BFA VoiceArts: Admission Requirements

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 containing three to five examples of your artistic work via the portfolio section of the CalArts application. Your portfolio:

• Should consist of a minimum of three pieces. At least ONE art song or aria in any language is required. This should demonstrate an understanding of vocal technique including range, breath management, dynamics, and phrasing, etc. The rest of your submitted work may consist of any genre of music and/or interdisciplinary work, including original work. 
• Should include video components: We want to see you performing. Live performances before an audience are preferred, if recording quality is high. 
• May include work outside of music that informs your musical practice, including visual art, writing/poetry, dance, theater, video, and/or other practices.
• Should include a resume and photo.

Please number your examples beginning with what you consider to be your strongest ones—reviewers will examine them in the order that you indicate. Materials must be labeled clearly and completely, including, for each selection: title, composer, approximate timing, date recorded, and any relevant notes or comments. This information can be included in a separate PDF document, if desired. You may link to media hosted on external websites, but please ensure that reviewers have permission to view this media. 

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:

• Your background in the study and practice of music, including a crucial moment in your artistic development.
• Your main musical passions and artistic influences right now – what you are currently listening to.
• Genre(s) of music you are interested in performing and studying.
• What you are interested in exploring or experimenting with at CalArts.
• What attracts you to the particular Specialization to which you are applying. You may include a CalArts class, faculty, and/or offering that excites you the most.
• Your long-term goals as a professional musician.

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:

• Your current artistic practice or what you perform, compose, produce, arrange, write, dance/choreograph, film, etc.
• A person, place, idea, or thing that inspires you and your music.
• A new artistic approach or skill you’d like to bring into your practice that you want to learn more about or haven’t tried before.

In your video introduction, you should:

• Record for only 60–90 seconds
• Speak directly to the camera
• Not read from a prepared statement
• Not make edits
• Not add special effects or on-screen overlays
• Upload the video or link directly to the portfolio section of the CalArts application
• Use the recording equipment you have; cellphone cameras or consumer cameras are okay.

Applicants applying to the VoiceArts BFA program are required to participate in an in-person interview and audition. This offers you and the panel the opportunity for greater communication, and you get the opportunity to ask questions about the program.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an email that grants you access to sign up for an audition location in one of several cities. We will then contact you with an audition time. More information on the auditions and registration can be found on our Audition Schedule page. If you cannot attend an in-person interview/audition, we will treat your portfolio as your audition. If needed by our faculty, we will contact you to schedule a virtual interview.

For the auditions, please prepare at least three pieces that best represent your abilities, musicianship, and interests. Materials may be drawn from those submitted in your portfolio or may showcase new work. All music must be memorized.

For all auditions on the CalArts campus, an accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own. Please bring clear, legible music for all selections in the key in which you will be singing. Karaoke tracks are not suitable for the audition. 

For off-site auditions we will not provide an accompanist. You may bring your own, or, if a pianist is not available, professionally recorded piano tracks might be appropriate. If playback equipment is needed, it must be requested in advance.

Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your work, such as an 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 request 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

All letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.