BFA

4-Year Program

The BFA program of study is uniquely designed around the concept of the "Music Artist." Unlike a traditional conservatory approach, it allows each student to cultivate a far-ranging musical skillset while also providing specialized training best suited to meet individual goals.

About the Specialization

Undergraduate Music Technology students develop their creative engineering skills through a broad spectrum of classes at the intersection of art and technology. These cover concert production, acoustics, sound synthesis, electronic composition and performance, interface design, audio electronics, interactive media and a number of wide-ranging elective topics. Students become trained artists able to work in any orchestral, ensemble or global music production, including knowing how to produce a concert, manage a stage, understand a sound board and run stage monitor and main audience sound.

Students in the BFA track also take part in digital performance ensembles, such as the Machine Orchestra, Sonic Boom, Creative Electronic Ensemble and Improvisation Ensemble, or groups formed specifically in connection with classes offered by the specialization.

Full Curriculum

Detailed curriculum and academic requirements can be found in the online course catalog.

View Curriculum Requirements
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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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