Electronic Music Associate in Arts Degree Program

Download PDF / Print Electronic Music AA Page

Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AA Associate in Arts Degree Program
Music	60 units
Music and Technology	60 units
AA-T Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer
Music	60 units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Electronic Music	21 units
Music and Technology	23 units
CS Certificate of Specialization
Commercial Music	14 - 15 units

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include performer, producer, recording engineer, sound designer and sound engineer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Compose, produce, record and mix original electronic music pieces using various electronic music technologies and techniques.
Design original sounds using analog synthesis, digital synthesis and sampling.
Create and synchronize original sound effects, Foley, music and dialogue to visuals.
Analyze the compositional elements, production qualities and musical aesthetics of their own works and the works of other electronic musicians, producers and composers.

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

The Electronic Music major combines the areas of music, electronics and computer science, with a primary emphasis on music. The Electronic Music major is designed for students who intend to transfer to baccalaureate institutions; however, upon completion of the Associate degree in this discipline, many individuals start their own electronic music studios, where they record music for videos, films, or individual artists, as well as compose their own music on electronic instruments. Completion of a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Music expands career opportunities to include performer, producer, recording engineer, and sound engineer. Software companies also hire Electronic Music graduates to develop and test new electronic equipment ranging from synthesizers to software packages.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 12 units		Units
MUS. 290	Electronic Music I	3 units
MUS. 291	Electronic Music II	3 units
MUS. 292	Sound Creation: Sampling and Synthesis	3 units
MUS. 293	Audio for Visual Media	3 units

Required Selective Courses: 4 units from the following courses:		Units
MUS. 111 *	Musicianship I	1 unit
	AND
MUS. 131 *	Harmony I	3 units
	OR
MUS. 112	Musicianship II	1 unit
	AND
MUS. 132	Harmony II	3 units
	OR
MUS. 113	Musicianship III	1 unit
	AND
MUS. 133	Harmony III	3 units
	OR
MUS. 114	Musicianship IV	1 unit
	AND
MUS. 134	Harmony IV	3 units

Required Selective Courses: 2 units from the following courses:		Units
MUS. 301	Piano I	2 units
MUS. 302	Piano II	2 units
MUS. 303	Piano III	2 units
MUS. 304	Piano IV	2 units

Required Selective Courses: 3 units from the following courses:		Units
MUS. 202	Music Appreciation	3 units
MUS. 210	From Blues to Hip Hop: A History of American Popular Music	3 units
MUS. 250	World Music	3 units
MUS. 275	History of Jazz	3 units
MUS. 280	History of Electronic Music	3 units

Additional Recommended Courses:		Units
MUS. 296	Electronic Music Composition Portfolio I	1.5 units

* Recommended preparation for students who do not read music: MUS 100 Fundamentals of Music

Total Required Major Units: 21

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.