California Institute of the Arts

What you'll study

The programme combines conservatory-style studio training with seminar-based inquiry and collaborative projects. Students focus on a primary area—such as performance, composition, improvisation, conducting, or music technology—while engaging with complementary subjects across theatre, film, dance and new media.

• Studio lessons and performance: weekly one-to-one lessons, ensemble work, and public performances or recitals.
• Composition and arranging: approaches to contemporary composition, scoring for theatre and film, electronic and electroacoustic practice.
• Music technology: digital audio production, live electronics, sound design, spatial audio and interactive systems.
• Improvisation and experimental practice: techniques in improvisation, extended performance methods and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Seminars and theory: advanced harmony, analysis, contemporary music studies, and research methods tailored to artistic practice.
• Collaborative projects: cross-school collaborations with theatre, film, dance and fine arts students, often resulting in staged works or multimedia installations.
• Culminating project: a final recital, composition portfolio, or practice-led research project that demonstrates artistic and intellectual development.

Coursework emphasises individualized mentorship, regular public presentation, and critical reflection. Facilities typically used include recording studios, electronic music labs, rehearsal spaces and black-box theatres.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in music or a closely related field, though exceptional applicants with non-traditional backgrounds and significant artistic experience may also be considered. Admission is typically by audition or submission of a recorded performance/portfolio and may include an interview.

• Academic transcript: undergraduate degree or equivalent record of study.
• Audition/portfolio: live or recorded performance, score portfolio, or documentation of creative work demonstrating technical ability and artistic intent.
• Statement of purpose: a personal statement outlining artistic goals, proposed focus of study and reasons for applying to the programme.
• References: academic or professional references attesting to preparedness for graduate-level work.
• English language proficiency: required for candidates whose first language is not English, demonstrated by recognised tests or other approved evidence.

Specific audition requirements differ by specialism; applicants should consult the School of Music for detailed guidance on repertoire, portfolio formats and interview expectations. Financial support and scholarships are competitive and based on merit.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across the arts. Training at CalArts supports both independent artistic practice and professional roles in music and theatre contexts.

• Solo and ensemble performer in concert, contemporary music and theatre settings.
• Composer for concert, theatre, film, television and new media.
• Sound designer and music technologist for stage, screen and interactive installations.
• Music director, rehearsal pianist or accompanist in theatrical productions.
• Educator in higher education, community arts programmes or specialist music schools (additional pedagogical certification may be required depending on the role).
• Producer, curator or administrator in arts organisations, festivals and collaborative projects.

Many alumni combine multiple roles—performing, composing, teaching and producing—often engaging with the broader creative industries in Los Angeles and internationally.

Why study at California Institute of the Arts

CalArts is known for an emphasis on experimentation, interdisciplinary practice and mentorship by practising artists. The School of Music encourages boundary-crossing work that integrates sound with theatre, film, dance and visual art.

• Interdisciplinary environment: students regularly collaborate across schools, enabling projects that fuse music with theatrical staging, filmmaking and new media.
• Artist-led faculty: faculty are active performers, composers and researchers who prioritise individual artistic development and professional practice.
• Professional facilities: access to recording studios, electronic music labs, rehearsal and black-box performance spaces supports a wide range of creative work.
• Location: proximity to a large and diverse arts ecology provides opportunities for professional networking, industry collaborations and public presentation.
• Flexible, practice-based learning: the programme is tailored to the needs of each student, with an emphasis on producing a substantial body of creative work as the basis for future careers.

Prospective applicants should review specific programme tracks and audition instructions provided by the School of Music to prepare a strong application aligned with their artistic aims.