Welcome to Saddleback's Commercial Music Program! This program focuses on three areas: Music Business, Music Technology and Popular Music Performance.
Take a look at our classes, concerts and faculty and please contact me if you have any questions!
Commercial Music & Music Technology
Welcome
Courses
COURSES IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
MUS 130 - MUSIC PRODUCTION I
An introduction to computerized music creation using Ableton Live. Topics will include an overview of the digital audio workstation, software and hardware setup, midi, virtual instruments, drum rack, signal processing and controllers. Emphasis will also be placed on musical elements such as form, style, pitch, melody, harmony and tempo.
MUS 131 - MUSIC PRODUCTION II
A second-level course in music production. Students will use Ableton Live to study topics such as audio effects, advanced midi effects, sampling, creating loops, signal routing and advanced controllerism. Emphasis will also be placed on studying and emulating dance music styles, including House, Drum and Bass, Dubstep and Hip-hop.
MUS 118 - DIGITAL MULTI-TRACK MUSIC RECORDING
This class focuses on the theory behind sound-recording principles, techniques, and equipment. Students will study the multi-track music recording process, editing and mixing. Class projects use the Digital Audio Workstation, ProTools. Students will receive some hands-on experience with 24 track digital recording equipment.
MUS 132 - INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
An introduction course to principals in music technology. Students will study sound properties, hardware, software, midi, sampling and notation software. Emphasis will also be placed on basic audio and midi editing.
MUS 39, 182, 184 & 187 - COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLES
(including Popular Music Ensemble, Electronic Music Ensemble & Soul Ensemble)
Rehearsal and performance of commercial songs and material including but not limited to the blues, classic rock 'n' roll, folk rock standards, hip-hop, current popular music, electronic music and original material. Open to instrumentalists, midi instruments/controllers, vocalists, emcees and DJs.
MUS 117- POPULAR SONGWRITING
Explores the popular music songwriting process. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanics of music: rhythm, form, styles, melody and harmony. Students will also explore the relationship between lyrics and music. NR
MUS 120 - INTRODUCTION TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
A survey of the music industry with focus on skill, experience and education needed for careers within the industry. Other topics covered include music publishing, performing rights societies, music licensing, digital distribution, record companies and artist management. This class is currently only offered online.
Faculty
Dr. Ariel Alexander (Music Production, Commercial Music Performance)
Dr. Ariel Alexander has gained recognition as a Los Angeles composer, producer educator and entrepreneur. Originally from St Louis, Ariel earned her B.A. at Indiana University and her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California. Ariel has worked as an arranger, transcriber, orchestrator, copyist and performer for performances by Camila Cabello, Stevie Wonder, Eminem, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Steve Miller, John Mayer, Anderson.Paak, SZA, Miguel, Ella Mai, Juice WRLD, Bazzi, Nick Jonas, and many more. Her work has been performed at Super bowl 2020, Coachella 2018, the BET Awards, the American Music Awards and the MTV VMA Awards. She also served as an arranger for the Fox TV Show, “The Four.” She has also worked on the TV shows "The Masked Singer" and BET's "Sunday Best."
As an active member of the music education community, Ariel has presented at the Jazz Education Network Conference, the Technology in Music Education Conference, and the California Music Educators Conference.
In addition to her experience as a performer and educator, Ariel is well-versed in Music Business and Arts Administration. She has served in leadership roles for several non-profit music education programs. In 2007, Ariel founded the mobile recording studio, Rock Star Workshop. In five years, the business recorded over 5,000 children.
Phil Allen (Multi-track Recording)
Phil Allen is a producer, engineer, multi instrumentalist. Starting out as Warren Huart’s intern at the age of 19, Phil has had a steep career: He became head engineer of “Harmony Studios” and later on “Spitfire Studios” where he worked with high profile producers and writers like Fraser T Smith, Dan Wilson & Jack Douglas and engineered songs for Daniel Powter, Adele, Aerosmith, P!nk and Miley Cyrus. In 2012, Phil won a Grammy for Adele’s “Someone Like You”.
Joshua McKendry (Intro to Music Technology)
Joshua McKendry has over 25 years of experience in the fields of music production, audio engineering, music for picture scoring, re-record mixing, audio mastering and live sound. In addition to teaching at Saddleback, Joshua is a faculty member at Cal State Dominguez Hills in the Digital Media Arts Department.
Adam Hawley (Commercial Guitar Performance)
Adam Hawley, currently a resident of Los Angeles, started his music career in the Portland Metro Area of Oregon before moving to Southern California in 2002. He has performed and/or recorded in a myriad of settings with such artists as Jennifer Lopez, The Backstreet Boys, Joss Stone, Natalie Cole, Dave Koz, Lalah Hathaway, Ruben Studdard, Sheila E, Peabo Bryson, Terry Lewis, Larry Graham, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, Eric Benet, Rahsaan Patterson, Mario, Monica, The Manhattan Transfer, Marc Anthony, Flo Rida, Lil’ Wayne, Wisin Y Yandel, Pit Bull, Phil Perry, Jessy J, Kenny Latimore, Michael McDonald, Tiara Thomas, Montell Jordon, Sally Richardson-Whitfield, Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliott, Euge Groove, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Take 6, Ray Parker Jr., Nick Collione, Gregg Karukas, Michael Lington, Jonathan Fritzen, Selina Albright, Eric Darius, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Phillipe Saisse, Peter White, Althea Rene, Elan Trotman, Rick Braun, Brian Simpson, Mindi Abair, Keiko Matsui, Peter White, War, John Hendrix, The New York Voices, Marc Antoine, Regina Carter, Chick Corea, The Escovedo Project, Onitsha, Barbara Lewis, Styles P, and Regina King. He holds endorsements with D’Addario, Gibson, Martin, PRS, Taylor, Carvin, Voodoo Labs, Duesenberg, Suhr, Nash, Benedetto, Divided By 13, Orange, Xotic, XTS, and Reunion Blues.
Production Program
MUSIC PRODUCTION PROGRAM & CERTIFICATES
Our Music Production Program offers the following:
- A state-of-the art lab
- Industry-standard hardware and software
- Over 15 hours of lab access per week
- Elective courses as part of your GE Education
- An Occupational Skills Award
- A State-Certified Certificate
- Courses in Production, Recording and Music Business
- Top-notch faculty and staff
CERTIFICATES IN PRODUCTION
Occupational Skills Award in MUSIC PRODUCTION
Students will also learn to promote and market their music. The OSA provides students with entry-level skills for employment in the fields of music production, film/tv/game composition, live performance, sound design, music editing and music recording. The OSA also provides students with the music business knowledge necessary to promote their work. The award includes three courses:
- Music Production I (MUS 130) -- offered Fall and Spring
- Music Production II (MUS 131) --offered Fall and Spring
- Intro to the Music Business (MUS 120) -- offered Fall only
Certificate in MUSIC PRODUCTION ENTREPRENEURSHIP
This certificate builds on our Occupational Skills Award, adding additional classes in recording and entrepreneurship. For Fall 2020, this certificate is being offered all-online!
The certificate includes five courses:
- Music Production I (MUS 130) -- offered Fall and Spring
- Music Production II (MUS 131) -- offered Fall and Spring
- Intro to the Music Business (MUS 120) -- offered Fall only
- Multi-track Recording (MUS 118) --offered Fall and Spring
- MUS54A, MUS1 or an internship (not offered Fall 20)
Ready? Contact AAlexander@Saddleback.edu for more information
Commercial Performance
Commercial Music Performance
Our Commercial Music Performance students perform and study rock, pop, soul, hip-hop and electronic music.
MUS 39, 182, 184 & 187 - COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLES
(including Popular Music Ensemble, Electronic Music Ensemble & Soul Ensemble)
Rehearsal and performance of commercial songs and material including but not limited to the blues, classic rock 'n' roll, folk rock standards, hip-hop, current popular music, electronic music and original material. Open to instrumentalists, midi instruments/controllers, vocalists, emcees and DJs.
Featured Students & Alumni
Some of our current and former students:
Jacob Sampson (AKA DJ SAMPLES)
https://soundcloud.com/jacobsampson
Brian Gomez (emcee) and Chris Trimmer (guitar) from Apollo Bebop
https://youtu.be/26S3wmoilyQ
Zach Churchhill (singer-songwriter, guitar)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1DpW2vM6K0
Christian Oyen (AKA C.D. RAHM)
https://soundcloud.com/cd-rahm
