California Institute of the Arts (The Herb Alpert School of Music)Ranked as America’s top college for students in the arts by Newsweek/The Daily Beast, California Institute of the Arts has set the pace for educating professional artists since 1970.4.2 out of 5
4.2 out of 5
Hot take
The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts is a haven for boundary-pushing musicians who crave experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its programs are rooted in a stylistically open curriculum, with rigorous instruction, individualized mentoring, and a stellar 5:1 student-faculty ratio—plus 100% of faculty are actively working musicians. The school stands out for its adventurous ensembles, from electroacoustic labs to avant-garde large groups, and its encouragement to break musical norms. However, the culture of radical experimentation may not appeal to those seeking a traditional conservatory or mainstream network, and some critics argue that its artistic references can feel insular or self-referential. Still, CalArts’ commitment to fearless artistic discovery, world-class facilities, and a vibrant, global community makes it a top destination for creators who want to invent the future of music.
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Pros
Exceptionally low 5:1 student-faculty ratio
Faculty are all active, working artists and musicians
Highly individualized mentoring and professional development
Emphasis on creative risk-taking and stylistic freedom
Strong opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
State-of-the-art facilities and technology
Diverse, international student body
Cons
Less focus on traditional conservatory or mainstream music industry paths
Tuition and cost may be high for some students
Critics have noted a tendency toward insular artistic references
Experimental focus may not suit all career ambitions
Key Features
Stylistically open music curriculum
Individualized mentoring
Collaborative multidisciplinary environment
Experimental and genre-blurring ensembles
Professional development training
Active, industry-connected faculty
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