California Institute of Arts

Brass studies at CalArts are unique and innovative, with a curriculum designed to further develop the role of brass instruments in the present and looking toward the future.

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 faculties 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 faculties 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.

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Updated on 08/06/2018