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California Institute of the Arts

MFA: World Music

The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts

A group of tabla drum players gathers on a stage, with microphones positioned at their drums.

Innovate tradition

Emphasizing high-level performance in non-Western traditions, each specialization within CalArts’ two-year MFA in World Music Performance immerses you in a spectrum of diverse music styles and influences, equipping you with the skills and perspective to utilize both traditional techniques and global, 21st-century innovations in your expression. As an MFA candidate, you will focus on high-level performance in non-Western traditions while building advanced expertise in music theory, musicianship skills, and music history and literature.

Several musicians in hats sit to perform Gamelan

High-level performance in non-Western traditions

MFA World Music

Each of the four graduate specializations within CalArts’ World Music Performance program enables you to participate in the deep study of music and dance practices from a variety of non-Western musical traditions. 

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Where the wild things play

A lone performer plays a saxophone, standing in the middle of an empty stage in a futuristic bandshell with a lawn in front and trees and sky in the background.

The composer Morton Feldman used the term “Wild Beast” as a metaphor for the ineffable generative force in art—making it the ideal name for CalArts’ iconic variable-use, indoor-outdoor music pavilion.

MFA programs in The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts are designed to equip graduate students with the skill sets you’ll need to stake out a place for your unique vision and reach the highest levels of professional practice. The curriculum is designed to be stimulating and challenging, and to foster a collaborative learning environment, in which music and sound artists—students and faculty alike—work together to refine and perfect their already distinctive voices, while simultaneously exploring new and inspiring creative territories.

Departing from traditional ethnomusicology or anthropology curricula, CalArts’ unique program is focused on high-level performance contextualized with relevant theoretical studies and ethnology. MFA candidates may select a course of study from four specializations: African Music and Dance, North Indian Music, Balinese and Javanese Music and Dance, and World Percussion.

The MFA program in World Music Performance enables you to acquire the multiple skill sets you need to stake out your own, individual career pathway. Each program of study is designed to be a stimulating and challenging collaborative learning environment that inspires you to explore new creative territories.

Interested in this program?

View our step-by-step application guide to learn more.  

Start your application

Specializations

Explore the four specializations of the MFA World Music Performance program

Admission requirements

To be considered for an MFA in World Music Performance, you must complete an application and all program-specific requirements, including a portfolio representative of your work, an artist statement, a brief video introduction, and two letters of recommendation. The program does not require an audition, but you may be asked to take part in a virtual interview. Before applying, please familiarize yourself with the detailed application requirements and resources available to assist you in this important process. 

View application requirements

Degree requirements

Each CalArts music student designs their course of study in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

View MFA world music academic requirements for each specialization below:

Minors and interdisciplinary opportunities

In addition to CalArts’ naturally collaborative atmosphere, the Institute provides several programs of study that can be pursued concurrently with a student’s chosen metier, such as a concentration in Arts Education or Integrated Media.

MFA concentrations

Courses you might take

What courses would you take as an MFA World Music Performance candidate? Browse the courses offered in the School of Music, including opportunities to study jazz, world music, experimental pop, film scoring, improvisation, electronic music, composition, vocal performance, African and Balinese ensembles, and much more.

School of Music courses

Meet the faculty

At CalArts, faculty and students are collaborators, teaching, learning, and working together as members of our community of artists.

Tradition, CalArts style

Student projects

Graduation day at CalArts is unlike any other, and one of its beloved traditions is the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble. Led by longtime World Music Performance faculty I Nyoman Wenten, the ensemble performs as graduates and their families arrive for the ceremony.

A man sits cross-legged on the floor playing a Balinese drum while other musicians play the gamelan behind him.

I Nyoman Wenten and the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble

World Music Festival 2024

Gallery

CalArtians make their own legacies

School of Music alumni are composing, performing, producing, and changing the history of music in our time.  

Meet our alumni

School of Music Events

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Want to learn more?

We got you. Our Admissions team is all about providing the information you need to decide if CalArts is right for you. We’re excited to connect with you for a tour of our legendary campus, a virtual info session, or at one of our admissions events across the country or around the world. Take the next step—we’re here to help.