PROGRAM MISSION
CalArts’ Performer–Composer DMA program seeks musical artists whose work exhibits a thoroughgoing integration of their personal compositional and performance practices, and who are prepared to pursue their creative, scholarly and professional goals at the highest level. Graduates will be prepared for a wide variety of professional careers including individual artistic entrepreneurship, positions in education, and work in both public and private cultural sectors. While rigorous, the DMA program offers each student the flexibility to co-design with his or her advisors a curriculum addressing individual needs and objectives.

AREAS OF ARTISTIC RESEARCH
CalArts’ music faculty comprises innovative, internationally recognized leaders in performance, composition, improvisation, jazz, world music and music technology. Current areas of creative activity and research include...

• new music composition and performance
• the disciplines of improvisation
• experimental sound practices, live electronic music, installation & intermedia art
• diverse instrumental & vocal performance practices
• African, Indonesian, North Indian, Persian, Latin and Balkan musics
• new strategies for interdisciplinary performance design
• contemporary directions in jazz
• experimental rock, noise and electronica
• innovative tuning systems: theory and performance practice
• contemporary music theory, analysis & history
• interactive musical technologies, interface design and robotics
• applied inter-cultural experimentation in music

All DMA students are eligible to study with music faculty members in any area. Collaborative opportunities exist with CalArts’ Schools of Dance, Theater, Film, Art & Critical Studies.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO GAIN FROM CALARTS’ DMA PROGRAM?

• close, productive, and individualized working relationships with faculty mentors, creative collaborators and peers;
• a substantial body of original and well-documented art works and performances;
• highly advanced performance and technical abilities;
• guided entrepreneurial, organizational and collabora- tive experience;
• a fuller understanding of artistic, historical, social and philosophical contexts relevant to your work;
• refined communication skills facilitating advocacy of your art and ideas to diverse audiences;
• practical pedagogical training and experience;
• effective strategies for professional development in the arts.

FUNDING AND FINANCIAL AID
Scholarship aid and/or teaching stipends are available for qualified students.

ACCREDITATION
CalArts’ DMA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

APPLICATION
Students admitted into the DMA program will have previously attained an MM, MFA, MA or equivalent in a relevant field, or will have a master’s degree in another field along with skills and knowledge that are commensurate with a master’s degree in music.

For application information, deadlines, and forms, please follow the link at the left or contact Harmony Jiroudek, Admissions Counselor for The Herb Alpert School of Music, at 661.253.7841 or hjiroudek@calarts.edu.