Audio Systems Solutions

The Audio Systems Solutions Certificate will prepare students to design and implement audio network and DSP solutions in professional environments. This 15.5-unit certificate will train students how to create audio solutions for a variety of environments such as recording studios, theaters, outdoor venues, and performance halls. Students will engage in creating professional audio solutions for these environments while integrating their experience with analog and digital audio technologies. Required Courses: MUS 110 Music Technology Fundamentals - 3 units MUS 135 This Business of Music - 3 units MUS 145A Live Sound Techniques - 2.5 unites MUS 146A Recording Technique - 2 units MUS 146B Mixing Techniques - 2.5 units MUS 157 Audio Systems Design - 2.5 units Total Units - 15.5

Students entering the Certificate program will receive a two-year plan indicating which courses they will need to enroll in and when they will be offered. Beginning with the first course, MUS 110 – Music Technology Fundamentals, students will learn the program expectations and requirements. The remaining courses are structured so that skills acquired in one course pass to the next level. Providing students with a clear understanding of the Certificate from the onset will improve persistence in the program. The Music Department expects eight completers per year. Based upon discussions with students, Advisory Committee Members, and other industry experts the Music Department anticipates conservative enrollments in the Audio Systems Solutions Certificate Program, with five to six certificate completers each year once the program has matured. The Certificate is a two-year program with the first group of students completing in Spring 2020

This 15.5-unit certificate will offer technical training for students seeking careers in professional audio studios, film studios, and game development workshops. Students will receive professional, certified training in music recording, audio networking and audio Digital Signal Processing systems, as they apply to the recording, film, television, and game industries. Students completing this certificate will be prepared for entry-level positions such as audio technicians, broadcast technicians, recording engineers, music editors, dialog editors, and audio network technicians. Designed for commercial music students seeking more technical expertise, the Audio Systems Solutions Certificate prepares individuals to work on the design and technical aspects of the music industry. This program covers the audio workflows, audio computer systems, and audio networking. The goal is to encompass new audio technologies and technical skills needed for the advancements in audio design and distribution.

Semester One: MUS 110 – Music Technology Fundamentals (3 units) This course is a prerequisite course to Recording Techniques (MUS 146a) and Electronic Synthesizers I (MUS 144a). This course is required of commercial music majors. The course covers the fundamental vocabulary, techniques, concepts, and devices used in contemporary music production and related media fields. This course covers sound fundamentals, professional audio equipment, computers, music production software, recording studios, MIDI, electronic music, audio-visual productions, and film. Topics such as trade publications, relevant conventions, and employment opportunities are also discussed. MUS 135 – This Business of Music (3 units) This course focuses on the music business as it relates to the market place and job opportunities. It teaches the student about the important jobs in the industry and their duties and responsibilities. Topics include the process of promotion, publicity, management, touring, recording, contracts, accounting, artist relations and development, marketing, advertising, copyrights, and related music fields. Semester Two: MUS 146a – Recording Techniques (2 units) This course covers the methods of audio recording in studio and live environments. It includes the technical, as well as the artistic, aspects of recording. Emphasis will be placed on the practical use of audio equipment both in a studio situation and on location. Several recordings will be required of all students. Individual lab time is provided. MUS 145A - Live Sound Techniques (2.5 units) This course provides an overview of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include sound system theory and its application. The course covers individual sound system component operation, including microphones, mixers, effects, power amplifiers, and speaker systems. This course offers opportunities for hands-on experiences in troubleshooting, sound checking, and mixing sound for live performance applications. Students are expected to mix live performances. Semester Three: MUS 146b – Mixing Techniques (2.5 units) This course covers the methods of audio mixing in the studio, covering a variety of music genres. It includes the technical, as well as the artistic, aspects of mixing. Emphasis will be placed on the practical mixing strategies and techniques. Students will supervise at least one recording session and provide a mix of that session. Several mix projects in varying genres will be required of all students. Individual lab time is provided. Semester Four: MUS 157 - Audio Systems Design (2.5 units) This course trains students to design, implement, and support professional audio systems for studio, theatrical, and outdoor venues. Topics include sound system theory and integration. The course covers analog, digital, and network sound system component design, operation, and diagnostics. This course offers opportunities for hands-on experiences in designing and implementing sound systems for a variety of situations. Students will create several projects for different audio environments.

The Audio Systems Solutions Certificate is a unique program to Cerritos College. It is expected that students from other disciplines will become interested in the course offerings. Students from the Film and Theater departments are enrolling in Commercial Music courses because they see the value of the content being taught and can apply it to their specific needs. This program will provide students from other disciplines the opportunity to explore new career options.

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

The Commercial Music program enrolls 20-25 students annually. It is expected that students will complete the certificate to enhance the training they receive from the other degrees offered.