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Music Industry Studies Courses
Music Industry Studies degree requirements
Associate in Art
Certificate of Achievement
Required Courses:
| MUSX-172 | Introduction to Electronic Music and MIDI (3) |
| MUSX-173 | Advanced Electronic Music (3) |
| MUSX-174 | Introduction to Music Technology and Pro Tools (3) |
| MUSX-175 | Advanced Pro Tools (3) |
| MUSX-181 | Introduction to the Music Industry (3) |
Electives (Choose at least 9 units from):
| MUSX-100 | AV Essentials: Systems and Analysis (3) |
| MUSX-101 | AV Essentials: Management and Solutions (3) |
| MUSX-110 | History of Electronic Music (3) |
| MUSX-120 | Live Sound (3) |
| MUSX-124 | Introduction to Music Production and Multi-Track Recording (3) |
| MUSX-125 | Advanced Music Production and Multi-Track Recording (3) |
| MUSX-176 | Introduction to Ableton Live (3) |
| MUSX-177 | Introduction to Reason (3) |
| MUSX-178 | Music and Sound for Film, Games, and Digital Media (3) |
| MUSX-182 | Songwriting I (3) |
| MUSX-183 | Artist Development in the Music Industry (3) |
| MUSX-270 | Advanced Digital Audio Techniques (3) |
| MUSX-282 | Songwriting II (3) |
| MUSX-296 | Internship in Occupational Work Experience Education in MUSX (1-4) |
| MUSIC-121 | Introduction to Music Composition (3) |
Total minimum units required: 24
Roadmap for certificate in Music Industry Studies
| Term 1 | Term 2 |
| MUSX-172 Introduction to Electronic Music and MIDI | MUSX-173 Advanced Electronic Music |
| MUSX-174 Introduction to Pro Tools | MUSX-175 Advanced Pro Tools |
| MUSX-181 Introduction to the Music Industry | (MUSX elective) |
| (MUSX elective) | (MUSX elective) |
MUSX-100: AV Essentials: Systems and Analysis
This course, along with MUSX-101, present the essentials for AV (Audio Visual) technology. Topics will include the fundamentals of analog signals, digital signals, audio systems, video systems and preparation for AV technician certification.
MUSX-101: AV Essentials: Management and Solutions
This course, along with MUSX-100, present the essentials for AV (Audio Visual) technology. Topics will include networks, signal management, control systems, electrical systems, and radio waves. This course prepares students for AV technician certification.
MUSX-110: History of Electronic Music (Online - Fall/Spring, In Person - Summer)
This course presents an overview of the history of electronic music from the late 19th century through the 1960s. Topics include electronic musical instruments, electronic musical technology, new musical styles, the introduction of the synthesizer, and the rise of mainstream electronic music. In addition, students will analyze historically significant works from the experimental art music of the mid-20th century through the popular forms of the 1960s.
MUSX-120: Live Sound (Fall)
This course is an overview of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include basic sound system theory and its application. It also covers individual sound system component operation, including microphones, mixers, effects, power amplifiers, and speaker systems. This course offers opportunities for hands-on experiences in troubleshooting, sound checking, and mixing sound for live performance applications.
MUSX-124: Introduction to Music Production and Multi-Track Recording
This course is designed to give the music student a working knowledge of the principles and techniques of multi-track recording. This course will explore, analyze and evaluate contemporary music production techniques and to apply these techniques to real production and recording situations. Emphasis will be on student involvement with various interrelated roles, including that of studio musician, writer/arranger, producer and sound engineer.
MUSX-125: Advanced Music Production and Multi-Track Recording
This course extends basic practical music production and multi-track recording skills to include complex projects, integration of acoustic and digital recording elements, and use of current computer software in the mixing process.
MUSX-172: Introduction to Electronic Music and MIDI (Online or In Person)
This is an introductory course that provides the foundational skills necessary for the creation of electronic music on a Digital Audio Workstation capable of utilizing MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students will gain direct hands-on experience with MIDI capable synthesizers, tone generators and samplers, digital signal processors, and computer-based music sequencing software.
MUSX-173: Advanced Electronic Music
This advanced course builds upon the knowledge and technical skills developed in MUSX-172 Introduction to Electronic Music and MIDI. Students will learn to integrate the MIDI and digital audio recording environments and also develop the advanced post production skills needed for employment in the music recording industry. Topics will include digital audio recording and editing, effects processing, mixing, and digital audio file management and conversion, sampling, synthesis, and advanced MIDI sequencing.
MUSX-174: Introduction to Music Technology and Pro Tools
This is an introductory course that will provide the foundational skills to learn and function within the Pro Tools audio production environment. Pro Tools represents a new generation of digital audio workstations that uses the power of personal computers and digital signal processing to record multitrack digital audio directly to hard disk. Topics will include digital multitrack recording, effects processing and digital audio mixing techniques.
MUSX-175: Advanced Pro Tools
This advanced course is designed for students who are preparing for employment in the music recording industry. Students will work on special production-oriented projects utilizing a Pro Tools capable digital audio workstation (DAW). Working independently and in teams, students will use the recording production tools that they have developed in prior semesters. Topics include acoustic recording, field recording, sound design, sound for picture, control surfaces, use of external signal processors, surround sound, and advanced mixing techniques.
MUSIC-176: Introduction to Ableton Live
This course will provide the foundational skills needed to learn and function within the music production environment of Ableton Live. This software application represents the next generation of the stand-alone virtual recording studio. Topics will include music sequencing, digital audio recording, software synthesis, sampling, MIDI, MIDI mapping, virtual effects, automation, signal flow, and mixing.
MUSX-177: Introduction to Reason
This course will provide the foundational skills needed to learn and function within the music production environment of Reason. This software application represents a new generation of the stand-alone virtual recording studio. Topics will include music sequencing, digital audio recording, software synthesis and sampling, virtual effects, automation, signal flow, and drum machines.
MUSX-178: Music and Sound for Film, Games, and Digital Media (Spring)
This class examines the topic of sound for picture through a combination of lecture and hands-on experience with a Digital Audio Workstation that is video capable. Students will develop the skill set needed to create soundtracks for film, television, commercials, and video games. Students will learn the three layers of sound for picture: dialog, music, and sound effects including Foley and ambiance. Each of these layers will be discussed and worked on in depth through lab projects.
MUSX-181: Introduction to the Music Industry (In Person - Fall, Online - Spring)
An introduction to the music industry, including its evolution, corporate structure, and legal practices such as contracts, copyrights, licenses, management teams, and royalties. Other topics include record production; music publishing; marketing; use of music in film, television, and advertising; touring; development and implementation of business plans; and career strategies.
MUSX-182: Songwriting I (In Person - Fall/Spring, Online - Summer)
This course is an introduction to modern song writing techniques. Students will learn to create their own musical compositions. Approaches to contemporary issues in song writing including development of melodic, lyrical, and rhythmic ideas will be studied. In addition, students will learn strategies for promoting their songs in the contemporary music marketplace as well as basic concepts of intellectual property right protection.
MUSX-183: Artist Development in the Music Industry (Spring)
Students will gain knowledge of the skills and techniques utilized by music industry professionals responsible for the identification, development, and promotion of successful artists. Tools such as identifying talent, building an artist development team, networking, and structuring a cohesive development plan are explored. Career options, such as artist management, A and R, sync and licensing, public relations, and social network promotions will be reviewed. This course is also designed to assist the DIY musician in developing the skills and techniques used in self-management.
MUSX-221: Orchestration and Arranging for Digital Instruments
This course presents the study of production concepts and arranging techniques for a variety of digital instrument sounds. Students will participate in listening, reading, discussion, and arranging exercises to help develop professional-sounding digital arrangements.
MUSX-270: Advanced Digital Audio Techniques
This course provides students the opportunity to learn advanced digital audio techniques utilizing various digital audio software. Topics will include audio manipulation, digital signal processing, mixing, vocal effect chains, programming drums, drum mixing, sampling, loops, and advanced MIDI.
MUSX-282: Songwriting II (In Person - Fall/Spring, Online - Summer)
This course presents the continued study of the structural, rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and lyrical components of a song. Original compositions and performances are required of all students.
MUSX-295: Occupational Work Experience Education in MUSX
MUSX-295 is supervised employment that extends classroom learning to the job site and relates to the student’s chosen field of study or area of career interest. Under the supervision of a college instructor, students will engage in on-the-job and other learning experiences that contribute to their employability skills and occupational or educational goals. Five hours work per week or seventy-five hours work per term is equal to one unit. Students may earn up to a maximum of sixteen units; repetition allowed per Title 5 Section 55253.
MUSX-296: Internship in Occupational Work Experience Education in MUSX
MUSX-296 is a supervised internship in a skilled or professional level assignment in the student’s major field of study or area of career interest. Under the supervision of a college instructor, students will engage in on-the-job and other learning experiences that contribute to their employability skills and occupational or educational goals. Internships may be paid, non-paid, or some partial compensation provided.
MUSIC-121: Introduction to Music Composition
This course is an introduction to basic techniques for music composition. Listening, reading, discussion, and composing exercises will be aimed at expanding the students' awareness of the diversity of aesthetics, styles, and techniques that exist today.
Class Schedules
To see the current or upcoming classes, please use the searchable schedule.