Music Technology
The Music Technology program offers courses for students who wish to earn a certificate or associate degree in music or music technology or who plan on transferring as a music major to a four-year institution. Students are encouraged to take part in performance opportunities for both music and non-music majors. Employment opportunities in the area of music technology include audio recording, sound reinforcement, music business, MIDI music systems, and songwriting.
Contact Information
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Chair: Stephen Torok Dean: Jonathan Fohrman |
Department: Music Office: Building OC4700, 760.795.6844 |
Full-Time Faculty
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Christy Coobatis Dan Siegel |
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
The degree program includes the completion of a general education (GE) pattern of courses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities gained as a result of completing general education, referred to as GE outcomes, can be viewed here .
Audio Recording Production Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to teach methods to use current technologies to create a high-quality musical presentation suitable for broadcast within a given timeline.
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to work within a group to produce an audio recording using audio equipment, such as mixers, audio recorders, signal processors, patch bays, and microphones.
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to choose, position, and configure microphones and preamplifiers to accurately capture and store audio.
Business of Music Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property laws as they specifically apply to the music industry.
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to understand the process of affiliation with the appropriate organizations for the registration and collection of copyright royalties.
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret contracts and terminology specifically found in the entertainment industry.
Live Performance Audio Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to assemble the components used to create a professional caliber sound reinforcement system.
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to organize, plan, manage, and complete a live concert recording according to professional standards.
Associate in Arts Degree
Audio Recording Production
Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for the Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written education plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Certificates
Certificate of Achievement
Audio Recording Production
This certificate prepares students for jobs in the field of audio recording and production. The curriculum includes in-depth study of recording arts from general study to production of a final product suitable for presentation within a portfolio. Students learn all aspects of the process from the perspective of a recording engineer to that of a performer.
| Music Technology Core Coursework | ||
| MTEC 110 | Recording Arts I | 2 |
| MTEC 111 | Recording Arts II | 2 |
| MTEC 120 | Digital Audio Production I | 2 |
| MTEC 130 | MIDI | 2 |
| MTEC 150 | Audio Equipment Maintenance | 2 |
| MTEC 210 | Recording Arts III | 2 |
| MTEC 211 | Recording Arts IV | 2 |
| MTEC 220 | Digital Audio Production II | 2 |
| Music Theory and Performance Training: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Music Theory | ||
| Piano I | ||
or MUS 121 | Piano II | |
or MUS 130 | Guitar I | |
or MUS 131 | Guitar II | |
or MUS 141 | Vocal Fundamentals | |
or MUS 161 | Masterworks Chorale | |
| Choose one course from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Songwriting | ||
| Business of Music I | ||
| Select at least three units from the following courses: * | 3 | |
| Internship Studies | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience | ||
| Total Units | 25-26 | |
* MTEC 292 and MTEC 299 - Certificate requires the student take a minimum of three units from any combination of MTEC 292 (.5-3 units) and MTEC 299 (1-4 units) for the required elective.
Certificate of Achievement
Business of Music
This program begins with the fundamentals of intellectual property and contract law and expands to the strategies of exploitation of creative works in today's marketplace. Students who complete the Business of Music program can apply their skills to professional positions in all facets of the entertainment industry.
| Required courses: | ||
| MUS 115 | History and Appreciation of Western Music | 3 |
| or MUS 116 | A Survey of World Music | |
| MTEC 160 | Business of Music I | 3 |
| MTEC 260 | Business of Music II | 2 |
| Business Electives - Select nine units from the following: | 9 | |
| Small Business Management | ||
| Management Principles | ||
| Human Relations in Business | ||
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
| Legal Environment of Business (Honors) | ||
| Entrepreneur I | ||
| Entrepreneur II | ||
| Internship - Select two units from the following: | 2 | |
| Internship Studies | ||
| Internship Studies | ||
| Total Units | 19 | |
Certificate of Achievement
Live Performance Audio
This certificate prepares students for jobs in the field of sound reinforcement and live sound production. The curriculum represents a range of course work that encompasses the technical and performance aspects of concert presentations. Areas of focus include public address (PA) system operation and maintenance, stage lighting/stagecraft, and concert production. Students study basic performance skills to understand sound reinforcement from both the engineer's and the performer's perspective.
| Music Technology Core Courses: | ||
| MTEC 110 | Recording Arts I | 2 |
| MTEC 111 | Recording Arts II | 2 |
| MTEC 130 | MIDI | 2 |
| MTEC 140 | Sound Reinforcement I | 2 |
| MTEC 141 | Sound Reinforcement II | 2 |
| MTEC 150 | Audio Equipment Maintenance | 2 |
| DRAM 141 | Stage Lighting | 3 |
| DRAM 256 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| Performance (choose one course from the following): | 1 | |
| Piano I | ||
| Guitar I | ||
| Vocal Fundamentals | ||
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Music Theory | ||
| History of Rock and Roll | ||
| History and Appreciation of Western Music | ||
| Jazz History | ||
| Jazz History (Honors) | ||
| Choose three units from the following courses: * | 3 | |
| Internship Studies | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience | ||
| Total Units | 25 | |
* MTEC 292 or MTEC 299 - Certificate requires a minimum of three units from any combination of MTEC 292 (.5-3 units) and MTEC 299 (1-4 units).
Certificate of Proficiency
Digital Audio
This certificate is designed to expose students to concepts, tools, and procedures in the world of digital audio. Upon completion, students will be able to perform and complete data acquisition, editing, and production of basic audio presentations, and they will be oriented for utilization of digital audio software in the recording studio.
| Required courses: | ||
| MUS 100 | Introduction to Music Theory | 3 |
| MUS 120 | Piano I | 1 |
| MTEC 110 | Recording Arts I | 2 |
| MTEC 120 | Digital Audio Production I | 2 |
| MTEC 130 | MIDI | 2 |
| MTEC 150 | Audio Equipment Maintenance | 2 |
| Select at least 3 elective units from the following: | 3 | |
| Internship Studies | ||
| Directed Study in Music Technology | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience | ||
| Total Units | 15 | |
Certificate of Proficiency
Music Technology
The Music Technology Certificate is designed to provide concepts and application of principles needed to successfully operate and maintain audio equipment. The curricula ranges from the recording studio to stage and touring. Upon successful completion a student will possess skills necessary for employment as an audio technician, producer, engineer and music products salesperson.
| Required courses: | ||
| DRAM 141 | Stage Lighting | 3 |
| MTEC 110 | Recording Arts I | 2 |
| MTEC 120 | Digital Audio Production I | 2 |
| MTEC 130 | MIDI | 2 |
| MTEC 140 | Sound Reinforcement I | 2 |
| MTEC 150 | Audio Equipment Maintenance | 2 |
| Select three elective units from the following: | 3 | |
| Internship Studies | ||
| Directed Study in Music Technology | ||
| Occupational Cooperative Work Experience | ||
| Total Units | 16 | |
Certificate of Proficiency
Performance Technician
This certificate introduces students to necessary skills for successful work in a theatrical arena that serves multimedia events. Students are required to take part in the technical as well as the performance aspects of both musical and theatrical performances. Courses focus on performance venue production.
| Required courses: | ||
| MUS 100 | Introduction to Music Theory | 3 |
| MTEC 110 | Recording Arts I | 2 |
| MTEC 130 | MIDI | 2 |
| MTEC 150 | Audio Equipment Maintenance | 2 |
| DRAM 141 | Stage Lighting | 3 |
| DRAM 256 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| DRAM 270 | Rehearsal and Performance - Technical Theatre * | 2 |
| Total Units | 17 | |
* A maximum of 2 units may be applied to this certificate.
Courses Related in Content (CRC)
Active participatory music technology courses that are related in content are grouped together. Students are allowed four enrollments within each CRC group, but each course may be taken only once unless its catalog description indicates it is repeatable. Enrollments include any combination of course completions (with an evaluative or nonevaluative symbol recorded on the student's transcript), withdrawals, and repetition.
| Digital Audio Production CRC | ||
| Digital Audio Production I | ||
| Digital Audio Production II | ||
| Recording Arts CRC | ||
| Recording Arts I | ||
| Recording Arts II | ||
| Recording Arts III | ||
| Recording Arts IV | ||
| Sound Reinforcement CRC | ||
| Sound Reinforcement I | ||
| Sound Reinforcement II | ||
Courses
MTEC 110: Recording Arts I
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This first in a sequence of four recording-arts courses provides an overview of recording music technology. It introduces the physics of sound and covers sound processing equipment, microphones, and recording-studio logistics. (Formerly MUS 181).
MTEC 111: Recording Arts II
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This second course in a recording arts sequence continues the introduction to recording music technology begun in MUS 181. It covers multi-track recording and management procedures. Students utilize the recording studio to fulfill specific assignments. (Formerly MUS 182).
MTEC 120: Digital Audio Production I
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This course provides a survey of various software, hardware, and procedures involved with digital audio presentations. Specific subject areas include audio component identification and system integration. Course work includes the Avid Pro Tools 101 Certification test. (Formerly MUS 198).
MTEC 130: MIDI
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This survey course explores the full range of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) capable software equipment and associated production techniques for music composition, performance, and recording. Students who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in MTEC 120 qualify for Avid Pro Tools 110 testing upon successful completion of MTEC 130. (Formerly MUS 183.)
MTEC 140: Sound Reinforcement I
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This course provides an overview of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include theory and application of individual sound system components, such as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers. Students apply principles to concert situations throughout the semester. (Formerly MUS 185.)
MTEC 141: Sound Reinforcement II
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 140.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This course covers advanced topics in sound system design, stage management/organization, and sound checks. Topics include troubleshooting and repair, live concert recording, and live concert interfacing with MIDI and video systems. The lab presents field opportunities for students to apply knowledge in concert situations. (Formerly MUS 186.)
MTEC 150: Audio Equipment Maintenance
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in DRAM 192.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This course introduces audio maintenance, calibration, and minor repair as well electronic building tips as they pertain to music and theatre. Students learn basic electronic principles and how they relate to matching audio components in various system design applications for recording and sound reinforcement. Topics include impedance matching, power rating, and parallel and series type wiring as well as hands-on work with basic electronic maintenance/repair kits. The course emphasizes safety issues with electricity. (Formerly MUS 192/DRAM 192.)
MTEC 160: Business of Music I
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1005.00)
This course explores the essential topics that every music professional should be knowledgeable about, including the essence of intellectual property, copyright law, publishing administration, performing rights organizations, recording contracts, and artist representation. These concepts are then applied to the artist attempting to navigate the landscape of the current music business. (Formerly MUS 286.)
MTEC 210: Recording Arts III
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 111.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This third in a four-course sequence provides an in-depth technical and applied study of recording techniques covered in the previous recording arts courses. Topics include effects and dynamics processing and complex routing used in the context of the multi-track recording and mixdown. Students work within a group and utilize studio time to complete assignments. (Formerly MUS 281).
MTEC 211: Recording Arts IV
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This fourth and final course in the recording arts technology sequence involves technical, personnel, and musical elements for final production of commercial music projects. Students individually organize and complete an outlined production of a workforce-ready product in a multi-track recording facility. (Formerly MUS 282).
MTEC 220: Digital Audio Production II
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1005.00)
This course provides a hands-on, programmed study and application of Pro Tools and related audio software. Specific subject areas include system organization and logic, software operation, hardware configuration, and advanced editing and production procedures. Course work includes the Avid Pro Tools 201 Certification test. (Formerly MUS 199).
MTEC 260: Business of Music II
Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 160.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours. (1005.00)
This second in a two course series covers music distribution, licensing, synchronization, marketing, and promotion in today's changing marketplace. Students learn effective methods for submitting creative works for representation as well as how to create a business strategy for an independent record release, with the ultimate goal of deriving income from music sales and publishing sources. (Formerly MUS 287.)
MTEC 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
MTEC 296: Topics in Music Technology
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1005.00)
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Music Technology that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
MTEC 298: Directed Study in Music Technology
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 6 hours. (1005.00)
This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.
MTEC 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance. (Formerly MUS 299.)
