Accordion
Before applying, please make sure to familiarize yourself with The Herb Alpert School of Music, faculty, facilities, curriculum, and student work.
You cannot make any changes to your application after it has been submitted.
Create an account to begin the application process. This is where you’ll complete each step in the application and receive updates on your application status. Add your personal background and academic history.
You’re invited to submit a portfolio through the CalArts’ application containing a minimum of three compositions.
Your portfolio should:
Please number your examples beginning with what you consider to be your strongest ones—reviewers will examine them in the order that you indicate. Please label each example including: title, composer (if other than yourself), names of other participants (if applicable), and describe your process for creating the original works included in your portfolio. This should be included as a separate PDF document. You may link to media hosted on external websites, but please ensure that reviewers will have permission to view this media.
The program is known for its commitment to experimental and avant-garde directions in music, so we recommended that you lead your portfolio with your most adventurous music.
While they are not necessary for the application to the BFA in the Composition and Experimental Sound Practices program, examples of songwriting, electronic dance music (or other electronica), film music or jazz composition may be included, but should be submitted following the three compositions referred to above (i.e., as extra examples of your music).
Please provide credits for all (audio and/or video) recordings.
If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, please email admissions@calarts.edu.
Your portfolio must include an artist statement of 250 to 500 words that includes all of the following:
The faculty want to learn more about you, directly from you! We ask that you record a 60–90 second short video of you introducing yourself. You should discuss:
In your video introduction, you should:
The Composition and Experimental Sound Practices programs do not hold required auditions. Instead, if needed by our faculty, we will contact you about scheduling a virtual interview.
Two letters of recommendation are required for BFA applicants to the Composition and Experimental Sound Practices program. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your work, such as a performance instructor or art teacher.
All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it’s important that you contact your recommenders months before. We ask that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.
If this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method—either through the online application (preferred) or by mail—per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.
Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:
CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America
Letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.