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.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. | ||
MUST 101 - Introduction to Music TechnologyM | 3.0 | |
MUST 101 - Introduction to Music Technology (3.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts. 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 IM | 1.0 | |
MUS 106 - Musicianship I (1.0 units) Corequisite: MUS 103 This course is designed for students who want to develop beginning aural recognition, sight-singing, and dictation skills. It is recommended for all instrumentalists, singers, and composers, and required for all music majors. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 7.0 | |
2nd Semester | ||
MUST 121 - Electronic Music IM | 3.0 | |
MUST 121 - Electronic Music I (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MUST 101 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 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 students who want to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of MUS 104 (Music Theory II) through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course is required for all music majors. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 7.0 | |
3rd Semester | ||
MUST 122 - Electronic Music IIM | 3.0 | |
MUST 122 - Electronic Music II (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MUST 121 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 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 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 MUS 105 (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 IIIM | 3.0 | |
MUST 123 - Electronic Music III (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MUST 122 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 IVM | 3.0 | |
MUS 206 - Music Theory IV (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 105 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 IVM | 1.0 | |
MUS 157 - Musicianship IV (1.0 units) Prerequisite: MUS 156 This course is designed for students who want to develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of MUS 105 (Music Theory III) through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course is required for all music majors. | ||
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: | 10.0 | |
Total Units for Music Technology - Advanced Electronic Music COA program | 31.0 | |
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 write complex electronic music incorporating contemporary harmony and modern compositional processes.
Students will be able to compose electronic music utilizing various types of advanced synthesis.
Students will be able to program mapping for various gesture controllers.
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 collaborate effectively through group project-based learning.
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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