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

CourseTitleUnits
Core Courses29
MUS 110AMusic Fundamentals for Musicians
MUS 120Music Theory I
MUS 125Musicianship I
MUS 160Individual Instruction (take 4 times for 2 units)
MUS 171Piano II
MUSA 100Fundamentals of Audio Technology
MUSA 120Introduction to Music Production
MUSA 130Business of Audio Production
MUSA 150Audio Recording
MUSA 160Live Sound Engineering
MUSA 230Songwriting
Required Electives
Complete 3 units from the following list3
MUSA 200Audio Production
MUSA 210Audio for Multimedia
MUSA 220Sound Performance and Synthesis
Complete 4 units from the following list4
MUS 27Chamber Music
MUS 29Choral Workshop
MUS 30Collegiate Chorale
MUS 31Concert Choir
MUS 33Opera Scenes
MUS 34Women's Vocal Ensemble
MUS 36Wind Symphony
MUS 38Ensemble
MUS 39Laboratory Band
MUS 44Vocal Jazz Ensemble
MUS 45Chamber Singers
MUS 47Jazz Ensemble
MUS 48Men's Vocal Ensemble
MUS 49Wind Ensemble
MUS 50Jazz Improvisation and Performance Choir
MUS 51Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble
MUS 52Madrigal Singers
MUS 180DJ Performance
MUS 181Pop/Rock Band
MUS 185Advanced Commercial Music Ensemble
Total Units36

Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

View in the original catalog

Machine-readable: Markdown · JSON