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Certificate of Achievement
Music Technology - Advanced Electronic Music

This certificate of achievement prepares students for work in the music industry and for further study (transfer) by composing and producing electronic music in both analog and digital formats. Students learn aspects of advanced synthesis techniques, advanced modulation, and linear and non-linear compositional processes. Emphasis is placed on workflow with a digital audio workstation (DAW) and modular synthesizers, as well as the tools and techniques needed to create contemporary electronic music in a variety of styles.

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 2023-2024 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.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
MUS 103 - Music Theory IM3.0
MUS 103 - Music Theory I (3.0 units)

Corequisite:MUS 106
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

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.

MUST 101 - Introduction to Music TechnologyM3.0
MUST 101 - Introduction to Music Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is designed for the student who wants to learn the terminology, equipment, techniques, and concepts of music technology. Focus will be on principles and practices of sound, digital audio, synthesis, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), MIDI sequencing, notation software, and audio recording utilizing hardware and software platforms. Lab activities will place an emphasis on the operation and components of the typical MIDI and digital audio lab (hardware and software). Students will complete independent projects demonstrating hands-on knowledge.

MUS 106 - Musicianship IM1.0
MUS 106 - Musicianship I (1.0 units)

Corequisite: MUS 103
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

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:7.0 
2nd Semester
MUST 121 - Electronic Music IM3.0
MUST 121 - Electronic Music I (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: MUST 101
Transfers to:CSU

This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding of the processes and tools available to the modern electronic musician. While using the most up-to-date software, students will learn to record, arrange, mix, and produce music. Topics include synthesis, sampling, and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequencing. Compositions are expected of students utilizing electronic music techniques.

MUS 104 - Music Theory IIM3.0
MUS 104 - Music Theory II (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:MUS 103
Corequisite:MUS 107
Transfers to: UC, CSU

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 IIM1.0
MUS 107 - Musicianship II (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: MUS 106
Corequisite: MUS 104
Transfers to: UC, CSU

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:7.0 
3rd Semester
MUST 122 - Electronic Music IIM3.0
MUST 122 - Electronic Music II (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: MUST 121
Transfers to:CSU

This course is designed for students who want to continue the study of concepts and techniques needed to compose electronic music. Sequencing, advanced forms of automation, and various types of analog and digital synthesis are studied in greater depth, and the topic creating music for film and video games is also introduced.

MUS 105 - Music Theory IIIM3.0
MUS 105 - Music Theory III (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:MUS 104
Corequisite:MUS 156
Transfers to: UC, CSU

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 156 - Musicianship IIIM1.0
MUS 156 - Musicianship III (1.0 units)

Prerequisite:MUS 107
Corequisite: MUS 105
Transfers to:UC, CSU

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.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
4th Semester
MUST 123 - Electronic Music IIIM3.0
MUST 123 - Electronic Music III (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: MUST 122
Transfers to:CSU

This course is designed for advanced electronic music students who want to continue the study of concepts and techniques needed to compose electronic music. It is recommended for students who intend to pursue music professionally. Assignments include ambient soundscapes, which explore advanced concepts of sound and noise, musique concrete, experimental dance music, and scoring music for animation and motion picture scenes.

MUS 206 - Music Theory IVM3.0
MUS 206 - Music Theory IV (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: MUS 105
Corequisite: MUS 157
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is designed for students who want an introduction to the materials and the major trends and movements of the 20th- and 21st centuries. Students gain techniques for motivic and harmonic analysis, improvisation, and listening strategies for addressing this repertoire, and will both compose and perform as a class following the models of masterworks of the last 100 years.

MUS 157 - Musicianship IVM1.0
MUS 157 - Musicianship IV (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: MUS 156
Corequisite: MUS 206
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is designed for the student who wants to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music Theory IV through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course is required of all music majors.

MUS 211 - Composition Workshop IM3.0
MUS 211 - Composition Workshop I (3.0 units)

>Prerequisite: MUS 104
Transfers to:UC,CSU

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:10.0 
Total Units for Music Technology - Advanced Electronic Music COA program 31.0 
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
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will be able to write complex electronic music incorporating contemporary harmony and modern compositional processes.


2

Students will be able to compose electronic music utilizing various types of advanced synthesis.


3

Students will be able to program mapping for various gesture controllers.


4

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.


5

Students will be able to collaborate effectively through group project-based learning.


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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