The PhD in Performer-Composer (DMA) at
California Institute of the Arts
is a
3
years
long
program for international students,
taught in English.
📖Introduction
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a prestigious institution renowned for its comprehensive arts education and innovative programs. With a strong emphasis on creativity and experimentation, CalArts provides students with a platform to explore their artistic interests and develop their unique creative voices.
At CalArts, students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and push the boundaries of traditional artistic practices. The university boasts a faculty of experienced artists and industry professionals who provide valuable guidance and mentorship to students, nurturing their artistic development and helping them thrive in their chosen fields. With its vibrant artistic community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on fostering a culture of artistic innovation, California Institute of the Arts continues to be a leading institution for aspiring artists seeking to make a meaningful impact in the creative world.
The ethos of CalArts Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program is exploratory and experimental through and through. Students arrive from diverse stylistic origins, but all are driven by artistic visions that can be realized only by a meaningful expansion of the language of music beyond its current boundaries.
This challenging program is not a double major in performance and composition, but instead seeks to foster musical artists who holistically combine innovative performance practices with new compositional models. In this process, students who are already accomplished composers and skilled executants thoroughly integrate these practices in their original work. DMA performer-composers work closely with their faculty mentors to develop an individualized course of study, which is built around composition and/or performance lessons, doctoral seminars, topic-driven research and explorations, performance projects and a series of electives. Since DMA students also teach in The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts, they are required to continue developing their pedagogical skills through teaching practicums.
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Founded by Walt Disney, the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has established itself as a pioneering force in arts education, fostering a vibrant and collaborative environment for emerging artists across a wide spectrum of disciplines. With an emphasis on experimental and boundary-pushing approaches, CalArts offers comprehensive programs in art, dance, film, music, and theater, providing students with the freedom to explore their creative potential and develop their artistic voices. The institution's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative expression allows students to challenge conventional norms and create impactful work that resonates in the contemporary art world. CalArts' distinguished faculty, consisting of accomplished artists and industry professionals, actively mentor and guide students, providing them with invaluable insights and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The institute's rich cultural landscape, state-of-the-art facilities, and a robust network of industry connections contribute to an immersive educational experience that prepares students for successful careers in the arts. By nurturing a spirit of artistic exploration and experimentation, CalArts continues to inspire the next generation of creative visionaries and remains a pivotal institution for shaping the future of the arts landscape.
🏠 Accommodation
You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.
You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.
How to book:
Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let
us
know your choice when you apply).
Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before
arriving. You
can arrive a few days before and
book it
You are not eligible to apply to this program because:
The minimum age is 18.
English fluency is required.
You need to be either:
- A native English speaker
- Studied a degree in English before
- Can demonstrate a high level of English
- Having an English certificate such as IELTS level 6 or TOEFL 95 and above is an advantage.
Minimum education level: Master's
The program is competitive, you need to have a high grades of Average
A, 70%, or a
high GPA.
All students from all countries are eligible to apply to this program.
Please choose the programs here
,
"You
are advised to select 2-3 programs to increase your chances of
getting accepted.
Required Documents:
Passport
Graduation certificate
Passport size photo
Official transcript
Personal statement
English certificate (You can take the English test online)
Guarantor letter
2 Recommendation letters
Research proposal
Preparing documents:
You can start your application now and send the application
documents
during
your application. Some documents you can
send later if you don’t have them right away. Some more info
about
preparing
application documents is here
Applying Online is simple in just a few steps. More information
is
available
here.
The first steps are to choose the programs, pay the application
fee and
upload
the application documents.
Once submitted to Global Admissions, we will review your
application within
2-3
days and proceed to the university or ask
you for further clarification
After it has been processed to the university you will receive
your unique
application ID from each university.
The university may contact you directly for further questions.
We will then follow up each week with the university for updates.
As soon as
there is any update we will let you know.
If you have made other plans, decide to withdraw / change
address at any
time
please let us know.
After you have been accepted you will receive your admissions
letter
electronically and asked to pay the non-refundable
deposit to the university.
Once you have paid the deposit the university will issue you the
admissions
letter and visa form to your home country.
