Master in North Indian Music (MFA)

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 Master in North Indian Music is a Master's degree for international students at the California Institute of the Arts. This program helps students develop advanced skills in traditional North Indian music and refine their unique voices. It lasts one year and is taught in English.

The curriculum covers traditional repertoire, improvisation, and North Indian music theory. Tabla students learn vocalization and recitation of syllables, while melodic instrument students develop technical skills for playing and singing different ragas and talas. They gain extensive knowledge of many different talas and build a deep understanding of the concepts and devices found in North Indian classical music.

Graduates can become Tabla Players, North Indian Classical Musicians, Music Composers, Music Teachers, or Ethnomusicologists. They can work in the music industry, education, or performance, and can be employed by companies like music schools, cultural institutions, or performance ensembles.