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

BFA VoiceArts students are trained in the fundamentals of vocal technique through intensive voice lessons and a range of foundational requisites. The rigorous BFA curriculum incorporates language, text and repertoire studies, contextualization of artistic work, performance and interpretation studies, keyboard studies, composition for voice, technology, multidisciplinary performance, professional development, and a vast array of ensemble and solo performance opportunities, as well as working with a significant number of guest artists who come from multiple fields and backgrounds.

All undergraduate voice artists are required to pass a Mid-Residence Project/Recital and a Graduation Jury and Project/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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