Music and Integrated Technology
43 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
MUST 100 Pro Tools Fundamentals I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces fundamental Pro Tools concepts and principles, covering everything students need to know to complete a basic Pro Tools project, from initial setup to final mixdown. Students also learn to build sessions that include multi-track recordings of live audio, MIDI sequences, and virtual instruments. Hands-on exercises and projects introduce essential techniques for creating sessions, recording and importing audio and MIDI, editing session media, navigating sessions and arranging media on tracks, and using basic processing and mixing techniques to finalize a production.
MUST 101 Introduction to Music Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 100X
This course is designed for the student who wants to learn the terminology, equipment, techniques, and concepts of music technology. Focus will be on principles and practices of sound, digital audio, synthesis, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), MIDI sequencing, notation software, and audio recording utilizing hardware and software platforms. Lab activities will place an emphasis on the operation and components of the typical MIDI and digital audio lab (hardware and software). Students will complete independent projects demonstrating hands-on knowledge.
MUST 105 Introduction to the Music Business
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 140X
This course is intended for students interested in the music business. It presents an overview of the business and legal aspects of the music industry in order to help students understand the rapid and massive changes caused by the digital music revolution. The course focuses on career possibilities, the development of business-related knowledge and skills necessary for effectively maintaining a professional music career, the vocabulary and terminology of the music industry, and the distinction between music and business at the corporate level. Topics include record contracts, publishing, licensing, marketing, distribution, performances, and copyright. In addition, the duties and responsibilities of musicians, songwriters, lawyers, agents, promoters, publishers, executives, managers, and anyone trying to navigate the rapid transformation of the industry are examined.
MUST 110 Pro Tools Fundamentals II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 100
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course expands upon the basic principles taught in the Pro Tools Fundamentals I course and introduces the core concepts and techniques students need to competently operate a Pro Tools system running mid-sized sessions. Students learn to build sessions designed for commercial purposes and improve the results of their recording, editing, and mixing efforts. Guided exercises provide experience in setting up sessions, importing media, working with digital video, spotting sound effects, using loop recording and MIDI Merge techniques, and working with virtual instruments. Additional topics include warping with Elastic Audio, applying Real-Time Properties, creating clip loops, applying signal processing, using automation, and using submixes and track groups to simplify a final mix. Together with the first course in the series, Pro Tools Fundamentals I, this course provides the training required to prepare for the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools certification exam.
MUST 111 Theory and Musicianship for Electronic Music I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the first of a sequence for students to focus on the development of theory and musicianship skills in both traditional notation and digital audio workstation (DAW) tablature. Through guided writing and analysis of popular electronic music, this course incorporates the following concepts: rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; diatonic chords, basic cadential formulas, and phrase structure; dominant seventh; and non-harmonic tones. The course also develops beginning-level aural skills, sight-reading, sight-singing, as well as dictation and rhythmic interpretation skills.
MUST 112 Theory and Musicianship for Electronic Music II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 111
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the second in a sequence for students to focus on the development of theory and musicianship skills in both traditional notation and digital audio workstation (DAW) tablature. Through guided composition and analysis, the course includes an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part writing; diatonic harmony; and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation. This course also develops beginning-intermediate-level aural skills, sight-reading, sight-singing, as well as dictation and rhythmic interpretation skills.
MUST 115 Songwriting and Arranging I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 103, MUST 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CMUS 150X
This course is designed for students who want to learn the process of songwriting. Songs are analyzed using chord structure, form, rhythm, melody, harmony, and lyrics. Original compositions and performances are expected from all students.
MUST 116 Songwriting and Arranging II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUS 104 or MUST 115
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who want to further their knowledge of the process of songwriting and arranging. Complex songs and advanced song forms are analyzed using chord structure, form, rhythm, melody, harmony, and lyrics. Additional emphasis on the creation of lead sheets as well as the proper presentation of a score and parts for strings and horn sections is included. Original compositions, recordings, and performances are expected from all students.
MUST 121 Electronic Music I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 110X
This course is designed for students who want to gain an understanding of the processes and tools available to the modern electronic musician. While using the most up-to-date software, students will learn to record, arrange, mix, and produce music. Topics include synthesis, sampling, and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequencing. Compositions are expected of students utilizing electronic music techniques.
MUST 122 Electronic Music II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 121
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to continue the study of concepts and techniques needed to compose electronic music. Sequencing, advanced forms of automation, and various types of analog and digital synthesis are studied in greater depth, and the topic creating music for film and video games is also introduced.
MUST 123 Electronic Music III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 122
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for advanced electronic music students who want to continue the study of concepts and techniques needed to compose electronic music. It is recommended for students who intend to pursue music professionally. Assignments include ambient soundscapes, which explore advanced concepts of sound and noise, musique concrete, experimental dance music, and scoring music for animation and motion picture scenes.
MUST 125 Sound Design I: Music, Media, and Game Audio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 121
- Advisory
- MUST 141
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is for students interested in learning the basics of sound design. The course introduces the physics of sound and how to successfully manipulate, modulate, and record sound in the service of various music and media industries (e.g., the music, television/film, and video game industries). Assignments are project based.
MUST 126 Sound Design II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 122, MUST 125, MUST 142
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is for students interested in learning advanced techniques and theory of sound design. The course will introduce acoustics, the psychoacoustics of sound and how to successfully program complex systems in order to synthesize and sculpt, and sound in the service of various music and media industries (e.g., the music, television/film, and video game industries). Assignments will be project based.
MUST 130 Pro Tools for Game Audio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 100
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course exposes students to the core skills, workflow, and concepts involved in creating and implementing game audio using Pro Tools systems. The course covers basic sound design techniques along with sample workflows. Session time is divided between demonstration and guided practice, with ample time to experiment with sample material. Together with the Pro Tools Fundamentals I course, this course provides the training required to prepare for the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools for Game Audio certification exam.
MUST 141 Recording Studio I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- MUST 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 130X
This course is designed for students who want to learn how to make high-quality recordings using a wide array of tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on digital audio workstation (DAW) sound recording, editing, and mixing processes through hands-on experience. Students collaborate to produce recordings within several musical genres.
MUST 142 Recording Studio II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 141
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to continue the study of recording studio techniques, signal flow using an analog console, and advanced ensemble microphone techniques. Students also create a portfolio of work demonstrating their recording knowledge.
MUST 145 Live Sound Reinforcement I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- MUST 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- CMUS 120X
This course is designed for students who want an overview of live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include basic sound system theory and its application, as well as the operation of individual sound system components, including microphones, mixers, effects, power amplifiers, and speaker systems. This course offers opportunities for hands-on experience in troubleshooting, sound checking, and mixing sound for live performance applications.
MUST 146 Live Sound Reinforcement II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 145
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students seeking to further their knowledge in live concert sound reinforcement. Topics include professional communication with musicians, and intermediate sound system theory and its application. It also covers individual sound system component operation, including microphones, mixers, effects, power amplifiers, and speaker systems. This course offers opportunities for hands-on experiences in troubleshooting, sound checking, and mixing sound for live performance applications.
MUST 151 History of Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- READ 101, ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This survey course is designed for students who seek an introduction to electronic music. Beginning with the European and American avant garde, the course traces the roots and routes of electronic music through Jamaican Dub, Chicago House, Detroit Techno, Bronx Hip-hop, and U.K. Rave, among other styles. Analysis of musical style and the relationship to particular technologies accompanies an examination of various genres in their social and cultural contexts.
MUST 152 History of Hip Hop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who seek to expand their knowledge of hip hop music through the exploration of its cultural, musical, and technological influences. The course includes a comprehensive survey of styles beginning with old-school hip hop, through its golden age, to its present-day status as the most popular genre of music in the United States. The course also covers sampling, licensing, and copyright law, which are all integral parts of the music business. Additionally, the course delves into technology-centered topics such as turntablist beat matching and scratching, digital samplers, digital workstations, Auto-Tune, and beyond.
MUST 161 Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop Collective
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 Lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000, MUST 200A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in small groups using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on beginning-level rehearsal and public performance of beat-driven, grid-based songs exclusively covering Electronic Pop music. Includes original student Electronic Pop music as well as reinterpretations of existing pop songs. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments and Electronic Pop music collaborations.
MUST 191A Music and Integrated Technology Capstone - Recording
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 141
- Advisory
- MUST 142
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is for students in the Music and Integrated Technology program to learn hands-on skills. The course focuses on collaborative projects, with students performing the professional roles of recording engineers and assistant engineers, and will prepare students for the highly collaborative music and media industries. Additionally, the course will help students build a professional portfolio with which to apply for entry-level jobs.
MUST 191B Music and Integrated Technology Capstone - Production
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 121, MUST 141
- Advisory
- MUST 142
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is for students in the Music and Integrated Technology program to learn hands-on skills. The course focuses on collaborative projects, with students performing the professional role of music producer, and will prepare students for the highly collaborative music and media industries. Additionally, the course will help students build a professional portfolio with which to apply for entry-level jobs.
MUST 200A Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI) Controllers I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students develop Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI) performance skills, and declare EDI as the primary instrument of study for electronic musicians. Emphasis is placed on push button controller techniques. Course content includes basic technique and notation, major and minor fingering patterns, sight reading, and basic chord patterns and progressions.
MUST 200B Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI) Controllers II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 200A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students continue to develop Electronic Digital Instrument (EDI) performance skills, and declare EDI as the primary instrument of study for electronic musicians. Course content includes intermediate-level techniques and notation, major and minor fingering patterns, sight reading, and intermediate-level chord patterns and progressions.
MUST 201 Pro Tools Production I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 110
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the core concepts and skills needed to operate an Avid Pro Tools Ultimate system with HD-series hardware in a professional studio environment. This course builds on the Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II series of courses, providing intermediate- and advanced-level Pro Tools concepts and techniques. Students learn to customize the configuration of Pro Tools | HD Native systems to maximize results and improve recording, editing, and mixing workflows. Guided exercises provide experience in optimizing system resources, configuring I/O, navigating and color-coding sessions, managing session media, using advanced selection and auditioning techniques, working with clip gain, applying advanced automation techniques, creating submixes and applying parallel processing, advanced mixing, and finishing techniques for a final mixdown. This course provides the foundational training for the Avid Certified Operator: Pro Tools | Music, and Avid Certified Operator: Pro Tools | Post certification exams.
MUST 300A Electronic Digital Instrument Practices I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is the first course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices for grid-based controllers as well as computer-aided melodic and harmonic vocal exercises with and without pitch correction and harmonization software. Musical topics include scales, chords, arpeggios, melodies, and improvisation. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.
MUST 300B Electronic Digital Instrument Practices II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 300A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is the second course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices for grid-based controllers, drum machine programming, beat patterns, and electronic pulses, as well as computer-aided beatboxing and vocal percussion exercises. Musical topics include rhythmic techniques and improvisation skills. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.
MUST 305 Critical Listening for the Electronic Musician
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of audio quality, identify synthesis modules, and modulation techniques, and to understand musical aspects of audio production and the vocabulary necessary to offer audio critique.
MUST 312 Styles and Structures of Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to study the styles and structures of electronic music. Through exercises, readings, listening sessions, and discussions, it examines the principles and techniques used in electronic music creation, spanning from experimental to Hip Hop and Electronic Dance Music, up to present-day electronic music trends.
MUST 316 Songwriting and Demo Production in Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000, MUST 115
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will deepen students’ understanding of crafting and producing electronic music demos. Projects are crafted to manifest each student's distinctive style through synthesis, samples, and recorded tracks for electronic accompaniment. Throughout the course, students produce original electronic music, refining their music production skills along the way.
MUST 351 History and Evolution of Electronic and Computer Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- MUST 151
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the history and evolution of Electronic and Computer music of the 20th century and connects its lineage to the present influences of electronic music. By studying representative works of groundbreaking composers, students learn about the immense musical and technological changes that characterize these periods, as well as important cultural, political, and social movements that inspired and shaped such diverse music. This course is intended for students enrolled in the BS Electronic Digital Instrument degree.
MUST 361 Crossroads Electronic Digital Instrument Pop Collective
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 Lab
- Advisory
- MUST 300A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in small groups using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on intermediate-level rehearsal and public performance of beat-driven, grid-based songs exclusively covering Electronic Pop music. This includes original student Electronic Pop music as well as reinterpretations of existing pop songs. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments, and Electronic Pop music collaborations.
MUST 365 Electronic Digital Instrument Experimental Orchestra
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 361
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students who want to broaden their abilities to perform in a large group using Electronic Digital Instruments. This course focuses on intermediate-level rehearsal and public performance of texturally driven, off-grid-based songs exclusively covering electronic music. Includes original student electronic music as well as reinterpretations of existing music. This unique course is focused exclusively on Electronic Digital Instruments and electronic music collaborations.
MUST 397 Production Companies and Independent Record Labels
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- MUST 105
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with the knowledge to explore the dynamic world of production companies and independent record labels, including a comprehensive focus on legal aspects, contracts, publishing, licensing, and strategies for navigating the streaming music landscape. In the course, students learn the skills to launch and manage a production company/independent label successfully in the digital age.
MUST 398 Music Sales and Promotion: From Branding to Marketing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- MUST 105
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course teaches students the exhaustive process of do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) music sales and promotion, from developing a brand and identifying a vision to promotions and publicity, while creating a customized, low-budget marketing plan that includes website design and social media. This hands-on class is designed to empower aspiring artists with the essential tools and techniques required to effectively promote themselves in the ever-evolving music industry.
MUST 400A Electronic Digital Instrument Practices III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 300B
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is the third course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices for grid-based controllers as well as turntable controllers, to craft and refine sound elements, create mashups, and construct live sets. Musical topics include live looping and improvisation creating and utilizing samples and loops. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.
MUST 400B Electronic Digital Instrument Practices IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- MUST 400A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is the fourth course in a sequence that centers exclusively on technical and musical practices for live electronic music. The course focuses on technical practices that integrate human gestures and expressions for grid-based controllers as well as programming Max for Live. The course culminates in an individual live presentation to demonstrate students' Electronic Digital Instrument progress.
MUST 421 Samples and Sound Libraries in Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- MUST 122
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on principles and techniques for utilizing and manipulating sound to enhance electronic music in conjunction with their Electronic Digital Instrument. Students will delve into deconstructing and reconstructing samples, alongside technical analysis of intricate sounds devoid of distinct pitch content for electronic music production.
MUST 422 Live Interaction in Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- MUST 122
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course delves into dynamic interactive techniques for live electronic music. Projects revolve around crafting audio-visual performance systems and investigating diverse methods of engagement and manipulation in conjunction with their Electronic Digital Instrument. Subjects encompass programming and mapping gesture controllers using digital audio software and musical programming languages. This course is intended for students enrolled in the BS Electronic Digital Instrument degree.
MUST 441 Advanced Production Techniques in Electronic Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- MUST 122, MUST 115, MUST 141
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on software-based electronic music production along with modern trends and mixing techniques in conjunction with their Electronic Digital Instrument. In this experiential and project-oriented course, students become familiar with music-making conventions and mixing techniques in the context of electronic music production.
MUST 497 Senior Electronic Digital Instrument Project
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 400A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This senior project course is half of the final requirement in order to complete the Electronic Digital Instrument Degree. Students create a commercially viable full-length album of original music while using their Electronic Digital Instrument, in order to promote their electronic music career. Work is accomplished under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.
MUST 498 Senior Electronic Digital Instrument Concert
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- MUST 400A
- Transfers to
- CSU
The senior concert course serves as half of the final requirement in order to complete the Electronic Digital Instrument Degree. Students produce a professional electronic music concert of original music that is written, rehearsed, and performed by students while using an Electronic Digital Instrument. Students also collaborate and interface with a live sound crew. Work is accomplished under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.