For more information, visit the Dallas College Commercial Music webpage and your success coach at your campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Composition Level I Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Composition Level I Certificate. Courses from this certificate may apply to the related A.A.S. degree. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
This program is designed to prepare musicians to compose music for the dynamic commercial music industry. In addition to preparing the student to compose, arrange and orchestrate original melodies in commercial idioms (including jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), film, video game, etc.); students are given a firm foundation in fundamentals of music theory, ear training, ensembles, and music notation technology. Emphasis is placed on relevance to the demands of the current music industry and the specific needs of each commercial music student composer. Courses that complete the Composition Certificate are noted below.
Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
Catalog Year 2024-2025 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Level I Certificate
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI May be Exempt
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 27 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
SEMESTER 1
MUSC 1313 – Commercial Music Theory I
MUSC 2330 – Commercial Music Arranging and Composition
MUSC 2141 – Forum/Recital Intended for repeatability for advanced practice.
COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE ELECTIVE*
APPLIED COMMERICAL MUSIC ELECTIVE** (Choose two 1-CR hour courses or one 2-CR hour course.)
CHOOSE ONE:
CHOOSE ONE: - COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE ELECTIVE* OR
- APPLIED COMMERICAL MUSIC ELECTIVE** (Select one hour.)
* Commercial Music Ensemble Elective courses must be selected from the following: MUSP 1142, MUSP 1150, MUSP 1151, MUSP 1153, or MUSP 2106
** Applied Commercial Music Elective must be selected from the following: MUSP 1101, MUSP 1104, MUSP 1105, MUSP 1110, MUSP 1117, MUSP 1123, MUSP 1127, MUSP 1201, MUSP 1204, MUSP 1205, MUSP 1210, MUSP 1217, MUSP 1223, MUSP 1227
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
Total Hours: 12
SEMESTER 2
MUSC 1311 – Commercial Music Sight Singing and Ear Training I
MUSC 2141 – Forum/Recital Intended for repeatability for advanced practice.
MUSC 2319 – Commercial Orchestration
MUSC 2355 – Musical Instrument Digital Interface II
COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE ELECTIVE*
APPLIED COMMERICAL MUSIC ELECTIVE** (Choose two 1-CR hour courses or one 2-CR hour course.)
CHOOSE ONE:
- MUSP 1110 – Applied Commercial Music: Piano OR
- MUSP 1123 – Applied Commercial Music: Synthesizer
CHOOSE ONE: - COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE ELECTIVE* OR
- APPLIED COMMERICAL MUSIC ELECTIVE** (Select one hour.)
* Commercial Music Ensemble Elective courses must be selected from the following: MUSP 1142, MUSP 1150, MUSP 1151, MUSP 1153, or MUSP 2106
** Applied Commercial Music Elective must be selected from the following: MUSP 1101, MUSP 1104, MUSP 1105, MUSP 1110, MUSP 1117, MUSP 1123, MUSP 1127, MUSP 1201, MUSP 1204, MUSP 1205, MUSP 1210, MUSP 1217, MUSP 1223, MUSP 1227
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
- Meet with your success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
- Meet with your success coach to apply for the Composition Certificate.
Total Hours: 15
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 27 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS