California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of Arts
Students of violin, viola, cello and contrabass are provided with a full range of challenging repertoire, ensemble performance opportunities and supplemental coursework in support of their métier. The curriculum features weekly seminars on performance practice and technique, often with distinguished visiting artists from around the globe.
Program in Music (BFA Only)
The Herb Alpert School of Music (HASOM) at
CalArts works towards developing the entire artist and focuses on individual
pathways. The faculty are interested in seeing and hearing application
materials that offer a sense of who you are as an artist. You are required to
submit an online portfolio that showcases your work as a creative artist at
this point in your life.
Live auditions/interviews are encouraged and
audition/interview days are scheduled on campus and in several other cities.
(The exceptions are the Specializations in Jazz, Composition &
Experimental Sound Practices, Music Technology, and World Music
Performance, which prefer online portfolio submission only.) Applicants from a
wide range of backgrounds and interests are encouraged to apply.
Students may enter the school with a declared
specialization, or they may enter as a music artist, and then develop their
specialization over their first two years. The specialization must be declared
prior to the BFA 3 Year. The specializations are listed below:
•
Composition & Experimental Sound Practices
•
Instrumental Arts
•
Jazz
•
Music Technology (MTIID)
•
Performer-Composer
•
Voice Arts
•
World Music Performance
•
Musical Arts/Experimental Pop
Portfolio/Audition Guidelines
Either present a live audition or submit
recordings of your performance of three works in contrasting styles or from
different historical periods. Live auditions are strongly recommended. The
audition or recording must clearly demonstrate your level of performance and
range of repertoire. In a live audition, expect to demonstrate your abilities
in sight singing/sight reading and the identification by ear of various
intervals, chords, scales and rhythmic patterns. When a live audition is not
possible, you should submit evidence of ability in these musicianship skills.
This evidence may take the form of letters from major teachers and/or
transcripts of prior musical courses or private training.
The faculty are especially interested in
reviewing work that emphasizes:
•
Applicants own original compositions documented
through scores or other appropriate media.
•
Performances demonstrating strong technical
skills in extant musical literature and any, if appropriate, any original work
including improvisation.
•
Innovative performance practices.
•
Skills with music technologies including novel
and innovative uses.
•
Interdisciplinary work.
•
Artwork beyond music that broadly informs your
larger musical practice.
The portfolio can duplicate the audition, and the
audition is a chance for us to get to know you in person and answer any
questions. There are no specific repertoire requirements for the audition,
however we would prefer to see what you consider your strengths.
You must include a detailed Artist Statement that outlines your goals as a music artist, your background in studying music, particular interests in studying music at CalArts, and potential areas of Specialization. In your Artist Statement, be sure to also include the
following:
•
Describe briefly your main interests in music
right now.
•
Describe other musical interests you are involved
in.
•
Describe the materials you will submit in your
digital portfolio and how they demonstrate your musical interests.
•
Describe what you would like to learn at
CalArts.
• List any Specializations among our offerings that you are particularly interested in, including any combinations of Specializations that you might like to create for yourself while at CalArts.
Updated on 08/06/2018