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 Commercial Music. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Performing Musician 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 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. Courses that complete the 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: 26 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
SEMESTER 1
MUSC 1313 – Commercial Music Theory I
MUSC 2314 – Improvisation Theory I
MUSB 1305 – Survey of the Music Business
MUSI 1310 – American Music This is a Core course.
COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE ELECTIVE*
APPLIED COMMERCIAL MUSIC ELECTIVE**
CHOOSE ONE:
* 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: 15-16
SEMESTER 2
MUSC 2141 – Forum/Recital Intended for repeatability for advanced practice.
MUSP 1391 – Special Topics in Music-General Performance (capstone)
MUSP 1242 – Small Commercial Music Ensemble
COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE ELECTIVE*
APPLIED COMMERCIAL MUSIC ELECTIVE**
CHOOSE ONE:
- MUSC 1327 – Audio Engineering I OR
- MUSC 1331 – Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) I
* 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 Performing Musician Certificate.
Total Hours: 11-12
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 26-28 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS