Commercial Music – Major #5850

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


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, or commercial music.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Analyze, read, and write music.
  2. 2. Perform early intermediate level piano solos, duets and ensembles in an artistic manner using good technique with stylistic and aesthetic considerations.
  3. 3. Appropriately work with music industry professionals.
  4. 4. Record musicians in a professional manner.
  5. 5. Successfully manipulate Midi and Finale software.
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester

Term 1

8 units

MUS 5
Computer Music Production

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
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)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer

        Major Course

        3 units

        Select one of the following: 

        MUS 1A
        Music Theory I

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
        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 Details:
        1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
        2. Advisory: MUS 3
          1. CSU Transfer

            MUS 1AE
            Music Theory I-Extra

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
            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)
            Course Details:
            1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
            2. Advisory: MUS 3
              1. CSU Transfer

                MUS 3
                Music Fundamentals

                3 units
                Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

                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)

                Course Details:

                        Piano Proficiency

                        2 units

                        Select one of the following: 

                        MUS 20
                        Beginning Piano: Level I

                        2 units
                        Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                        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)
                        Course Details:
                            1. CSU Transfer

                              MUS 21
                              Beginning Piano: Level II

                              2 units
                              Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                              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)
                              Course Details:
                              1. Prerequisite: MUS 20
                                1. CSU Transfer

                                  Term 2

                                  8-9 units

                                  MUS 8
                                  Audio Engineering

                                  3 units
                                  Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                                  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)
                                  Course Details:
                                      1. CSU Transfer

                                        MUS 111
                                        Music Business and Career Development

                                        3 units
                                        Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                                        Survey of topics of importance to the music industry professional: Management, copyright, publishing, contracts, promotion, revenue sources and career development. (A)
                                        Course Details:

                                                Major Course

                                                2-3 units

                                                Select one of the following: 

                                                MUS 5B
                                                Music for Film, Television, and Video Games

                                                3 units
                                                Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                                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)
                                                Course Details:
                                                1. Prerequisite: MUS 5

                                                      MUS 8B
                                                      Audio Engineering II

                                                      3 units
                                                      Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                                                      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)
                                                      Course Details:
                                                      1. Prerequisite: MUS 8
                                                        1. CSU Transfer

                                                          MUS 93
                                                          Songwriting

                                                          3 units
                                                          Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                                                          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)
                                                          Course Details:
                                                              1. CSU Transfer

                                                                MUS 112
                                                                Introduction to Finale

                                                                2 units
                                                                Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
                                                                Use of Finale music notation software program for the creation of musical scores and parts. (A)
                                                                Course Details:
                                                                        Total: 16-17 units