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Certificate of Achievement
Music Technology - Recording Engineer

This certificate of achievement teaches students proper and creative recording and audio editing techniques in a hands-on learning environment. This certificate will prepare students for entry-level work in the music and media industries.

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
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.

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.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
2nd Semester
MUST 105 - Introduction to the Music BusinessM3.0
MUST 105 - Introduction to the Music Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course is intended for students interested in the music business. It presents an overview of the business and legal aspects of the music industry in order to help students understand the rapid and massive changes caused by the digital music revolution. The course focuses on career possibilities, the development of business-related knowledge and skills necessary for effectively maintaining a professional music career, the vocabulary and terminology of the music industry, and the distinction between music and business at the corporate level. Topics include record contracts, publishing, licensing, marketing, distribution, performances, and copyright. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of musicians, songwriters, lawyers, agents, promoters, publishers, executives, managers, and anyone trying to navigate the rapid transformation of the industry are examined.

MUST 141 - Recording Studio IM3.0
MUST 141 - Recording Studio I (3.0 units)

Advisory:MUST 101
Transfers to:CSU

This course is designed for students who want to learn how to make high-quality recordings using a wide array of tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on digital audio workstation (DAW) sound recording, editing, and mixing processes through hands-on experience. Students collaborate to produce recordings within several musical genres.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
3rd Semester
MUST 142 - Recording Studio IIM3.0
MUST 142 - Recording Studio II (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:MUST 141
Transfers to:CSU

This course is designed for students who want to continue the study of recording studio techniques, signal flow using an analog console, and advanced ensemble microphone techniques. Students also create a portfolio of work demonstrating their recording knowledge.

MUST 191A - Music and Integrated Technology Capstone - RecordingM2.0
MUST 191A - Music and Integrated Technology Capstone - Recording (2.0 units)

Prerequisite:MUST 141
Advisory:MUST 142
Transfers to:CSU

This course is for students in the Music and Integrated Technology program to learn hands-on skills. The course focuses on collaborative projects, with students performing the professional roles of recording engineers and assistant engineers, and will prepare students for the highly collaborative music and media industries. Additionally, the course will help students build a professional portfolio with which to apply for entry-level jobs.

Total Semester Units:5.0 
Total Units for Music Technology - Recording Engineer COA program 18.0 
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 demonstrate an understanding of how the music business functions and the role of professionals in the industry.


2

Students will be able to use digital audio workstation (DAW) software for recording and non-linear audio editing.


3

Students will be able to set up, record, and document a recording session.


4

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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