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2020 - 2021 Dallas College Catalog

2020 - 2021 Catalog
Program: Commercial Music
Degree Plan: Performing Musician Certificate

(Level 1 Certificate)

Cedar Valley campus only

  • Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
  • Complete at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College.

Degree Plan Code: C1.MUSI.PERFORM.21

This program is designed to prepare the instrumental or vocal student for entry-level positions in the live performing market of commercial music (jazz, rock, pop, country, etc, ) with enough training provided for a strong foundation to build upon. Coursework includes development of music theory written and aural skills, keyboard introduction, audio engineering and MIDI skills, and development of improvisation skills and repertoire applicable to the individual student.

Course Course Title Credit Hours
MUSC 1313 Commercial Music Theory 1 3
MUSP 2103 Commercial Class Piano OR 1
MUSP 1110 Applied Commercial Music: Piano OR (1)
MUSP 1123 Applied Commercial Music: Synthesizer (1)
MUSC 2314 Improvisation Theory 1 3
MUSB 1305 Survey of the Music Business 3
MUSI 1310 American Music 3
+Elective Commercial Music Ensemble (one course) 1
++Elective Applied Commercial Music (one course) 1-2
Semester Total 15-16
Course Course Title Credit Hours
MUSC 2141 Forum/Recital 1
MUSC 1327 Audio Engineering 1 OR 3
MUSC 1331 Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) 1 (3)
MUSP 1391 Special Topics in Music-General Performance 3
MUSP 1242 Small Commercial Music Ensemble 2
+Elective Commercial Music Ensemble (one course) 1
++Elective Applied Commercial Music (one course) 1-2
Semester Total 11-12
Minimum Hours Required 26-28

+Ensemble Elective - must be selected from the following. NOTE: All ensembles are intended for repeatability for advanced practice. A student can take the same ensemble multiple times in different semesters or take different ensembles:

Course Course Title Credit Hours
MUSP 1142 Small Commercial Music Ensemble 1
MUSP 1150 Small Commercial Music Ensemble: Jazz 1
MUSP 1151 Small Commercial Music Ensemble: Recording 1
MUSP 1153 Small Commercial Music Ensemble: Rock 1
MUSP 2106 Commercial Vocal Ensemble: General 1

++Applied Music Elective - must be selected from the following. NOTE: Student has an option to take two 1-credit hour courses or one 2-credit hour course:

Course Course Title Credit Hours
MUSP 1101 Applied Commercial Music: Arranging and Composition 1
MUSP 1104 Applied Commercial Music: Bass Guitar 1
MUSP 1105 Applied Commercial Music: Commercial Guitar 1
MUSP 1110 Applied Commercial Music: Piano 1
MUSP 1117 Applied Commercial Music: Percussion 1
MUSP 1123 Applied Commercial Music: Synthesizer 1
MUSP 1127 Applied Commercial Music: Voice 1
MUSP 1201 Applied Commercial Music: Arranging and Composition 2
MUSP 1204 Applied Commercial Music: Bass Guitar 2
MUSP 1205 Applied Commercial Music: Commercial Guitar 2
MUSP 1210 Applied Commercial Music: Piano 2
MUSP 1217 Applied Commercial Music: Percussion 2
MUSP 1223 Applied Commercial Music: Synthesizer 2
MUSP 1227 Applied Commercial Music: Voice 2

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.