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Bachelor Degree
Electronic Digital Instrument
Elevate your creativity and career prospects with a Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Digital Instrument: Performance and Production of Electronic Music.
This dynamic program offers hands-on training in cutting-edge music production, sound design, and performance techniques for grid-based controllers, turntables, and electronic instruments, empowering you to create, produce, and present your own electronic music. With access to state-of-the-art studios and industry professionals, you'll develop the skills needed to excel in various fields, from music production to live performance. Join a vibrant community of aspiring artists and unleash your musical potential in an exciting and ever-evolving industry!
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2025-2026 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
MUST 300A - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices IM3.0
MUST 300A - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices I (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: CSU

This is the first course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices for grid-based controllers as well as computer-aided melodic and harmonic vocal exercises with and without pitch correction and harmonization software. Musical topics include scales, chords, arpeggios, melodies, and improvisation. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.

MUST 361 - Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop CollectiveM2.0
MUST 361 - Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop Collective (2.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 300A
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in small groups using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on intermediate-level rehearsal and public performance of beat-driven, grid-based songs exclusively covering Electronic Pop music. This includes original student Electronic Pop music as well as reinterpretations of existing pop songs. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments, and Electronic Pop music collaborations.

MUST 305 - Critical Listening for the Electronic MusicianM2.0
MUST 305 - Critical Listening for the Electronic Musician (2.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of audio quality, identify synthesis modules, and modulation techniques, and to understand musical aspects of audio production and the vocabulary necessary to offer audio critique.

MUST 421 - Samples and Sounds Libraries in Electronic Popular MusicM3.0
MUST 421 - Samples and Sounds Libraries in Electronic Popular Music (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 122
Transfers to: CSU

This course focuses on principles and techniques for utilizing and manipulating sound to enhance electronic music in conjunction with their Electronic Digital Instrument. Students will delve into deconstructing and reconstructing samples, alongside technical analysis of intricate sounds devoid of distinct pitch content for electronic music production.

MUST 351 - History and Evolution of Electronic and Computer MusicM3.0
MUST 351 - History and Evolution of Electronic and Computer Music (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 151
Transfers to: CSU

This course explores the history and evolution of Electronic and Computer music of the 20th century and connects its lineage to the present influences of electronic music. By studying representative works of groundbreaking composers, students learn about the immense musical and technological changes that characterize these periods, as well as important cultural, political, and social movements that inspired and shaped such diverse music. This course is intended for students enrolled in the BS Electronic Digital Instrument degree.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
2nd Semester
MUST 300B - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices IIM3.0
MUST 300B - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices II (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Prerequisite:MUST 300A
Transfers to: CSU

This is the second course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices for grid-based controllers, drum machine programming, beat patterns, and electronic pulses, as well as computer-aided beatboxing and vocal percussion exercises. Musical topics include rhythmic techniques and improvisation skills. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.

MUST 361 - Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop CollectiveM2.0
MUST 361 - Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop Collective (2.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 300A
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in small groups using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on intermediate-level rehearsal and public performance of beat-driven, grid-based songs exclusively covering Electronic Pop music. This includes original student Electronic Pop music as well as reinterpretations of existing pop songs. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments, and Electronic Pop music collaborations.

MUST 316 - Songwriting and Demo Production in Electronic MusicM3.0
MUST 316 - Songwriting and Demo Production in Electronic Music (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:ENGL C1000, MUST 115
Transfers to: CSU

This course will deepen students’ understanding of crafting and producing electronic music demos. Projects are crafted to manifest each student's distinctive style through synthesis, samples, and recorded tracks for electronic accompaniment. Throughout the course, students produce original electronic music, refining their music production skills along the way.

MUST 312 - Styles and Structures of Electronic MusicM3.0
MUST 312 - Styles and Structures of Electronic Music (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who want to study the styles and structures of electronic music. Through exercises, readings, listening sessions, and discussions, it examines the principles and techniques used in electronic music creation, spanning from experimental to Hip Hop and Electronic Dance Music, up to present-day electronic music trends.

MUST 441 - Advanced Production Techniques in Electronic MusicM3.0
MUST 441 - Advanced Production Techniques in Electronic Music (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 115, MUST 122, MUST 141
Transfers to: CSU

This course focuses on software-based electronic music production along with modern trends and mixing techniques in conjunction with their Electronic Digital Instrument. In this experiential and project-oriented course, students become familiar with music-making conventions and mixing techniques in the context of electronic music production.

Total Semester Units:14.0 
3rd Semester
MUST 400A - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices IIIM3.0
MUST 400A - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices III (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Prerequisite:MUST 300B
Transfers to: CSU

This is the third course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices for grid-based controllers as well as turntable controllers, to craft and refine sound elements, create mashups, and construct live sets. Musical topics include live looping and improvisation creating and utilizing samples and loops. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.

MUST 422 - Live Interaction in Electronic MusicM3.0
MUST 422 - Live Interaction in Electronic Music (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 122
Transfers to: CSU

This course delves into dynamic interactive techniques for live electronic music. Projects revolve around crafting audio-visual performance systems and investigating diverse methods of engagement and manipulation in conjunction with their Electronic Digital Instrument. Subjects encompass programming and mapping gesture controllers using digital audio software and musical programming languages. This course is intended for students enrolled in the BS Electronic Digital Instrument degree.

MUST 398 - Music Sales and Promotion: From Branding to MarketingM3.0
MUST 398 - Music Sales and Promotion: From Branding to Marketing (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 105
Transfers to: CSU

This course teaches students the exhaustive process of do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) music sales and promotion, from developing a brand and identifying a vision to promotions and publicity, while creating a customized, low-budget marketing plan that includes website design and social media. This hands-on class is designed to empower aspiring artists with the essential tools and techniques required to effectively promote themselves in the ever-evolving music industry.

MUST 497 - Senior Electronic Digital Instrument ProjectM1.0
MUST 497 - Senior Electronic Digital Instrument Project (1.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Prerequisite:MUST 400A
Transfers to: CSU

This senior project course is half of the final requirement in order to complete the Electronic Digital Instrument Degree. Students create a commercially viable full-length album of original music while using their Electronic Digital Instrument, in order to promote their electronic music career. Work is accomplished under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member..

Total Semester Units:10.0 
4th Semester
MUST 400B - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices IVM3.0
MUST 400B - Electronic Digital Instrument Practices IV (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Prerequisite:MUST 400A
Transfers to: CSU

This is the fourth course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices that integrate human gestures and expressions for grid-based controllers as well as programming Max for Live. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.

MUST 361 - Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop CollectiveM2.0
MUST 361 - Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop Collective (2.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 300A
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in small groups using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on intermediate-level rehearsal and public performance of beat-driven, grid-based songs exclusively covering Electronic Pop music. This includes original student Electronic Pop music as well as reinterpretations of existing pop songs. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments, and Electronic Pop music collaborations.

MUST 397 - Production Companies and Independent Record LabelsM3.0
MUST 397 - Production Companies and Independent Record Labels (3.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Advisory:MUST 105
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides students with the knowledge to explore the dynamic world of production companies and independent record labels, including a comprehensive focus on legal aspects, contracts, publishing, licensing, and strategies for navigating the streaming music landscape. In the course, students learn the skills to launch and manage a production company/independent label successfully in the digital age.

MUST 498 - Senior Electronic Digital Instrument ConcertM1.0
MUST 498 - Senior Electronic Digital Instrument Concert (1.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Prerequisite:MUST 400A
Transfers to: CSU

The senior concert course serves as half of the final requirement in order to complete the Electronic Digital Instrument Degree. Students produce a professional electronic music concert of original music that is written, rehearsed, and performed by students while using an Electronic Digital Instrument. Students also collaborate and interface with a live sound crew. Work is accomplished under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member..

MUST 365 - Electronic Digital Instrument Experimental OrchestraM2.0
MUST 365 - Electronic Digital Instrument Experimental Orchestra (2.0 units)

Enrollment requires admission to the EDI Performance and Production baccalaureate degree program.
Prerequisite:MUST 361
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in a large group using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on intermediate-level rehearsal and public performance of texturally driven, off-grid-based songs exclusively covering electronic music. Includes original student electronic music as well as reinterpretations of existing music. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments and electronic music collaborations.

Total Semester Units:11.0 
Total Units for Electronic Digital Instrument BS program 48.0 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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