Certificate of Achievement in Music: Commercial Music Production
Program Overview
The Commercial Music Production Certificate of Achievement at Cerritos College is a two-year program designed to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions in the music production industry. The program emphasizes hands-on training and practical experience, covering areas such as music theory, recording techniques, mixing techniques, and music production for film, TV, and games. Graduates are prepared for careers as assistant sound engineers, music producers, live sound engineers, and composers for film, TV, and games.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music Production is a terminal degree designed for workforce training in entry-level positions within recording, film, and production studios. It focuses exclusively on music production, equipping students with professional workflows for assisting in sound engineering, live production, music production, and post-production.
Objectives:
- To equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions in the commercial music production industry.
- To develop students' professional workflows and proficiency in industry-standard software and equipment.
- To prepare students for careers as assistants in sound engineering, live production, music production, and post-production.
Description:
The program comprises 38 units and emphasizes hands-on training and practical experience. Students learn to operate and produce music on various software platforms like Avid Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase, and Ableton Live. They also gain experience with recording and live consoles by Avid and Yamaha.
Outline
Program Content:
The program focuses on the technical aspects of music production, covering areas such as music theory, musicianship, music technology fundamentals, piano skills, recording techniques, mixing techniques, music production for film, TV, and games, music entrepreneurship, and the business of music.
Structure:
The program is divided into four terms spread over two academic years.
- Spring 2024 (2nd Term): Music Theory/Musicianship II, Synthesizer Techniques, Recording Techniques, Elementary Piano II
- Fall 2024 (3rd Term): Electronic Music Production, Mixing Techniques, Contemporary Music Notation, This Business of Music
Module Descriptions:
- Music Theory/Musicianship: Develops foundational knowledge of music theory and musicianship skills.
- Music Technology Fundamentals: Introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of music technology.
- Elementary Piano: Provides basic piano skills and techniques.
- Synthesizer Techniques: Explores the use of synthesizers in music production.
- Recording Techniques: Teaches the techniques and methods of recording audio.
- Mixing Techniques: Covers the principles and practices of mixing audio.
- Electronic Music Production: Focuses on the production of electronic music.
- Contemporary Music Notation: Provides training in contemporary music notation methods.
- This Business of Music: Introduces the business aspects of the music industry.
- Music Entrepreneurship: Develops entrepreneurial skills for navigating the music industry.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
- Exams: Written and practical exams to evaluate students' theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Projects: Individual and group projects to demonstrate students' ability to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
- Assignments: Regular assignments to assess students' understanding of key concepts and techniques.
- Presentations: Presentations to showcase students' work and communication skills.
- Technical accuracy: Ensuring students demonstrate proper technique and knowledge of relevant software and equipment.
- Creativity: Assessing students' ability to apply their skills and knowledge in creative ways.
- Professionalism: Evaluating students' ability to work effectively in a professional setting.
- Communication: Assessing students' ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Providing students with theoretical knowledge and foundational concepts.
- Hands-on labs: Offering practical training and experience with industry-standard software and equipment.
- Workshops: Guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals.
- Individual instruction: Personalized guidance and feedback from instructors.
Faculty:
The program is led by experienced and qualified instructors with expertise in music production, music technology, and related fields.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry-standard software and equipment, and collaboration with industry professionals.
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various areas, including:
- Assistant Sound Engineer
- Assistant Music Producer
- Live Sound Engineer
- Music Editor
- Composer for Film, TV, and Games
- Music Entrepreneur
Career Opportunities:
The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in the music production industry. Graduates can find employment in various settings, including:
- Recording studios
- Film and television production companies
- Music publishing companies
- Live music venues
- Game development studios
