BFA

4-Year Program

The Music BFA program offers a broad and rigorous general musical education alongside highly individualized lesson instruction and mentoring. All undergraduate students engage in intensive shared training in musical techniques and concepts spanning classical, jazz, popular, electronic, and experimental styles, and both Western and non-Western musical cultures. They will graduate with experience in creating original work, ensemble performance, music notation and theory, professional development, and artistic metiers outside of music.

    About the Specialization

    Undergraduate students in Percussion studies develop their skills through major lessons, supplemental non-major lessons in other areas, world music courses, traditional repertoire, percussion workshop and performance forums. In addition, intensive ensemble work includes playing in percussion ensembles, experimental pop groups, world music ensembles, chamber ensembles and the School’s principal conducted faculty-student group, The Ensemble at CalArts. The curriculum further integrates courses in composition, creative skills and pedagogy, and encourages percussionists to incorporate experimental forms, improvisation, digital media, hybrid arts and interdisciplinary performance into their individual studies.

    All BFA percussionists are required to pass a Mid-Residence Recital and a Graduation Jury and Recital in order to obtain the degree.

    Full Curriculum

    View Curriculum Requirements 

    The Undergraduate Experience

    CalArts is committed to providing a broad program of general education designed to enable students to consider aesthetic questions within larger socio-cultural, ethical and political contexts.

    Learn more about the General Education curriculum

    Interdisciplinary Opportunities

    In addition to CalArts' rich and diverse community and naturally collaborative atmosphere, the Institute provides several programs of study that can be pursued concurrently with a student's chosen metier.

    Music Theory Minor

    The Minor is intended for undergraduate students who wish to receive advanced training and accreditation in Music Theory as a supplement to their major.

    Music Theory Minor

    Digital Arts Minor

    The Minor is designed to help undergraduate students grasp the knowledge to build, engineer and design innovative custom systems.

    Digital Arts Minor

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