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Commercial Music: Recording Certificate

Part Time

This program roadmap represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. This roadmap is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Catalog:
2025-26
Total Units:
39
Start Term:
Fall

First Year

Semester 1 (Fall)

11 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
Req
MUSM 311
Introduction to Music Business
3
Req
MUSM 334
Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
2
Req
MUSM 342
Recording Studio Techniques I
3
RE
MUFHL 321
Basic Musicianship
3

Semester 2 (Spring)

10 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
Req
MUSM 344
Recording Studio Techniques II
3
MUSM 342
Req
MUSM 356
Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools
1.5
Req
MUSM 357
Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools
1.5
MUSM 356
Req
ET 302
Principles of Electricity and Electronics
4

Second Year

Semester 3 (Fall)

9 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
Req
MUSM 120
Contemporary Songwriting I
3
MUFHL 321
Req
MUSM 350
Recording Studio Techniques III
3
MUSM 344
Req
MUSM 367
Audio for Video Post Production
3
MUSM 344

Semester 4 (Spring)

9 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
Req
MUSM 362
Mixing and Mastering Music Projects
3
MUSM 350, 356 and 357
Req
MUSM 306
Live Sound Reinforcement
3
MUSM 342
RE
MUSM 361
Advanced Studio Sessions
3
MUSM 350
Explanation of Categories
Req Required Core A course that is required for this program
RE Restricted Elective A course selected from a list of elective courses specified for this program in the course list in the catalog, which can be replaced with another course from the same list

Career path

Career Options:

ARC’s Commercial Music: Recording program provides students the core skills needed to enter a career in audio engineering. Foundational classes in the theory and art of recording are coupled with laboratory experiences in order to prepare the student for further study at a four-year institution or for an entry-level career position. Many students work in recording studios or even start a studio/business of their own.

Once students have gained a background in music production, coupled with business and entrepreneurship skills, they are prepared to work in a wide variety of niches in the music industry such as:

  • recording studio audio engineer/audio engineering assistant
  • music producer
  • post-production audio (voiceover, audio FX, Foley and ADR for film/TV)
  • mastering engineer
  • live sound operator
  • acoustic design and installation engineer
  • audio/media specialist for houses of worship
  • audio engineer for video
  • audio gaming engineer
  • audio multimedia specialist
  • audiovisual consultant
  • multimedia educators and specialist (K-12, college, university, conservatory, private studio)
  • stage technician
  • studio manager

Advising Notes:

  • Students should meet with a counselor and the Commercial Music program director to ensure they are following an education plan that takes their needs and goals into consideration.
  • The courses in this certificate can also be applied to the Commercial Music: Recording A.A. degree.
  • This certificate can be started in the spring as well. See a counselor to adjust the coursework.

Scheduling Notes:

  • MUSM 356 is scheduled during the 1st 8 weeks and MUSM 357 during the 2nd 8 weeks in the spring, so they can be taken in the same semester.
  • MUSM 367 is offered in the fall.
  • MUSM 362 is offered in the spring.

Other Notes:

  • Students can use this certificate, with additional coursework, to prepare to transfer to earn bachelor’s degrees in Audio Recording, Music Production, Acoustical Engineering, and other related fields.
  • At the end of semester 3, students qualify for the Digital Audio Production certificate.

Published April 12, 2025

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