Commercial Music Performance

The Commercial Music Performance Certificate will prepare students to work directly with musicians and audio engineers to produce studio recordings and live performances. Students will also train on musical instruments in studio and live environments. Students learn recording and live performance technology and how to integrate the performer and the technology. Students will also learn the essential functions of musical instruments and how to maintain them and perform basic repairs. The certificate will train students on recording and instrument technologies used in studio and live productions. Students will engage in creating professional solutions for performers and audio technicians. 

The program expects between 10 to 15 students completing the degree annually. 

Designed for commercial music students seeking more performance expertise, the Commercial Music Performance Certificate prepares individuals to work on the performance and technical aspects of the studio and live performance music industry. This program covers the preparation and maintenance of musical instruments as well as the technical setup in a recording studio or performance venue. Students will learn how to perform on instruments so that they understand studio and performance productions. This experience will allow students to interact directly with musicians and address their needs in real time. The goal is to encompass new audio and instrument technologies with the technical and practical skills needed for music production. Students will train on industry-standard professional equipment and instruments and can earn professional certification from leading music industry companies.

The program requires a combination of applied music and commercial music courses. Students will take four semesters of applied lessons, two semesters of piano, two semesters of music theory, and four semesters of ensemble performance. Students will take two semesters of audio production courses, a semester of notation, and music business. Finally, students will take a music business course. The goal is to provide students with a breadth of training that prepares for a variety of music production environments. 

Course	Title	Units	Semester
MUS 110	Music Technology Fundamentals	3	S1
MUS 180	Music Theory/Musicianship I	4	S1
MUS 148	Private Study/Technique	1	S1
MUS 208E	Pop/Rock/  Ensemble	1	S1
MUS 112	Elementary Piano I	2	S1
MUS 144A	Synthesizer Techniques	1	S2
MUS 181	Music Theory/Musicianship II	4	S2
MUS 149	Private Study/Musical Preparation	1	S2
MUS 208E	Pop/Rock/  Ensemble	1	S2
MUS 113	Elementary Piano II	2	S2

Course	Title	Units	Semester
MUS 150	Private Study/Performance Practice	1	S3
MUS 208E	Pop/Rock/  Ensemble	1	S3
MUS 156	Contemporary Music Notation	2.5	S3
MUS 144b	Electronic Music Production	2	S3
MUS 151	Private Study/Recital Preparation	1	S4
MUS 208E	Pop/Rock/  Ensemble	1	S4
MUS 135	This Business of Music	3	S4
MUS 143A	Songwriting	2.5	S4

The Commercial Music Performance Certificate is a unique program to Cerritos College. Applied music and commercial music students will find this degree engaging because it combines technology and live performance. This program combines skill sets from other certificates to create a diverse option for performers seeking to improve their music technology skills.

This program is unique to the Los Angeles County area with no other community college offering this type of certificate. This program enhances traditional recording and music production, by including real-time performance technologies to its curriculum as well as technical design elements involving computers, live sound, and networking. Students earning this certificate will also have the opportunity to earn industry credentials.

The program expects 15-20 students enrolling each Fall semester.

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