California Institute of the Arts

Bachelor in Music Technology (BFA)

Valencia, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

About the Program

The Bachelor in Music Technology program at California Institute of the Arts is a 4-year degree for students who want to combine music and technology. It helps students develop their creative engineering skills and become trained artists who can work in various music production settings. Students learn about concert production, acoustics, sound synthesis, and electronic composition.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of classes, including interface design, audio electronics, and interactive media. Students also participate in digital performance ensembles, such as the Machine Orchestra and Creative Electronic Ensemble. This hands-on approach helps students learn how to produce a concert, manage a stage, and run sound equipment.

Graduates of this program can become music producers, sound engineers, audio technicians, music software developers, or live sound engineers. They can work in the music industry, film industry, or live event sector. With their skills in music technology and production, they can pursue careers in various settings, from recording studios to concert venues.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is 85% above the typical bachelor's in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 29,946 USD, across 25,701 programs in our catalog.

Compare United States bachelor's programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
Duolingo
85–95
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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