty was friendly, knowledgeable, and readily available for all students. They continually helped me acknowledge my potential and encouraged me to reach my goals.”
Stephanie Neumaier, ’17, Psychology major and Music minor
Stephanie graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Music. She is a Senior Life Skills Coach and Supervisor in the Day Habilitation Program at the North Jersey Friendship House for Autism & Mental Health.
“Caldwell gives opportunities that most universities do not provide to their students. You are able to pave your own path the way that you want to pave it with guidance from professors who genuinely care about your progress and success. In my experience, Caldwell not only met but exceeded my expectations in the music department. All the professors who remain are professors who I have relationships with & am proud to. The music department truly elevated my professional life, and I was even able to incorporate music into my life skills coaching!”


Quin DeLaRosa, ’20, History major and minors in Political Science and Music
Quin graduated in 2020 with a BA in History and minors in Political Science and Music. He completed an MA in Archives & Public History (concentration in archives) from NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science in January 2023. He is currently looking for employment. Quin received the History departmental award in the spring of 2020 and was a Presidential Merit Scholar while at Caldwell.
“Caldwell University granted me the space I needed to figure out who I am. The Department of Music guided my ambition like a melody on a score, having taught me the study skills and passion I needed to reach for the next movement of my life!”
Melissa Kay, ’10, Music Education major, Brass Instructor at Caldwell University
Melissa is the Assistant Director and Brass Instructor for the Caldwell University Marching Band. She has been with the ensemble since its inception in 2017. Melissa graduated from Caldwell in 2010 with a BA in Music Education along with a Special Education endorsement. She completed an MA in Classical Performance from New Jersey City University. She is the Music Teacher and Band Director at Union Hill Middle School in Union City, NJ. Melissa performs regularly with several ensembles, including the Hanover Wind Symphony.


Amanda DeForne, ’22, Music Education major and Communications minor
Amanda graduated in 2022 with a BA in Music Education and a Minor in Communications. She is the General Music Teacher, Band, and Choir Director at Eleanor G. Hewitt Intermediate School. While at Caldwell University she received the Certificate of Honor in Secondary Education.
Toni Genuario, ’19, Elementary Education major and Music minor
Toni graduated in 2019 with a BA in Elementary Education with a Social Studies Concentration and a Minor in Music. She is a 2nd and 3rd Grade Self Contained Autism Teacher.
“I chose Caldwell University because I knew I wanted to major in education and go to a small college where I wouldn’t be just a number in a lecture hall. Caldwell University was the perfect place for me and became my home.”
Ashley McDowell, ’15, Music Education major
Ashley graduated in December of 2015 with a BA in Music Education. She is currently pursuing a Court Reporting Degree and is working at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as an administrative assistant.
Jay Salerno, ’20, Psychology and Sociology major
Jay graduated in 2020 with Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Although Jay did not minor in music, they performed with many of the ensembles, including wind ensemble, marching band, chorale and percussion ensemble. They will complete a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers in the Spring of 2024. Jay is currently employed as a Social Work Intern at Rutherford High School.

Amber Mosher, ’14, Education and Music major
Amber graduated from Caldwell in 2014 with a BA in Education and Music. She graduated from Tarleton University in 2021 with a Masters degree in Music Education. She taught for 7 years in Dallas ISD and Forney ISD as a music teacher in Texas. As of March 2022, she transitioned out of the classroom and now works for Amplify Education, a curriculum and assessment company. She works alongside principals and curriculum specialists to implement their programs and maintain contact throughout the school year. In February 2023, Caldwell University recognized Amber as one of the top 50 women student-athletes over the last 50 years.
“At first, I chose Caldwell because it was close enough yet far enough away from home. I stayed because of the community and culture that Caldwell embodied. I never felt like a number on a roster. The professors at Caldwell took the time to build relationships with their students. Being a college athlete and a music major was no easy feat, but I had a team of professors and coaches who supported my success both on the court and in the classroom. Caldwell truly was a home away from home.”