The Basic Certificate program in Music Technology is the study of techniques and standards needed for careers as a recording engineer, producer, professional musician, or composer/ arranger. Completion of the certificate program can lead to employment with such businesses as advertising agencies, recording studios, recording companies, video game companies, publishing companies, radio stations, or as a free-lance artist. The field is highly competitive, but employment opportunities are expanding rapidly.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Program Core
DMD 115	Digital Audio	3
MUSIC 102	Music Theory I	3
MUSIC 103	Music Theory II	3
MUSIC 105	Group Piano I	2
MUSIC 106	Group Piano II	2
MUSIC 111	Aural & Keyboard Skills I	2
MUSIC 112	Aural & Keyboard Skills II	2
MUSIC 204	Commercial Music Workshop I	2
MUSIC 205	Commercial Music Workshop II	2
MUSIC 221	Music Literature & History	3
MUSIC 225	Individual Project	2
Total Hours		26

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Music Technology. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC). The BC program in Music Technology is the study of techniques and standards needed for careers as a recording engineer, producer, professional musician, or composer/ arranger. Completion of the certificate program can lead to employment with such businesses as advertising agencies, recording studios, recording companies, video game companies, publishing companies, radio stations, or as a free-lance artist. The field is highly competitive, but employment opportunities are expanding rapidly.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
DMD 115	Digital Audio	3
MUSIC 101	Fundamentals of Music Theory 1	3
MUSIC 105	Group Piano I	2
MUSIC 204	Commercial Music Workshop I	2
	Hours	10
Semester 2
MUSIC 102	Music Theory I	3
MUSIC 106	Group Piano II	2
MUSIC 111	Aural & Keyboard Skills I	2
MUSIC 205	Commercial Music Workshop II	2
MUSIC 221	Music Literature & History	3
	Hours	12
Semester 3
MUSIC 103	Music Theory II	3
MUSIC 112	Aural & Keyboard Skills II	2
MUSIC 225	Individual Project	2
	Hours	7
	Total Hours	29

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Program Prerequisite

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Musicians and Singers

Job Description

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

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• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$19,590
Median 50th Percentile	$65,150
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$233,450

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$9
Median 50th Percentile	$31
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$112

Annual Job Openings

320 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program	% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less	31.38%
A certificate	0.32%
Some college	8.56%
An Associate degree	0.00%
A Bachelor's degree	29.92%
A Master's or Professional degree	17.15%
A Doctoral degree or more	12.66%

59.73% continue their education beyond an associate degree

Music Directors and Composers

Job Description

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

• View Annual Wages
• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$32,020
Median 50th Percentile	$47,766
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$128,467

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$15
Median 50th Percentile	$23
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$62

Annual Job Openings

80 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program	% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less	8.91%
A certificate	0.00%
Some college	6.20%
An Associate degree	7.89%
A Bachelor's degree	26.23%
A Master's or Professional degree	30.14%
A Doctoral degree or more	20.62%

76.99% continue their education beyond an associate degree