Course of study in Music Industry/Recording Arts

Music Technology and Recording Techniques is a four-semester curriculum that trains the aspiring recording industry professional.  It offers a well-rounded, technology-based educational experience to student musicians, producers, DJs, live-sound reinforcement enthusiasts and post-production technologists. Graduates will have the skills to compete for the best-paying jobs in the entertainment technology field.

At SPC, you get quality instruction from well-trained professionals at an affordable price.

The Program

The new MIRA-AS degree consists of three key elements.  First, are the General Education Requirements (as prescribed in College Policy 6Hx23-4.32).  Second, the core Music Technology curriculum, and third, the Subplans or Specialty Tracks geared toward the student's career plan objectives.  These subplans are designed specifically to compliment the Core Technology curriculum, and are based on three established career paths in the music and entertainment field.

These three subplans, or specialties, are:  Music Technology for Production, which is designed for the aspiring producer, engineer or live sound technician.  Music Technology for Composition, which focuses on writing and production techniques used by contemporary composers in all disciplines.  Music Technology for Performance will educate singers and instrumentalists on how to use all of the production tools available to them in today’s professional market. 

These three distinct tracks represent the most desired disciplines within the Music Technology realm and, will provide students the highest quality educational experience available.

Subplan Descriptions

Music Technology for Production focuses on training the producer, engineer, DJ, or live sound reinforcement specialist to function within the technological construct prevalent in the current music business framework.  Each student will have the opportunity to record and mix the various ensembles within the Performance Subplan.  The advanced levels require an internship track that will provide each student with a great depth of experience in practical application.  The Music Center, The Palladium, The Digitorium, The Arts Auditorium, The Allstate Center Studios, and The Leepa-Rattner Museum each have unique needs that will both challenge and educate our student interns. 

Music Technology for Composition enables each participant to integrate current technological trends into their methodology in order to create, execute, produce, and disseminate artistic ideas.  Learning how the modern composer interacts with technology within the creative process is the cornerstone of this specialty track.  By seamlessly integrating technological tools into the compositional progression, our students will be fully prepared to engage in higher educational tracks, or display their talents and compete with other composers for the best job opportunities.

Music Technology for Performance requires the instrumentalist or vocalist to understand how recording technology can enhance the presentation of their unique talents.  In-depth study of studio production techniques, ensemble interaction, sonic experimentation, and results-oriented performance instruction take the student to new levels of proficiency.  By gaining confidence in the use of technology, the performer enhances their ability to maximize any creative opportunity that might arise, either academically or professionally.        

While existing as distinct paths under the Music Technology umbrella, each subplan track is designed to “intersect” with each of the others.  All participants will be required to interact and cooperate with contrasting specialties within all subplans.  This collaboration will simulate the “real-world” situations any artist may come upon in the music business.  The end result will be a working portfolio for each participant that can be used to further his or her career whatever their future plans are.

» View the MIRA-AS Program Requirements and Course Offerings

» View the MIRA Program Suggested Course Progression

» Download the MIRA Program brochure (pdf)