Commercial Music
Certificate Music · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Arts Division
Music Department
The certificate in Commercial Music prepares students for entry-level work in the commercial music industry. The program includes music and audio courses that cover the performance, creative, technical, and business concepts needed to succeed in the field of commercial music. Students will learn to write, compose, and arrange modern commercial music; perform commercial music in live and recording settings; produce, record, and mix commercial music; collaborate effectively in commercial music settings; and integrate commercial music practices in a variety of musical and non-musical settings. This program is distinct from our Music program because it addresses modern, commercial music rather than traditional music genres. It also relies on digital music technologies more than traditional instruments. It differs from our Audio Arts program in that it is focused on the creation and production of music rather than the technical operation of audio equipment. The Commercial Music program provides a balance of performance, creative, and technical skills not found in these related programs on campus. Because the commercial music industry is highly competitive, job placement is not guaranteed. However, the Los Angeles area is the center of the industry and graduates will be well-positioned for jobs and careers such as musical performer, music producer, music director, songwriter, sound designer, disc jockey, music scorer, copyist, and sound editor. Enrollment is open to all interested students although previous experience with musical performance and music technology is recommended.
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 29 | |
| MUS 110A | Music Fundamentals for Musicians | |
| MUS 120 | Music Theory I | |
| MUS 125 | Musicianship I | |
| MUS 160 | Individual Instruction (take 4 times for 2 units) | |
| MUS 171 | Piano II | |
| MUSA 100 | Fundamentals of Audio Technology | |
| MUSA 120 | Introduction to Music Production | |
| MUSA 130 | Business of Audio Production | |
| MUSA 150 | Audio Recording | |
| MUSA 160 | Live Sound Engineering | |
| MUSA 230 | Songwriting | |
| Required Electives | ||
| Complete 3 units from the following list | 3 | |
| MUSA 200 | Audio Production | |
| MUSA 210 | Audio for Multimedia | |
| MUSA 220 | Sound Performance and Synthesis | |
| Complete 4 units from the following list | 4 | |
| MUS 27 | Chamber Music | |
| MUS 29 | Choral Workshop | |
| MUS 30 | Collegiate Chorale | |
| MUS 31 | Concert Choir | |
| MUS 33 | Opera Scenes | |
| MUS 34 | Women's Vocal Ensemble | |
| MUS 36 | Wind Symphony | |
| MUS 38 | Ensemble | |
| MUS 39 | Laboratory Band | |
| MUS 44 | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUS 45 | Chamber Singers | |
| MUS 47 | Jazz Ensemble | |
| MUS 48 | Men's Vocal Ensemble | |
| MUS 49 | Wind Ensemble | |
| MUS 50 | Jazz Improvisation and Performance Choir | |
| MUS 51 | Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble | |
| MUS 52 | Madrigal Singers | |
| MUS 180 | DJ Performance | |
| MUS 181 | Pop/Rock Band | |
| MUS 185 | Advanced Commercial Music Ensemble | |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.