Basic Commercial Music Certificate of Achievement

Digital technology has transformed commercial music, making it possible to produce commercial music without huge budgets, expensive studio set-ups or large crews. Whether the goal is to fulfill a personal artistic vision, market a product or advance a cause, the fundamental need for commercial music remains a powerful one.  

In this certificate program, students receive direct, hands-on experience creating commercial music that is entertaining, emotional, sophisticated and compelling.  The program covers the primary aspects of commercial music production, including writing, directing, performing, producing, editing and marketing. Students will learn:

• Music composition concepts, including song development, music vocabulary and audio production tools, techniques, protocols and workflow
• Directing and producing techniques including music arrangement and performance
• Piano and vocal skills
• Industry standard recording techniques including microphone selection and placement
• Multi-track recording fundamentals including basic audio editing and mixing
• Music industry marketing

This Certificate provides a platform from which to launch further study of commercial music production as well as basic entry-level industry skills, processes and practices.  It gives students crucial musical and audio engineering  tools.  Students emerge with commercial music for their personal or professional portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Students will have the skills necessary to compose, direct and perform commercial music.
2. 2. Students will have the skills necessary to produce record, edit, mix commercial music.
3. 3. Students will have the business, marketing and management skills necessary to produce a variety of commercial music events in a variety of venues.

Program Requirements