Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Recording Arts Certificate
Certificate | SC Program: CT.3467
This certificate provides the technical foundation for entry-level audio production and recording arts. Students will develop competencies in sound recording, composition, songwriting, editing, mixing, and live sound reinforcement using industry-standard software and hardware such as Logic Pro, Dorico, and Pro Tools. Emphasis is placed on both creative and technical skills.
As part of the program, students will be required to participate in music ensembles, ensemble recordings, music theory courses, applied music lessons, live productions, music arranging, and collaborative projects. Students intending to pursue leadership roles in the music industry or transfer to a four-year institution are strongly encouraged to complete the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Music, which integrates these technical skills with essential theoretical and historical context.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
12.5 Units TotalMUS 2
4
Diatonic Harmony and Musicianship
MUS 2
Advisory: MUS 1 with a grade of C or higher.
This course covers the fundamental elements of music, including scales, modes, key signatures, chords, melodic and harmonic intervals, and the handwritten notation of pitch and rhythm in simple and compound meters. It also explores structural elements such as harmony and melody, four-part harmonic writing, non-harmonic tones, basic chord progressions, and cadential formulas. Ear training and sight-singing are integrated throughout. Analysis and composition are studied concurrently, including phrase structure, figured bass symbols, and introductory dominant sevenths. This is the first course in the four-semester music theory sequence. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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This course covers the fundamental elements of music, including scales, modes, key signatures, chords, melodic and harmonic intervals, and the handwritten notation of pitch and rhythm in simple and compound meters. It also explores structural elements such as harmony and melody, four-part harmonic writing, non-harmonic tones, basic chord progressions, and cadential formulas. Ear training and sight-singing are integrated throughout. Analysis and composition are studied concurrently, including phrase structure, figured bass symbols, and introductory dominant sevenths. This is the first course in the four-semester music theory sequence. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS 11
3
History of Jazz and Early Rock
MUS 11
This is a survey course that covers the characteristics of jazz forms, including ragtime, Dixieland, blues, swing, progressive jazz and rock. This course gives the student the opportunity to become familiar with all of the various styles of jazz and provides an understanding of the social and technical influences that cause stylistic change. This course is designed to create an interest in music for the non-music major. It is recommended for the Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 48
0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be a declared Music major, enrolled in a Music Theory class (MUS 2-5), and enrolled in a large music ensemble (MUS 31-51 or 300- 346). Please contact the MUS 48 coordinator for registration permission.
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 40
1
Concert Choir
MUS 40
Note: Live performances are a required component of this course. Note: Field trips may be required.
This course is a performance-based mixed choir (S.A.T.B.) that sings a variety of historical and contemporary music, focusing on standard choral literature, folk songs, and modern secular works. Students develop fundamental skills in reading choral music and vocal technique using examples drawn from choral literature, such as American folk arrangements, Broadway selections, and accessible classical repertoire.
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This course is a performance-based mixed choir (S.A.T.B.) that sings a variety of historical and contemporary music, focusing on standard choral literature, folk songs, and modern secular works. Students develop fundamental skills in reading choral music and vocal technique using examples drawn from choral literature, such as American folk arrangements, Broadway selections, and accessible classical repertoire.
MUS 22A
1
Beginning Piano
MUS 22A
This course is a fundamental course in keyboard techniques (simple piano music, chords, scales, and exercises) and music fundamentals: basic notation, harmony, and meter. Students will learn commonly-used music terms. The course is recommended for Music and Elementary Education majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 17
3
Computer Software for Musicians
MUS 17
Note: MUS-1 or MUS-2 are recommended prior to taking course. Please consult with instructor prior to registration to determine appropriate fluency.
Note: Use of music notation is required for this course.
This course is an introduction to music-related software for creative, professional, and educational applications. Students will develop foundational skills in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for audio & MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) production, sheet music notation, and web-based tools for digital portfolio development. Emphasis is placed on digital fluency, music technology workflows, and project-based learning aligned with current industry and transfer standards. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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Note: Use of music notation is required for this course.
This course is an introduction to music-related software for creative, professional, and educational applications. Students will develop foundational skills in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for audio & MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) production, sheet music notation, and web-based tools for digital portfolio development. Emphasis is placed on digital fluency, music technology workflows, and project-based learning aligned with current industry and transfer standards. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, First Year
12.5 Units TotalMUS 3
4
Advanced Diatonic Harmony & Musicianship
MUS 3
This course is the second course of the four-semester music theory sequence. Course content includes idiomatic work from selected historical periods with a critical approach to stylistic analysis. All diatonic chords and the introduction of the V7, along with their inversions will be studied. This course will include an introduction to two-part species counterpoint and will apply and develop the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic materials of Music 2 through ear training, sight singing, analysis, and dictation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 48
0.5
Applied Music
MUS 48
Limitation on Enrollment: Student must be a declared Music major, enrolled in a Music Theory class (MUS 2-5), and enrolled in a large music ensemble (MUS 31-51 or 300- 346). Please contact the MUS 48 coordinator for registration permission.
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course consists of individualized study in instruments or voice using appropriate techniques and repertoire. The emphasis is on the progressive development of skills needed for solo performance in preparation for transfer to a music degree program. Achievement is evaluated through a juried performance. Entrance is by audition. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MUS 22B
1
Intermediate Piano
MUS 22B
This is a fundamental course in keyboard techniques (simple piano music, chords, scales, and exercises) and music fundamentals: basic notation, harmony, and meter. Students will learn commonly-used music terms. Course is recommended for Music and Elementary Education majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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MUS 18
3
Foundations of Music Technology
MUS 18
Note: MUS-1 is recommended prior to taking course. Please consult with instructor prior to registration to determine appropriate fluency. Note: This course requires use of music notation software.
This course is a broad survey of the hardware and concepts that form the foundation of modern music technology. Acting as a bridge from software-only music creation (MUS 17), this course introduces the components that connect the digital and physical worlds. Topics include the physics of sound, audio signal flow, microphones, audio interfaces, mixers, and an overview of technology's application in various fields such as studio recording, live sound reinforcement, and performance. Emphasis is placed on understanding the function and purpose of each component within a complete system. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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This course is a broad survey of the hardware and concepts that form the foundation of modern music technology. Acting as a bridge from software-only music creation (MUS 17), this course introduces the components that connect the digital and physical worlds. Topics include the physics of sound, audio signal flow, microphones, audio interfaces, mixers, and an overview of technology's application in various fields such as studio recording, live sound reinforcement, and performance. Emphasis is placed on understanding the function and purpose of each component within a complete system. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS 19
3
Recording and Production Techniques
MUS 19
Advisory: MUS 17 with a grade of C or higher
This project-based course is the capstone experience for the Recording Arts certificate. Building upon the skills from MUS 17 and MUS 18, students will engage in the complete process of music production. Topics include advanced microphone techniques, session management, in-depth mixing with automation and effects, and introductory mastering. The primary focus is the hands-on application of these techniques to produce a professional-quality, multi-song EP by the end of the semester. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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This project-based course is the capstone experience for the Recording Arts certificate. Building upon the skills from MUS 17 and MUS 18, students will engage in the complete process of music production. Topics include advanced microphone techniques, session management, in-depth mixing with automation and effects, and introductory mastering. The primary focus is the hands-on application of these techniques to produce a professional-quality, multi-song EP by the end of the semester. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
MUS 35
1
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
MUS 35
Limitation on Enrollment: Admission to this class will be by audition to determine performance ability.
Note: For students seeking a non-audition option, see MUS 40 (Concert Choir)
Note: Live performances are a required component of this course.
This course is for students interested in singing jazz and commercial music. Students will sing jazz music in parts and will learn improvisation, jazz style, basic jazz terminology, and common jazz patterns.
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Note: For students seeking a non-audition option, see MUS 40 (Concert Choir)
Note: Live performances are a required component of this course.
This course is for students interested in singing jazz and commercial music. Students will sing jazz music in parts and will learn improvisation, jazz style, basic jazz terminology, and common jazz patterns.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
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