Overview

At the BFA level, Performer-Composer studies provides a structured yet highly individualized course of study—comprehensive training regimens in composition and performance practice that are custom-tailored to the creative interests of each student and assessed continuously by the faculty.

Overview

Performing is a key component along with composing, as studies are geared toward training undergraduates toward future careers as working musicians.

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the BFA Core Curriculum and the specialization, undergraduate performer-composers are required to pass a Graduation Composition Portfolio Review and a Graduation Jury and Recital in order to obtain the degree from California Institute of the Arts CalArts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Counterpoint
Song Writing & Analysis
Different Tonalities
Acoustics for Musicians
Orchestration
Sonic Boom Ensemble

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 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

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

California, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 312 other Bachelors in Music Composition in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Graduation from an accredited secondary school or its CalArts approved equivalent
All transcripts should be uploaded to the application directly on the Academic History section prior to submitting. Applicants should plan ahead and request transcripts as soon as they decide to apply to CalArts.

Two letters of recommendation are required for BFA programs. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your artistic work. Many MFA programs require three letters of recommendation (please see program-specific requirements in the portfolio/audition section).

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

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 Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Performer-Composer.

Available Scholarships

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

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

Our partners