Composition and Experimental Sound Practices

Composition and Experimental Sound Practices

BFA MFA

Nationally and internationally renowned for its contributions to contemporary music, Composition and Experimental Sound Practices studies facilitates the development of students’ artistic voices through mastery of a broad range of theories, techniques and creative tools.

View Specialization

Jazz

Jazz

BFA MFA

Founded by the late jazz giant Charlie Haden as a creative alternative to academic jazz studies, CalArts Jazz studies emphasizes small ensemble performance and improvisation, training students to become highly versatile performers, improvisers and composers.

View Specialization

Performer-Composer

Performer-Composer

BFA MFA DMA

 

CalArts’ unique Performer-Composer studies reflects the increasing demand for flexible musicians who are able to integrate composition with performance practice.

View Program/Specialization

VoiceArts

VoiceArts

BFA MFA

 

The VoiceArts Specialization is uniquely designed for creative artists whose primary means of expression is the voice—for those who wish to develop both their unique artistic voice and their vocal mechanism.

View Specialization


InstrumentalArts

InstrumentalArts studies prepare talented music performers for an ever-broadening spectrum of professional practices and career pathways.


World Music Performance

World Music Performance studies expose students to a broad spectrum of diverse music styles and influences, emphasizing traditional techniques while at the same time encouraging 21st century, globally minded innovations.

Experimental Pop

Experimental Pop

BFA

In an era of accelerating change, the Experimental Pop Specialization actively embraces the diverse interests and practices of individual students as they fashion their own musical paths.

View Specialization

Music Technology

Music Technology

BFA MFA

 

The Music Technology: Interaction, Intelligence & Design (MTIID) Specialization enables students to build both strong traditional and contemporary musical skills while mastering a variety of technologies for the creation of sonic and multimedia art.

View Specialization


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

Center for Integrated Media

The Center for Integrated Media concentration is designed specifically for MFA students whose creative use of technology—in particular digital media—goes beyond their primary areas of study.

Center for Integrated Media