Master in Piano/Keyboard (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 Piano/Keyboard is a Master's degree for students who want to refine their performance techniques and explore new stylistic directions. It takes a few years to complete and is taught in English. The main advantage is that students get to shape their individual artistic profiles and prepare for careers in the professional music world.

The curriculum includes major lessons, piano workshops, performance forums, and advanced classes in music history, literature, theory, and analysis. Students also play in chamber groups and large ensembles, and can develop specialized skills through electives like harpsichord, jazz piano, or jazz keyboard.

Graduates can pursue careers as Concert Pianists, Piano Teachers, Music Directors, Jazz Musicians, or Composition Teachers. They can work in industries like music, education, or entertainment, and can be employed by companies like orchestras, schools, or recording studios.