This certificate of achievement provides a focused course of study for students who want to learn the processes and techniques of composing. Emphasis is placed on preparing a music composition portfolio that can be used to prepare for further study at a baccalaureate-granting institution. This course of study also works in tandem with the Music and Integrated Technology program to teach music composition to students for the purpose of training to work as composers in the music, television/film, video game, and other media industries.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.| Course | Units | Typically Offered |
| 1st Semester | ||
| MUS 103 - Music Theory IM | 3.0 | |
MUS 103 - Music Theory I (3.0 units) Corequisite:MUS 106 Through guided composition and analysis, this course incorporates the following concepts: rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; diatonic chords, basic cadential formulas and phrase structure; dominant seventh; figured bass symbols; and non-harmonic tones. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. | ||
| MUS 106 - Musicianship IM | 1.0 | |
MUS 106 - Musicianship I (1.0 units) Corequisite: MUS 103 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop beginning aural skills, sight-reading, sight-singing, as well as dictation and rhythmic interpretation skills. It is recommended for all instrumentalists, singers and composers and required of all music majors. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
| 2nd Semester | ||
| MUS 104 - Music Theory IIM | 3.0 | |
MUS 104 - Music Theory II (3.0 units) Prerequisite:MUS 103 This course incorporates the concepts from Music Theory I. In addition, through guided composition and analysis, the course includes an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part chorale writing; diatonic harmony; and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation. | ||
| MUS 107 - Musicianship IIM | 1.0 | |
MUS 107 - Musicianship II (1.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 106 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory II through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course is required of all music majors. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 4.0 | |
| 3rd Semester | ||
| MUS 156 - Musicianship IIIM | 1.0 | |
MUS 156 - Musicianship III (1.0 units) Prerequisite:MUS 107 This course is designed for the student who wants to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory III through ear training, sight singing analysis and dictation. This course is required of all music majors. | ||
| MUS 105 - Music Theory IIIM | 3.0 | |
MUS 105 - Music Theory III (3.0 units) Prerequisite:MUS 104 This course incorporates the concepts learned in MUS 104 (Music Theory II). In addition, through writing and analysis, the course introduces students to chromatic harmony, secondary/applied chords, modulation, borrowed chords, and Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords. | ||
| MUS 211 - Composition Workshop IM | 3.0 | |
MUS 211 - Composition Workshop I (3.0 units) >Prerequisite: MUS 104 This beginner-level course is for students who want to develop vocal and instrumental compositional skills through analysis and creative writing in a workshop setting. The course includes the basic elements and tools of musical composition, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and counterpoint; and musical structure and form. Students are assigned composition exercises, describe and discuss their work with the class, and work on a final composition project. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 7.0 | |
| 4th Semester | ||
| MUS 212 - Composition Workshop IIM | 3.0 | |
MUS 212 - Composition Workshop II (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 211 This intermediate-level course is for students who want to further develop vocal and instrumental compositional skills through analysis and creative writing in a workshop setting. The course includes elements and tools of musical composition, including late 19th- and 20th-century harmony, the study of musical forms, analysis, guided listening, and discussion of examples from the repertoire. Students are assigned composition exercises, describe, describe and discuss their work with the class, and work on building a composition portfolio. | ||
| Total Semester Units: | 3.0 | |
| Total Units for Music - Music Composition COA program | 18.0 | |
| AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
| M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
| Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the music business functions and the role of professionals in the industry.
Students will be able to demonstrate a second-year undergraduate level competency in music theory and musicianship through four-part chorale writing, analysis, audiation, and dictation of diatonic music examples
Students will be able to utilize contemporary compositional styles and techniques for the purpose of training for work as composers in the music as well as scoring films, video games, and other media.
Students will be able to analyze complex musical compositions.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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