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

The World Music Performance Specialization affords BFA students the opportunity to explore a wide range of World Music offerings in the School of Music without having to declare and commit to only one particular tradition. Students are expected to study in several world music areas to ensure exposure and diversity. Students can draw from all of the major World Music curricula offered at CalArts: e.g. North Indian Music, Balinese and Javanese Music and Dance, African Music and Dance, and World Percussion. In addition, substantial offerings in Persian Classical music are available, as well as various courses in Latin Percussion and Latin Jazz, Balkan music, Japanese music, world percussion, and a series of courses in music cultures from around the world. In the spirit of the naturally collaborative atmosphere of CalArts, World Music students are also encouraged to explore areas outside of the World Music Performance Specialization and have access to other areas of performance, technology and composition.

Each BFA student is 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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