Commercial Music Certificate of Specialization

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
Electronic Music	60 units
Music	60 units
AA-T Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer
Music	60 units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Electronic Music	21 units

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include music producer, recording engineer, songwriter, sound designer, film and video game composer, audio technician, live sound mix engineer, and performing artist.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Demonstrate the basic functions and uses of audio equipment including microphones, mixers, amplifiers, speakers, computer music software and hardware, MIDI synthesizers, drum machines and effects processors.
Create high quality digital audio productions.
Demonstrate entry-level skills and knowledge necessary for selected careers in the music industry.

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

About the Program

The College of San Mateo provides a creative environment where every student may become enriched through an active association with the art of music and a faculty who are active in the music profession. The Music Department at College of San Mateo places strong emphasis upon performance as well as composition in both traditional and electronic media. At the same time, the department offers the general student enhanced understanding and appreciation of all forms of music. Through this two-fold approach, the department’s purpose becomes clear: to promote excellence in all aspects of music performance and academic course work, to provide basic preparation for careers in music, and to promote interest in all music and artistic endeavors at the College and in the Bay Area community.

Career opportunities include accompanist; arranger; composer; conductor; critic; band, orchestra or recording musician; lyricist, performing instrumentalist or vocalist; music director (radio station); private music instructor; music producer; music publisher; music therapist; night-club/restaurant entertainer; recording engineer; and teacher/professor. Additional career possibilities include choir director, music librarian, music minister, piano tuner, professional manager, recreation specialist, and soloist.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

University Transfer Program
60 – 70 transferable units

California State University
University of California
Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

This Certificate of Specialization provides the foundational skills necessary to enter the music industry. Career opportunities include music producer, recording engineer, songwriter, sound designer, film and video game composer, audio technician, live sound mix engineer, and performing artist.

Program Requirements

Requirements

Required Core Courses: 9 units		Units
MUS. 286	Music Business	3 units
MUS. 290	Electronic Music I	3 units
MUS. 291	Electronic Music II	3 units

Required Selective Courses: choose a minimum of 5 units from the following courses		Units
MUS. 120	Songwriting	3 units
MUS. 292	Sound Creation: Sampling and Synthesis	3 units
MUS. 293	Audio for Visual Media	3 units
MUS. 298	New Interfaces for Making Music	4 units
MUS. 423	Small Ensembles	2 units
MUS. 222	Live Sound and Streaming	3 units
MUS. 289	Recording for Musical Applications	3 units

Total Required Units: 14 - 15