Overview

MFA Composition and Experimental Sound Practices studies at California Institute of the Arts CalArts fosters a radical and visionary creativity that obeys no particular stylistic or methodological constraint.

Overview

In this context, the curriculum aims to provide the technical skills, contextual foundation and creative opportunities for each student to develop and project her or his own distinctive artistic voice into the world of creative music.

Beyond a foundation of private lessons and forums that regularly convene the vibrant community of graduates, students can choose from an extensive array of advanced courses in composition, experimental sound practices, theory, technology, history and literature, performance and pedagogy, as well as explore the more radical branches of contemporary audio art.

Coursework provides a strong foundation in the theory and application of digital media as well as the critical issues surrounding it; in addition, making work and presenting it in concert or installation or site-specific context is key. Its creative impulses and critical discourses take students in many directions, with the spirit of collaboration producing a rich environment for sonic experimentation.

Students in Composition and Experimental Sound Practices have produced innovative sonic works via circuit-bending, experimental opera, instrumental modifications and deconstructions, chamber and large ensemble works, new forms of notation, random sound-effects, database surfing, field recordings paired with ionic filters, and terrain-to-sound mappings.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition
World Music Ensemble
Art
Dance
Creative Writing
Digital Arts

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

California, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 162 other Masters in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Upload your portfolio and/or plan your audition
Upload unofficial transcripts showing all academic work
Request at least two letters of recommendation be sent to CalArts
We do not require the SAT, ACT, or GRE as part of your application

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

60650 USD / year

≈ 60650 USD / year
Out-of-State

60650 USD / year

≈ 60650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

60650 USD / year

≈ 60650 USD / year

Living costs

California

United States

1570 - 2658 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Composition and Experimental Sound Practices.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

California

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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