Music & Sonic Arts FAQ’s
Music & Sonic Arts (MSA)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Generally our program focuses on music recording, production, audio programming and interactivity, and composition (mostly electronic, intermedia and multichannel work), with foundations in music theory and related skills in contemporary popular music languages.
Program Advisor: Darcy Demers, Cascade Campus, 971-722-5332 or darcy.demers@pcc.edu (email is best way to contact me)
Program Department Chair jesse.mejia15@pcc.edu 971-722-5092
—-Is there a special application for the Music Sonic program?
No. There is no special application or audition process to start the MSA program.
—Can I start the program in any term?
We have a fall start. The first year courses are offered in a sequence that starts each fall with part I, part II winter, and part III spring term. *Starting in Winter, Spring or Summer term information at bottom of page
—-Are there any requirements to start?
There are no program prerequisites and it is not a limited-entry program. Unlike other music programs in 4-year colleges which require and assume formal training in (classical, Western, concert) music, we welcome students of any experience level (or none) to our program.
—-What are the first term classes? pick cohort 1, or 2 or 3
MUC 101 Contemporary Music Theory I (3 cr)
MUC 120A Sight Singing and Ear Training I (1)
MUC 130A Rhythm Training I (1)
MUC 140A Group Piano I (2)
MUC 223 Recording Technology I: Analog Fundamentals (3)
MUS 170 Music Technology: Beats and Basics (3)
This schedule will have you in class (via zoom) approx Mon-Thurs 10am to 4pm
—Tell me more about cohorts – I see this in the class schedule for year 1 classes
Music & Sonic Arts adopted a cohort model, a research-supported method for improving retention and completion. Students take courses in progressive sequences with the same group of students; this allows for community-building and clear scheduling so students know what their class schedule will be for the whole year.
First-year full-time students enroll in one of the cohort tracks to earn all the needed credits. Each cohort takes the same courses, so simply choose which schedule (Cohort 1 or Cohort 2, or Cohort 3) works best for you, you will be in class Mon-Thur between 10am-4pm
—-Can I go part-time?
Yes. We recommend taking either the theory-based classes, 7 credits total
Contemporary Music Theory
Sight Singing Ear Training
Rhythm Training
Group Piano
Or the technology-based classes, 6 credits total
Recording Technology
Music Technology
This way skills you learn in one class can reinforce what you learn in another. Often related classes are offered on the same days of the week.
—Do I need any special equipment or software to start the MSA Program?
Students starting the MSA Program Fall 2021 (“remote” classes via zoom) will need a computer with 4-8 gigs of memory available and a keyboard for the piano class (MUC 140).
We primarily use Ableton Live in the digital lab, Pro Tools in the studios. We also use Max/MSP/Jitter, Processing, and Pure Data in our coding classes. Students are not required to purchase any software for our program as we provide labs for students to use outside of class.
—Is this program offered on Rock Creek, Southeast or Sylvania campuses?
The MSA Program-specific courses are offered only at Cascade Campus.
—Should I choose a certificate or degree?
If you are just starting out with your higher education, choose the Music Sonic Arts Associate of Applied Science degree. People with prior degrees usually choose the certificate. The certificate is designed to enhance or update already existing skills. The certificate is made up of the courses in the first year of the 2-year MSA AAS degree.
—What is Creative Coding?
—Can my prior college music classes apply to this program?
Yes. Meet with the program advisor to review a copy of your transcripts.
Similar music related coursework can be transferred in on the approval of the MSA department chair.
—I have music experience and might not need part I of the sequence?
If you have experience in a sequenced subject, you can email the instructor and discuss your placement. You can find the instructor contact information in the class schedule posted on the specific course. The instructor will want to make sure you will be successful in the level you are wanting to get into.
—What is each course about?
Detailed course information can be found on the Course Content and Outcome Guide (CCOG) website here. A link to the CCOG’s is attached to every course description in the class schedule. Reviewing the CCOG’s can be helpful if you have experience in a subject and think you might bypass part I, or II of a sequence class. Email the instructor for clarification of your placement.
Can my music/sonic arts classes transfer to a university 4-year-degree program?
PCCs classes with an MUC label are accepted by Portland State University due to a special agreement between the colleges. To find out whether another college is willing to transfer MUC classes, you must contact that university’s admissions and advising.
Most students, when first starting out, are unsure about transferring. If you decide you want to transfer, meet with Music Sonic advisor to plan coursework needed for Bachelors of Arts or Science courses. PSU website to view BA vs BS.
What do you recommend for summer terms?
Students following the degree map in the catalog, and wanting to complete the in 6 terms, are encouraged to take general education, Writing 121, and/or MSA elective courses in summer. Taking classes in summer will lighten the credit load for year 2.
What is the Math needed for the degree?
The math course for the MSA degree is MUC 233, Math for Artists. This course cannot be substituted.
Can I take this program full time if I work full time?
MSA Program classes are only offered during the day, whether in virtual or in-person classes. There are no fully online or distance learning classes in the program. We don’t recommend students who are working full time to also take full time classes for any of our degrees or programs.The time commitment to successfully complete a degree not only includes hours in class, but also includes the study and project/practice hours that must be completed outside of class time. A student who takes a full time course load of 12 hours per work, should expect to spend an additional 36 hours outside of class. This amounts to a 48-hour school week.
Are there MSA Program classes offered in the evening?
At this time, MSA Program classes are only offered during the day, whether in virtual or in-person classes.
How much does the program cost?
Associates degree (90 credits) cost approx $12,700 Visit the College Cost Calculator for details.
Are there Scholarships available?
Yes. PCC has a variety of financial aid options and scholarship opportunities available for students. Attend a Scholarship workshop to get hands-on help applying for PCC Foundation scholarships.
OSAC: Oregon Student Assistance Commission offers scholarships for students as well.
*Starting Winter, Spring, or Summer?
Depending on your goal, here are some options – discuss with advisor.
-MUS 110 Fundamentals of Music (new to music)
-MUS 101 Introduction to Music (new to music)
-MUC 101 Contemporary Theory I — offered various terms
-MUS 170 Music Tech: Beats & Basics (Ableton I) offered every term
-Writing 121
-General Education courses
-MSA (MUC) program electives
Degree & Certificate Maps. MSA catalog page
Program Electives
- MUC 236, 237, 238 Studio Recording IV, V, VI
- MUC 201 Analog Modular Synthesis
- MUC 272, 282 Creative Coding I, II
- MUC 274, 277 Microcontrollers I, II
- MUC 285, 286, 287 Game Audio Design, Music, Implementation
- MUC 278 Generative Art on the Web
- MUC 154A, B, C Band Workshop
- MUS 216 History of Hip Hop
- MUS 217 History of Electronic Music
- MUC 106, 107 Wearables 1, 2
- MUC 104, 105 Enclosures 1, 2
- MUC 170a, b, c Intro to Ableton
- MUC 144a, b, c Contemporary Singing
- MUC 166 Songwriting and Music Publishing
- MUC 182 Intro to ProTools
- MUC 185 Intro to Logic Pro
- MUC 115 Sonic Arts Workshop
- MUC 126 Sound for Picture
- MUC 127 Sound for Pic: Sound Design
- MUS 141 Intro to Contemporary Songwriting
- MUC 181 Music as a Career
- MUC 273 Programming Interactive Video
- MUC 280a Cooperative Ed