Bachelor in Jazz (BFA)

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.

The Bachelor in Jazz program at California Institute of the Arts is a 4-year degree for students who want to become professional jazz musicians. It helps students develop their skills in jazz performance, music notation, and theory. Students get to perform with both student and faculty jazz ensembles.

The curriculum includes classes on transcription, jazz improvisation, harmonic improvisation, keyboard theory, composition, arranging, and jazz history. Students also participate in intensive ensemble work, including performing with West African Music and Dance ensembles, Balinese and Javanese Music and Dance ensembles, and other groups. This hands-on approach helps students build concert and recording studio experience.

Graduates of this program can become jazz musicians, music producers, sound engineers, music teachers, or concert promoters. They can work in the music industry, education sector, or entertainment field. With their skills in jazz performance, music production, and ensemble leadership, they can pursue careers in various settings, from orchestras to music production companies.