Class Schedules and Catalog Background Image

Music Technology

Music Technology

Associate Degree

Associate in Arts Degree

Music Technology

Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for the Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written education plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to

  • teach methods to use current technologies to create a high-quality musical presentation suitable for broadcast and live sound within a given timeline.
  • work within a group to produce an audio recording and live sound presentation using audio equipment, such as mixers, audio recorders, signal processors, patch bays, and microphones.
  • choose, position, and configure microphones and preamplifiers to accurately capture, store, amplify and distribute audio.

Certificates

Certificate of Achievement

Music Technology

This certificate prepares students for jobs in the field of audio recording, production, and audio in live performance presentations. The curriculum includes in-depth study of recording arts from general study to production of a final product suitable for presentation within a portfolio. Students learn all aspects of the process from the perspective of a recording engineer to that of a performer.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to

  • use current technologies to create a high-quality musical presentation suitable for broadcast and live sound within a given timeline.
  • work both individually and within a group to produce an audio recording and live sound presentation using audio equipment, such as mixers, audio recorders, signal processors, patch bays, and microphones meeting current industry standards.
  • deliver the completed audio presentation within current, commonly accepted distribution methods such as fixed-media movable storage (e.g., flash drive, disks) or mainstream Internet delivery sites (e.g., Dropbox, Youtube, Vimeo, and Facebook).
Music technology core coursework:
MTEC 110Recording Arts I2
MTEC 111Recording Arts II2
MTEC 120Digital Audio Production I2
MTEC 130MIDI2
MTEC 140Sound Reinforcement I2
MTEC 141Sound Reinforcement II2
MTEC 150Audio Equipment Maintenance2
MTEC 210Recording Arts III2
MTEC 211Recording Arts IV2
MTEC 220Digital Audio Production II2
MTEC 230Electronic Music and Sound Design2
Choose 3 units from the following music theory and performance training courses:3
Introduction to Music Theory
Piano I
Piano II
Guitar I
Guitar II
Vocal Fundamentals
Concert Chorale I
Select one course from the following:2-3
Business of Music and Media I
Commercial Music Composition
Select at least one course from the following for a minimum of 2 units:2-3
Internship Studies
Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Marketing
Business Promotion
Group Communication
C++ Programming
Advanced C++ Programming
Computer Applications
Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems
Social Media for Business
Technology, the Individual, and Society
Voice and Diction
Introduction to Film
Introduction to Film (Honors)
Media Design 1: Production
Web Design 1: Fundamentals
Animation and Interactivity
Video 1: Production
Web Design 2: WordPress and Site Production
Portfolio Development
Total Units29-31

Certificate of Achievement

Business of Music and Media

This program begins with the fundamentals of intellectual property and contract law and expands to the strategies of exploitation of creative works in today's marketplace. Students who complete the Business of Music and Media program can apply their skills to professional positions in all facets of the entertainment industry.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to

  • demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property laws as they specifically apply to the entertainment industry.
  • understand the process of affiliation with the appropriate organizations for the registration and collection of copyright royalties.
  • demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret contracts and terminology specifically found in the entertainment industry.
Required courses: 
FILM 112Film History II: 1945-Present3
or FILM 112H Film History II: 1945-Present (Honors)
MTEC 160Business of Music and Media I3
MTEC 260Business of Music and Media II2
MUS 112American Popular Music3
Business Electives - select nine units from the following:9
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Management Principles
Human Relations in Business
Legal Environment of Business
Legal Environment of Business (Honors)
Internship - select two units from the following:2
Internship Studies
Internship Studies
Total Units22

Certificate of Proficiency

Music Technology

The Music Technology Certificate is designed to provide concepts and application of principles needed to successfully operate and maintain audio equipment. The curricula ranges from the recording studio to stage and touring. Upon successful completion a student will possess skills necessary for employment as an audio technician, producer, engineer and music products salesperson.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

  • Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to achieve proficiency in various aspects of music technology such as equipment setup, procurement, and application.
Required courses: 
DRAM 141Lighting Design for Theatre, Television, and Film3
or MTEC 160 Business of Music and Media I
MTEC 110Recording Arts I2
MTEC 120Digital Audio Production I2
MTEC 130MIDI2
MTEC 140Sound Reinforcement I2
MTEC 150Audio Equipment Maintenance2
Total Units13

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage at https://www.miracosta.edu/governance/courses-and-programs-committee/curriculum-management-system.html.

Courses

MTEC 110: Recording Arts I

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MTEC 120, MUS 100, and MUS 144A.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This first in a sequence of four recording arts courses presents an introductory overview of the audio production process. Topics include the physics of sound, transducers, audio processors, and recording-studio logistics. C-ID CMUS-130X.

MTEC 111: Recording Arts II

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 110 and MTEC 120.
Enrollment Limitation: Concurrent enrollment in MTEC 120 if MTEC 120 prerequisite not met.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This is the second in a series of four courses designed as the study of the theory and application of methods and tools in the field of recording arts and audio production.

MTEC 120: Digital Audio Production I

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MTEC 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course is a survey of the various procedures and technology used in contemporary audio production in the digital domain. Course work includes the Avid Pro Tools 101 Certification Test. Students are required to own or have ongoing personal access to a working copy of the Avid ProTools Digital Audio Software application and a suitable computer. C-ID CMUS-120X.

MTEC 130: MIDI

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This survey course explores the full range of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) capable software and hardware including associated production techniques for music composition, performance, and recording.

MTEC 140: Sound Reinforcement I

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course provides an overview of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include theory and application of individual sound system components, such as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, wireless microphones and speakers.

MTEC 141: Sound Reinforcement II

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 140.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course covers advanced topics in sound system design, stage management/organization, and sound checks. Topics include troubleshooting, live concert recording, and live concert interfacing with wireless microphones, MIDI, and video systems.

MTEC 150: Audio Equipment Maintenance

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course introduces audio maintenance, calibration, and minor repair as well electronic building tips as they pertain to music, theater, and related application of practical electronics. Students learn basic electronic principles and how they relate to signal flow and troubleshooting in various audio and related technical environments. Topics include signal path, circuit testing, component matching, power rating, and parallel and series type wiring as well as hands-on work with basic electronic maintenance/repair kits. The course emphasizes safety issues with electricity.

MTEC 160: Business of Music and Media I

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course explores the essential topics relevant to participation in the contemporary music and media industry: intellectual property rights, copyright law, publishing administration, performing rights organizations, music licensing, contracts, and artist representation. C-ID CMUS-140X.

MTEC 210: Recording Arts III

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 111.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This third in a four-course sequence provides an in-depth technical and applied study of recording techniques covered in the previous recording arts courses. Topics include effects and dynamics processing and complex routing used in the context of the multi-track recording and mixdown. Students work within a group and utilize studio time to complete assignments within a given timeline.

MTEC 211: Recording Arts IV

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This fourth and final course in the recording arts technology sequence involves technical, personnel, and musical elements for final production of commercial music projects. Students individually organize and complete an outlined production of a workforce-ready product in a multi-track recording facility.

MTEC 220: Digital Audio Production II

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course is an in-depth study of advanced digital audio production techniques in the Avid Pro Tools software environment. Specific subject areas include system setup, multi-track recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and the synchronization of audio with video. Course work includes the Avid Pro Tools 110, and 201 certification tests. Students are required to own or have ongoing personal access to a working copy of the Avid ProTools Digital Audio Software application and a suitable computer.

MTEC 230: Electronic Music and Sound Design

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 130.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides an in-depth study and application of computer-generated and controlled sound devices within the current MIDI standard as defined by the MIDI Manufacturer's Association. Topics include the MIDI data stream and current specification, sound synthesis, networked MIDI systems, programming sound and stage control parameters, advanced music sequencer operation, and editing. Students program integrated MIDI systems for music composition, recording, and performance.

MTEC 260: Business of Music and Media II

Units: 2
Prerequisites: MTEC 160.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

Catalog Description This second in a two course series covers effective methods of exploitation and monetization of creative works in the current industry marketplace. Specific topics include careers in music and media, independent music production and distribution, synchronization and licensing, music submissions, marketing and publicity, and attaining practical goals.

MTEC 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

MTEC 296: Topics in Music Technology

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Music Technology that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

MTEC 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

Campus Locations

MiraCosta Community Learning Center

1831 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92058
760.795.8710
888.201.8480
View Map

View Campus Map
MiraCosta Oceanside Campus Building

1 Barnard Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.757.2121
888.201.8480
View Map

View Campus Map
MiraCosta San Elijo Campus

3333 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007
760.944.4449
888.201.8480
View Map

View Campus Map
MiraCosta Technology Career Institute Building

2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760.795.6820
888.201.8480
View Map

Visit Career Institute