VoiceArts (BFA & MFA)

Before applying, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the VoiceArts Program, faculty, facilities, curriculum and view student work.

Please note that you must complete all Admissions Requirements as well as the portfolio requirements to be considered for admission.

Portfolio/Audition Guidelines (BFA)

Via the portfolio section of the CalArts Application, you are invited to submit a portfolio containing 3–5 examples of your artistic work. Your portfolio:

  • Should consist of a minimum of 3 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 résumé 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 will have permission to view this media. 

Auditions

Applicants applying to the VoiceArts BFA program are required to participate in an in-person interview and audition OR a virtual interview. This offers you and the panel the opportunity for greater communication and you will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the program during your audition/interview.

After submitting your application, you will 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. If you cannot attend an in-person interview/audition, you may participate in a virtual interview and we will treat your portfolio as your audition. More information on the auditions and registration can be found on our Audition Schedule page.

For the auditions, please prepare at least 3 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.

Portfolio/Audition Guidelines (MFA)

Via the portfolio section of the CalArts Application, you are invited to submit a portfolio that showcases your work as a creative artist and is reflective of your interests and experiences. We are interested in submissions that highlight your vocal technique and musicianship, and show your artistic inclinations. The portfolio has few specific requirements, and the choice of material is left to your discretion:

  • Your portfolio materials should have a maximum combined length of 20 minutes (excerpts are fine). Your portfolio may consist of any vocal music, with a preference for experimental and/or interdisciplinary examples. Other possible selections include: original compositions; classical selections from opera, oratorio, art song; jazz; improvisation; sound-poetry; etc. Classical works that are re-contextualized and/or original work are desirable. 

  • The portfolio should include at least one unedited video of a performance —we want to see you performing. High quality audio submissions are fine as long as the video requirement has been met. Live performances before an audience are preferred, if recording quality is high. 

  • You may include work outside of music that informs your musical practice, including visual art, writing/poetry, dance, theater, video, and/or other practices.

  • If you are a composer who works with notated music of any kind, score submissions that demonstrate this area of your creative practice are welcome.

  • Materials must be labeled clearly and completely, including, for each selection: title, composer, approximate timing, date recorded, names of other participants, and any relevant notes or comments.

  • Please submit a résumé and photo with your portfolio.

Auditions

Applicants applying to the VoiceArts MFA program are required to participate in an in-person interview and audition OR a virtual interview. This offers you and the panel the opportunity for greater communication and you will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the program during your audition/interview.

After submitting your application, you will 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. If you cannot attend an in-person interview/audition, you may participate in a virtual interview and we will treat your portfolio as your audition. More information on the auditions and registration can be found on our Audition Schedule page.

Please prepare at least 15 minutes of performance material that best represents your abilities, musicianship, and interests. Materials may be drawn from those submitted in your Portfolio or may showcase new work.

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.

Taped accompaniments will be allowed only for pieces written specifically for voice and tape medium or for original compositions, and playback equipment must be requested in advance. Karaoke tracks are not suitable for the audition.