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Submitter's Information
Jennifer Lewis
Dean, Workforce Development and Continuing Education
San Diego/Imperial
Southwestern College
CTE Dean
Jennifer Lewis
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Program Details
Commercial Music
New Program
Commercial Music (100500)
08/01/26
The Commercial Music Certificate program provides a concise curriculum covering core concepts in music theory, recording arts technology, live sound reinforcement, and the business of music. Designed as an accelerated credential, it enables students to gain industry-relevant experience and knowledge in fewer units than a full degree. Upon completion, students will possess the practical competencies required for entry-level positions in studio and live environments, with the option to continue seamlessly into the A.A. in Commercial Music.
Anticipate 30 new certificate enrollments per year, reflecting industry demand and program accessibility. Project 25 annual completions, accounting for part-time students and stack-through A.A. transitions.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
Course Units and Hours
13
n/a
n/a
Course Report
This certificate in Commercial Music requires the completion of 5 courses, totaling 13 units. It is designed to be completed within two semesters. In the first semester, students take Music Technology and Music Business/Career Overview. The second semester includes Class Piano I, Music Fundamentals, and Electroacoustic Composition.
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUS/RA&T 100 | Music Technology | 3 | S1 Y1 | |
| MUS 150/RA&T110 | Music Business | 3 | Si/Y1 | |
| MUS132A | Piano 1 | 1 | S2/Y1 | |
| MUS 131 | Music Fundamentals | 3 |
| |
| MUS155/RA&T 105 | Electroacoustic Composition | 3 |
|
Supporting Documents
San Diego/Imperial Regional Questions
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Submission Details
07/23/25 - 05:30 PM
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Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "Commercial Music". to Jennifer Lewis's drafts. This message will be sent to jlewis2@swccd.edu
Comments, Documents, Voting
Comments
All Comments
Monica Romero · 08/14/25
The LMI, at first glance, is concerning; however, data from any related TOP Code for Music is included, so the supply and demand encompass a larger breadth than the purpose of the certificate. Since this is a stackable certificate for an existing program, Mesa supports.
Dr. Javier Ayala · 08/14/25
LMI seems to be an issue and it looks like less than half meet wage requirements.
George Dowden · 08/08/25
Although LMI says proceed with caution, this is a very entrepreneurial certificate as well. Cuyamaca supports.
Tina Ngo Bartel · 08/05/25
Southwestern College submitted the appropriate LMI. Based on available labor market data, the COE recommends proceeding with caution when creating a new program because 1) the earnings are below the living wage; 2) the percentage of students who complete a Commercial Music program (1005.00) or related programs in the region and earn a living wage is generally lower than students who complete Career Education programs in general; and 3) there are a lot of institutions that provide similar programs. However, the LMI suggests that there is a supply gap.