CalArts Music Audition (Perfomer/Composer)

Parents Forum
1

Wondering if any of you have kids who applied to CalArts for music (Herb Albert School of Music.) My D is applying for the “Performer/Composer” program (as a vocalist) and her audition is coming up soon in Chicago. I’m just looking for an audition description/what to expect/any tips.

At the end of this post is the description they give so it’s a little vague and open-ended, probably by design. She submitted mostly original songs for the portfolio/artist statement. Since they say the audition can duplicate the portfolio, I assume she should plan on doing a few originals and maybe a jazz song or something contrasting if they want to see some diversity?

Reading about general CalArts auditions on CC, they sound a little unique, perhaps focused on the interview and forcing the student “outside their comfort zone” during the performance part of the audition.

If any of you have children who experienced a CalArts music audition in recent years, please respond here or private message me. Thank you!

Portfolio/Audition Guidelines

The portfolio submission should reflect your primary areas of interest and artistic strengths. Examples include: instrumental performance, vocal performance, jazz, composition and experimental sound practices, music technology, world music performance, performer-composer integration, musical arts/experimental pop, cross-disciplinary approaches, and other combinations of disciplines involving music.

You must submit a digital portfolio containing at least 3-5 works submitted via SlideRoom. Materials to upload may include: recordings, videos, appropriate media documents, scores, writings, and any related materials that further illuminate your work. You may also link to media from YouTube, Vimeo and SoundCloud. Applicants for VoiceArts must include ONE classical song or aria in their portfolio/audition.

The faculty are especially interested in reviewing work that emphasizes:

Applicants own original compositions documented through scores or other appropriate media.
Performances demonstrating strong technical skills in extant musical literature and any, if appropriate, any original work including improvisation.
Innovative performance practices.
Skills with music technologies including novel and innovative uses.
Interdisciplinary work.
Artwork beyond music that broadly informs your larger musical practice.
The portfolio can duplicate the audition, and the audition is a chance for us to get to know you in person and answer any questions. There are no specific repertoire requirements for the audition, however we would prefer to see what you consider your strengths.

2

You would probably get your best responses by posting here. http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/

3

Thank you @GloriaVaughn. The link takes me to several threads. Can you tell me the name of the thread? Thank you!

4

Gloria is suggesting you post this on the CC music forum. You posted it on last year’s journey thread on the music forum, but then on the parents’ forum rather than the music one :slight_smile: I answered your other post and feel free to PM me.

5

Ok @compmom. I’ll find that thread. Thanks!

6

You just posted on the music forum. I was thinking you posted this thread on the parents’ forum by mistake since you are already an active participant on the music forum : I am PM’ing you.

There is no thread to find. You are already on it!