Music Technology
16 courses · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
MTEC 110 Recording Arts I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- MUS 110 and MUS 144A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This first in a sequence of four recording arts courses presents an introductory overview of the audio production process. Topics include the physics of sound, transducers, audio processors, and recording-studio logistics. C-ID CMUS130X.
MTEC 111 Recording Arts II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 110 and MTEC 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is the second in a series of four courses designed as the study of the theory and application of methods and tools in the field of recording arts and audio production.
MTEC 120 Digital Audio Production I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- MTEC 110
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS-120X
This course is a survey of the various procedures and technology used in contemporary audio production in the digital domain. Course work includes the Avid Pro Tools 101 Certification Test. Students are required to own or have ongoing personal access to a working copy of the Avid ProTools Digital Audio Software application and a suitable computer. C-ID CMUS-120X.
MTEC 125 Sound for Visual Media
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students learn the theory and practice of audio production for film, television, and visual media. Topics include fundamentals of acoustics, microphones, digital audio workstations (DAWs), audio editing, and mixing.
MTEC 130 Electronic Music I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This survey course explores the full range of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) capable software and hardware including associated production techniques for music composition, performance, and recording.
MTEC 140 Sound Reinforcement I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an overview of the theory and application of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include the physics of sound, the individual sound system components and their functions, and the application and use of microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speaker systems. Field trips are required for successful completion of the course.
MTEC 150 Acoustics and Audio Electronics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of acoustics and audio electronics principles. Students will explore key concepts such as sound wave properties, electronics theory, signal path, basic circuitry, transduction, and audio equipment maintenance. Participants will gain a theoretical understanding of audio theory that is used in music production, and practical hands-on experience in the application of those concepts in different acoustic environments.
MTEC 160 Business of Music and Media I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS-140X
This course explores the essential topics relevant to participation in the contemporary music and media industry: intellectual property rights, copyright law, publishing administration, performing rights organizations, music licensing, contracts, and artist representation. C-ID CMUS-140X.
MTEC 210 Recording Arts III
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 111
- Transfers to
- CSU
This third in a four-course sequence provides an in-depth technical and applied study of recording techniques covered in the previous recording arts courses. Topics include complex signal path routing, effects and dynamics processing, mixing and file export. Students work within a group and utilize studio time to complete assignments within a given timeline.
MTEC 211 Recording Arts IV
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 210
- Transfers to
- CSU
This fourth and final course in the recording arts sequence focuses on the technical, creative, and logistical aspects of commercial music production. Students are required to individually organize and complete several recording projects that meet specific contemporary music marketplace criteria.
MTEC 220 Digital Audio Production II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an in-depth study of advanced digital audio production techniques in the Avid Pro Tools software environment. Specific topics include system setup, recording, editing, processing, mixing and synchronization of audio with video. Course work includes the Avid Pro Tools certification tests. Students are required to have access to a working copy of the Avid ProTools digital audio software application installed on a suitable computer.
MTEC 230 Electronic Music II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 130
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an exploration and in-depth study of the various techniques of synthesis and sound creation, and the art and science of their application in contemporary music and audio-post production. Students will learn how to design and edit natural and electronic sounds that can be used in music composition, or in conjunction with visual media.
MTEC 240 Sound Reinforcement II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 140
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers advanced topics in sound system design and operation, wireless theory and optimization, audio networking software, and advanced mixing techniques. Topics include audio software, audio system tuning, audio networking protocols, speaker theory and optimization, and festival planning and implementation. Field trips are required for successful completion of the course.
MTEC 260 Business of Music and Media II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 2 hours
- Prerequisite
- MTEC 160
- Transfers to
- CSU
This second in a two-course series covers effective methods of exploitation and monetization of creative works in the current industry marketplace. Specific topics include careers in music and media, independent music production and distribution, synchronization and licensing, music submissions, marketing and publicity, and attaining relevant goals.
MTEC 292 Internship Studies
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.
MTEC 299 Occupational Work Experience Education
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.