Music Audio
12 courses · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027
MUSA 100 Fundamentals of Audio Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 100 X
Fundamental terminology, equipment, techniques, and technical concepts related to audio technology. Topics include the basic principles and practices of signal flow, analog audio, digital audio, computer workstations, musical instrument digital interface (MIDI), synthesis, and sound recording utilizing modern hardware and software. These topics will be explored from a technical perspective.
MUSA 110 Acoustics for Audio Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
Scientific and practical concepts of acoustic sound for audio production. Topics include the science of sound, sound generation, sound in the free field, acoustic spaces, psychoacoustics, and techniques for acoustic management. Students will be able to critically analyze acoustic phenomena and apply this knowledge in audio production settings.
MUSA 120 Introduction to Music Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 110 X
Creative techniques and elements of electronic audio. Topics include digital audio workstations, musical instrument digital interface (MIDI), synthesis, sampling, sequencing, editing, composition, arranging, and mixing. Compositions are expected of students utilizing electronic audio techniques.
MUSA 130 Business of Audio Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- C-ID
- CMUS 140X
Business and legal aspects of the audio industry. Topics include contracts, publishing, licensing, distribution, and copyright. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of producers, agents, managers, promoters, and performing artists will be examined. Students will gain a firm understanding of past and current business practices related to audio production.
MUSA 150 Audio Recording
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 100
- C-ID
- CMUS 130X
Intermediate concepts and skills for audio recording. Topics include recording techniques, signal flow, microphone principles and usage, equipment, signal processing, digital audio workstation recording functions, and recording procedures. Students will produce quality audio recordings from a variety of sound sources.
MUSA 160 Live Sound Engineering
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 100
- C-ID
- CMUS 120 X
Intermediate concepts and skills for audio engineering live events. Topics will include microphones, mixers, amplifiers, monitoring, setup and teardown, sound reinforcement, cabling and wiring, and duties and roles for stages, clubs, theaters, churches, and industrial venues. Students will be able to engineer a multi-input live sound performance.
MUSA 200 Audio Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 150
Advanced studio-recording techniques. Topics include recording sessions, applied acoustics, multi-microphone configurations, overdub sessions, cue mixes, control room configuration, roles and duties, editing, and mixing. Students will learn to apply audio technology and recording concepts in a multitrack studio environment.
MUSA 210 Audio for Multimedia
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 100 and MUSA 120
Intermediate creative, technical, and collaborative techniques for producing audio for recorded multimedia. Topics include games, animation, video, commercials, radio, virtual reality, Internet, and motion graphics. Students will be able to produce quality audio tracks for use in a variety of multimedia settings.
MUSA 220 Sound Performance and Synthesis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 36, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 120 and MUSA 160
Advanced creative, technical, and collaborative skills for synthesizing, designing, and performing sound. Topics will cover synthesis and sound design for a variety of purposes, such as music performances, film, TV, multimedia, games, animations, concerts, theater performances, dance performances, theme parks, and artistic and commercial installations. Students will create and perform productions that they have designed and synthesized from scratch.
MUSA 230 Songwriting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUS 110A and MUSA 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 150 X
Processes and techniques of songwriting. Songs will be analyzed on chord structure, form, rhythm, melody, harmony, and lyrics. Original compositions and performances are expected from all students.
MUSA 250 Audio Capstone
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 120 and MUSA 130 and MUSA 150 and MUSA 160
Advanced creative, organizational, and leadership skills for large-scale audio productions. Students will lead complex multi-track, multi-artist productions from conceptualization to delivery.
MUSA 299 Work Experience in Audio Arts
- Units
- 1-3
- Prerequisite
- MUSA 150 or MUSA 160 or MUSA 210 and Instructor approval and Compliance with Work Experience regulations as designated in the College Catalog
Job experience in audio production in an approved work site. A minimum of 54 clock hours per semester of supervised work is required for each unit of credit. It is recommended that the hours per week be distributed throughout the semester. Instructor approval required. A maximum of three units can be earned for this course.