Degrees & Certificates
The ARC Commercial Music Program offers both A.A. Degrees and Certificates in Recording as well as in Music Business. The primary difference between the A.A. and Certificates are the general education requirements. This has been planned so students can easily move between the Degree and Certificate programs with minimal disruption to their progress. In addition, many students choose to earn both Certificates and the A.A. Degree.
Pathways
See this page for maps that will guide you by providing a sequence of required courses and suggested general education courses necessary to earn A.A. Degrees or Certificates in Commercial Music.A.A. - Recording
In addition to 37 units of core classes related to the audio field, students in the A.A. Degree program will take general education requirements plus electives to meet a 60 unit total. (See ARC Graduation Requirements.) Through a four-semester sequence, students will gain knowledge ranging from foundational skills to highly specialized music production techniques. Students learn how to operate mixing consoles, outboard signal processors, audio workstations, music software, practice microphone techniques, do remote recordings, and facilitate complete recording sessions. The A.A. Degree is the recommended program for those who are planning to transfer to another institution after completing the program.
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Certificates - Recording
The Certificate programs are suitable for those who wish to augment existing knowledge or enter directly into the music industry after completing the program. The Certificate in Recording consists of only the same 37 units of core classes related to the audio field as the A.A. Degree without the additional general education requirements. The Certificate in Digital Audio Production requires less units (12.5-14) and is designed as an intermediate Certificate for those ultimately pursuing the larger Certificate or A.A. Degree in Recording. It is also appropriate for those currently employed in the music industry and other associated fields who wish to upgrade and expand their skills. read more
A.A. - Music Business
In addition to 33 units of core classes related to the music business field, students in the A.A. Degree program will take general education requirements plus electives to meet a 60 unit total. (See ARC Graduation Requirements.) Music business students explore the dynamics of the music business in areas such as publishing, entertainment, distribution, marketing, and promotions. Our music business courses address industry-specific issues such as copyrights, record contracts, publishing and production agreements, artist management, promotion, and marketing. The A.A. Degree is the recommended program for those who are planning to transfer to another institution after completing the program.read more
Certificates - Music Business
The Certificate programs are suitable for those who wish to augment existing knowledge or enter directly into the music industry after completing the program. The Certificate in Music Business consists of only the same 33 units of core classes related to the music business field as the A.A. Degree without the additional general education requirements. The Certificate in Music Management and Production requires less units (12) and is designed as an intermediate Certificate for those ultimately pursuing the larger Certificate or A.A. Degree in Music Business. It is also appropriate for those currently employed in the music industry and other associated fields who wish to upgrade and expand their skills. read more
