California Institute of the Arts vs Berklee

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of focus at CalArts and Berklee?

  CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) emphasizes visual and performing arts, including film, animation, theater, dance, music, and art. It's known for its experimental and interdisciplinary approach. Berklee College of Music, on the other hand, is primarily focused on contemporary music, encompassing performance, songwriting, music production, film scoring, and music business. While CalArts has a music program, Berklee's entire curriculum revolves around music.

• How do the campuses and locations differ?

  CalArts is located in Valencia, California, a suburban area north of Los Angeles. The campus is relatively self-contained. Berklee College of Music is situated in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, with buildings integrated into the urban environment. This provides students with access to a vibrant music scene and numerous performance opportunities in the city.

• What is the teaching philosophy at each school?

  CalArts promotes a student-centered, experimental, and interdisciplinary approach to learning. Students are encouraged to explore their artistic vision and collaborate across different disciplines. Berklee focuses on practical, hands-on training in contemporary music. The curriculum emphasizes performance, composition, and production skills, preparing students for careers in the music industry.

• What types of music programs are offered at each institution?

  CalArts offers programs in musical arts, including composition, experimental sound practices, and world music performance. Berklee offers a much wider range of music programs, including performance (various instruments and voice), songwriting, music production and engineering, film scoring, contemporary writing and production, music business, and music therapy, among others.

• How do the career opportunities differ for graduates of CalArts and Berklee?

  CalArts graduates often pursue careers in film, animation, visual arts, theater, and experimental music. Their interdisciplinary training can lead to diverse roles in the creative industries. Berklee graduates typically find careers as performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, film composers, music educators, and music business professionals. Berklee's strong industry connections provide graduates with valuable networking opportunities.

• What is the general atmosphere and culture like at each school?

  CalArts is known for its experimental, avant-garde, and collaborative atmosphere. It attracts students who are interested in pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic forms. Berklee has a more focused and career-oriented culture, with a strong emphasis on contemporary music and industry preparation. The atmosphere is generally supportive and collaborative, with a strong sense of community among musicians.

• How does the admissions process differ between CalArts and Berklee?

  Both CalArts and Berklee require applicants to submit portfolios or auditions as part of the admissions process. CalArts places a strong emphasis on artistic vision and potential, while Berklee focuses on musical talent and proficiency. Berklee also requires an audition for most performance-based programs. Both schools consider academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.

• Are there opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration at either school?

  CalArts is specifically designed for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to work with peers from different departments, such as film, animation, and theater. Berklee, while primarily focused on music, offers some opportunities for collaboration with other artistic disciplines, particularly in areas like film scoring and musical theater.

• Which school is better for someone interested in film scoring?

  While both schools offer pathways into film scoring, Berklee College of Music is generally considered to have a stronger and more established film scoring program. Berklee's program is specifically designed to train composers for careers in film, television, and video games, with dedicated faculty and resources. CalArts offers opportunities to explore film scoring within its music and film programs, but it is not as specialized as Berklee's program.

• Does either school offer online programs?

  Yes, Berklee offers a wide range of online programs through Berklee Online, including degree programs, certificates, and individual courses in various music-related subjects. CalArts primarily focuses on on-campus instruction, although they may offer some online workshops or courses.

• What are the notable alumni from each school?

  CalArts boasts notable alumni in film, animation, and music, including Tim Burton, John Lasseter, Sofia Coppola, and Flying Lotus. Berklee has produced numerous successful musicians, songwriters, and producers, including John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, and Charlie Puth.

• How do the tuition costs compare between CalArts and Berklee?

  Tuition costs at both CalArts and Berklee are relatively high, reflecting the specialized nature of their programs and the resources they provide. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition information, as costs can change annually. Additionally, both schools offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible students.