Associate in Science Degree in Recording Arts
2025-2026 Map
Total Units: 60 - 66
Term 1
16.00 - 17.00 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| MUS 3: Music Fundamentals | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
An introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music. Incorporates the following concepts: staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected. (C-ID MUS 110). |
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| MUS 51: Digital Music Production I | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
This course is an introduction to digital music production beginning with computer system operation and file management techniques. Students will apply practical concepts of modern music composition like programming drums, recording MIDI instruments, arranging and mixing, as well as post-production techniques including compression, equalization, reverb and other audio post effects. |
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| MUS 52: Introduction to Recording Techniques | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of studio recording techniques. Topics will include the history of recording technology, the fundamentals of sound, signal flow, microphone techniques, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), recording techniques, mixing consoles and typical studio gear. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry standard studio equipment in a professional quality recording studio. |
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| Select one: | 1.00 | ||
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| Area 1A Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 4.00 | ||
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| Area 1B/C Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 | ||
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Term 2
14.00 - 16.00 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| MUS 53: Digital Music Production II | 3.00 | ||
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Prerequisite(s): MUS 51 This course covers computer music production. The use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) in composition and post-production are covered with hands-on project based learning, theory and demonstrations. Students will compose original music using software instruments and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students will also study and complete audio post-production projects such as mixing a professional song, creating a radio commercial and creating a podcast. |
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| MUS 54: Studio Recording I | 3.00 | ||
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Prerequisite(s): MUS 51, MUS 52 This is a hands-on, project-based course in which students will apply learned methods and skills to Lab practice sessions and studio recording sessions. Students will set up and record using microphone technique, signal flow, gain staging and DAW recording, to create professional quality recordings. Students will learn proper microphone technique and post-production mixing techniques. The course will also cover how to copyright and publish music. |
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| MUS 80: Theory & Musicianship I | 4.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 4.00
A comprehensive study of diatonic harmony and musicianship, including principles of voice leading in four-part texture, harmonic analysis, melody harmonization, non-chord tones, and basic forms (strophic, binary, ternary). Musicianship component develops skills in sight singing and dictation, including rhythmic exercises, interval recognition, melodic reading and dictation in major and minor scales, and basic harmonic dictation. (C-ID MUS 120/MUS 125). |
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| Select one: | 1.00 | ||
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| Area 2 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 5.00 | ||
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Term 3
15.00 - 18.00 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| MUS 55: Studio Recording II | 3.00 | ||
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Prerequisite(s): MUS 54 This is a project-based course in which students will learn and apply advanced methods and skills to studio recording sessions and song production. The course includes concepts and techniques for advanced microphone technique and signal flow. Students will schedule, organize and produce recording sessions with musical artists and bands, and complete student recordings using advanced mixing techniques on analog consoles and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Additional concepts will include studio etiquette, copyright, publishing and distribution of songs and albums. |
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| Area 3 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 4.00 | ||
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| Area 4 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 | ||
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| Area 5 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 5.00 | ||
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| Area 6 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 | ||
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Term 4
15 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| Graduation Requirement Choice (See GE Guide) | 2.00 | ||
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| Elective (any course numbered 1-99 or C1000-C1999) | 13.00 | Only necessary if the 60 units needed to graduate have not been completed. Consider taking a Cal-GETC General Education course. Visit www.assist.org to see options. | |
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