Commercial Music – Major #5850 - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
It is also important to discuss your transfer options with a counselor because each university will require specific courses.

This program satisfies the requirements for the Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music and the lower division requirements at California state universities. Music majors must select one of the following areas of specialization: instrumental, vocal, guitar, piano, composition or commercial music.

1. Analyze, read, and write music.

2. Perform early intermediate level piano solos, duets and ensembles in an artistic manner using good technique with stylistic and aesthetic considerations.

3. Appropriately work with music industry professionals.

4. Record, mix and produce musicians in a professional manner.

5. Successfully manipulate Midi and music notation software.

Program Map

Term 1

8 units
MUS 5
Computer Music Production
Use of MIDI, synthesizers, drum machines, computers, sequencing, sound design, and digital audio workstation software to compose, edit, record, mix and master music. Students will create and compose original music and personal arrangements in styles reflecting modern production techniques. (A, CSU, UC)
Major Course

Select one of the following: 

Writing and analysis; fundamentals of music. Designed for the music major. Introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music with regard to music from Western history and non-Western cultures: Examples from music literature will demonstrate staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. History and social context of the above concepts will be discussed. (A, CSU, UC)
Course covers content of MUS 1A with extra lab time and guided practice. Appropriate for students desiring extra support due to no prior music experience. Writing and analysis; fundamentals of music. Designed for the music major. Introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music with regard to music from Western history and non-Western cultures: Examples from music literature will demonstrate staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. History and social context of the above concepts will be discussed. (A, CSU, UC)
Fundamental theory of music: pitch, rhythm, meters, scales, keys, key signatures, intervals, rhythm, and scale dictation. Designed for the general student, the music major with limited music theory experience, the commercial music student, and the classroom teacher. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Piano Proficiency

Select one of the following: 

Fundamentals, theory, and terminology; elementary piano techniques, scales, and keyboard harmony; easy compositions drawn from the repertoire of varying historical periods of classical music and different world cultures. Designed for the general student and the classroom teacher. Not intended for students who have had previous piano instructions. (A, CSU, UC)
Progressively advancing solo and ensemble work. Baroque, classic, romantic, 20th century literature and world music literature as appropriate to the students development level. Artistic self-expression will be developed through fingering, harmonizing melodies, sight-reading, and duets. Designed for the general student and the classroom teacher. (A, CSU, UC)

Term 2

8-9 units
MUS 8
Audio Engineering
This course is an introduction to the art and science of audio engineering. It covers fundamental concepts and techniques, including the use of digital audio workstations, basic acoustics, signal flow, microphone principles and usage, studio equipment, signal processing, recording console functions, and multi-track recording procedures. Designed for students in music, commercial music and electronic media. (A, CSU, UC)
MUS 11
Music Business and Career Development
In this course, students will survey topics of importance to music industry professionals. Students will learn the current industry practices regarding management, copyright, publishing, contracts, promotion, revenue sources, and career development. (A, CSU)

Course Details:

          Major Course

          Select one of the following: 

          Advanced computer music production techniques applicable to film, television and video games. Includes MIDI production with digital audio workstations, scoring methods, mixing and mastering for visual media. (A, CSU, UC)
          An intermediate course in audio recording. It focuses audio engineering skills including audio production, digital audio workstations, post-production audio, microphone placement, session procedures, digital signal processing, mixing techniques, and basic mastering skills. (A, CSU, UC)
          In this course, students will learn how to use music scoring and notation software for the creation of musical scores and parts. (A, CSU)

          Course Details:

          1. Advisory:
                The study of songwriting and concept development from initial idea to its realization. Topics include: approaches and techniques of song composition, creating lyrics, characteristics of diverse musical styles, steps in adapting ideas to music creation, songwriting and arranging. (A, CSU, UC)