LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Music in Bass Performance is a professional degree designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the music industry. Graduates of this program are qualified musicians who are ready to compete as leaders in the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program in Bass Performance, students will:

• Develop a thorough knowledge of the proper technical skills needed to be a successful performer on the instrument
• Cultivate a firm grasp of the musical values essential to good bass playing, including time, groove, tone production, dynamics, and form comprehension
• Demonstrate a command of a variety of contemporary musical styles, including repertoire from jazz, rock, funk/hip-hop/neo-soul, latin/world, and other hybrid styles
• Master valuable real-world skills, including studio recording, synth bass doubling, and use of pedals and effects
• Apply these skills in both large/small performance ensembles, developing the ability to interact with other musicians, take direction, follow a conductor, and lead an ensemble
• Develop the ability to improvise, including soloing in a variety of musical styles and settings
• Have a solid foundation in music theory, functional keyboard technique, and general music literacy
• Understand music technology, music business, and marketing skills essential to today’s entrepreneurial artists

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

Jerry Watts, Jr.
Bass Department Head

Jerry Watts, Jr. was educated at both William Paterson University, New Jersey, and California State University, Northridge. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Watts has garnered an extensive list of recording credits, having appeared on hundreds of CDs, numerous films & TV soundtracks, jingles, and DVDs. He has a wealth of international touring experience, representing a broad spectrum of artists at the highest levels of rock/pop, jazz, groove, and world beat music. Recording/ performance credits include: Andy Summers, Andy Timmons, Andrae Crouch, Babaghanoush, Billy Childs, Billy Idol, Dave Stewart, Don Grusin, three GRAMMY-nominated albums with Dori Caymmi, Dr. John, Flora Purim, Gerald Eaton, Grace Kelly, Herbie Hancock, Jai Uttal, John Daversa, Justo Almario, Keiko Matsui, Keith Emerson, Kevyn Lettau, L. Subramaniam, Michael Ruff, Mitchel Forman, Mylene Farmer, Pat Leonard, Peter Cetera, Russ Miller, Sergio Mendes, Sheryl Crow, Simon Phillips, Steve Vai, Tommy Walker, and Toni Childs. Film/TV credits include Mississippi Masala, Dying Young, Salaam Bombay, The Breakfast Club, Kunta Kinte Island, Batman Beyond, Fairly Odd Parents, The Larry Sanders Show, etc.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Music in Drum Performance is a professional degree designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the music industry. Graduates of this program are qualified musicians who are ready to compete as leaders in the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program in Drum Performance, students will:

• Have a thorough knowledge of the proper technical skills needed to be a successful performer on the drum set.  These would include using proper limb motions in order to get the best sound and tone, maintaining good balance and posture and having solid hand and foot coordination and 4-way independence
• Use the skills that accompany being a good drummer, including knowing how to read and interpret the written page, play with a click, be able to play typical hand percussion instruments and program and play electronic instruments
• Use these skills and apply them in large and small ensembles in a variety of musical styles, including jazz, rock, funk, Latin and other contemporary and hybrid styles.  Also, have an understanding of the history of these styles and their effect on the music of our time
  Know how to interact with other musicians in a group setting, take direction, follow a conductor and be a leader in the ensemble
• Have a thorough understanding of rhythm, which includes knowing all the rudiments, developing sticking vocabulary, having the ability to create and play odd phrases and meters and have the know-how to use rhythm appropriately and effectively in a musical setting
• Have the ability to improvise, including soloing in a variety of musical styles and settings
  Have basic keyboard and theory knowledge, be knowledgeable of the business of music, understand music tech and be completely literate in the field of music
• Acquire the confidence that is required of the drummer in each and every musical setting and fully understand the importance of the drummer’s role in the musical process

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

Ralph Humphrey

Drum Department Head

Ralph Humphrey is one of Los Angeles’ most demanded studio drummers, recording for TV, motion pictures, albums and jingles. His most recent projects include American Idol, Charmed, Piglet’s Big Movie, Star Trek Enterprise, The Simpsons, ABC 50th Anniversary Special, Far From Heaven, Coca Cola, and Ping Golf Clubs. He is on the recent release by Babaghanoush, featuring Jimmy Mahlis, Andy Suzuki, and Jerry Watts. His past touring and recording experience includes the Don Ellis Big Band, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Akiyoshi-Tabackin Big Band, Al Jarreau, Manhattan Transfer, Seals and Crofts, and Free Flight. He can also be heard on album projects by Wayne Shorter, Tom Rainier, Mike Miller, Jeff Richman, and The Outside- men, among many others. Ralph is the author of the drum book Even in the Odds and contributes occasional articles to Modern Drummer magazine.

Joe Porcaro
Drum Department Co-Head

Joe Porcaro’s musical spectrum ranges from jazz and rock to opera and symphonic. He has recorded with jazz artists including Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Freddie Hubbard, Don Ellis, Mike Manieri and rock/ pop artists such as Toto and Madonna. His credits include numerous television shows and movies. One of the most highly regarded percussion and drum instructors in the world, Joe is the author of two drum books: Joe Porcaro’s Drum Set Methods and Odd Times, and the instructional video Joe Porcaro on Drums.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance is a professional degree designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the music industry. Graduates of this program are qualified musicians who are ready to compete as leaders in the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program in Piano Performance, students will:

• Have the knowledge and technical skill to perform in a variety of settings and styles
• Demonstrate knowledge of music theory and be able to integrate it into performance and composition
• Be able to read and analyze scores and lead sheets in a variety of styles
• Demonstrate practical proficiency of groove and improvisation in a variety of styles
• Compose and perform original material or arrangements
• Demonstrate practical proficiency on and understanding of electronic and electro-acoustic keyboard instruments
• Understand and apply knowledge of leadership and ensemble roles
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the music business, including production, recording, publishing, marketing, and music law

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

Kait Dunton
Piano Department Head

KAIT DUNTON is a Los Angeles based composer & pianist with an unconventional approach to composition and to the piano trio, best expressed by her genre-pushing super group, trioKAIT. Kait has produced and released three albums of original compositions, with a fourth featuring her equally out-of-the-box arranging style. Her third record, trioKAIT, made the Huffington Post’s list of “The Best Jazz for 2015” and was featured in Downbeat Magazine as well as on JAZZIZ Magazine’s 33⅓ Anniversary CD. Her second album, Mountain Suite, features master interpreters Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, John Daversa and Darek Oles. Classically trained, Kait now works primarily in jazz and contemporary genres, maintaining a balanced career of performance, composition and education. Her enthusiasm and love for music radiates as much on the stage as in the classroom. A Pasadena native and an alum of Polytechnic School, Kait holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from USC’s Thornton School of Music.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance is a professional degree designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the music industry. Graduates of this program are qualified musicians who are ready to compete as leaders in the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program in Vocal Performance, students will:

• Sing with appropriate style, phrasing, and intonation in a variety of genres (Rock, Roots, Jazz, Gospel, R&B/Funk, Brazilian and others, both Contemporary as well as Traditional)
• Sing in a large variety of ensembles, in a large variety of genres, sizes and instrumentation including: World Music and Jazz Vocal groups, combos, Big Band, original projects with fellow students, as well as groups comprised of professional musicians
• Compose songs and arrange for various ensembles, and learn to lead these groups
• Sing with healthy vocal technique – truly applying their theoretical understanding of relaxed support and breath control, so they can sing in various styles, and in various ranges. Theory is applied through the students’ daily practice routines, and through weekly private lessons with top-level professional singing teachers
• Have developed keyboard and music theory skills, necessary for writing, arranging and performing original compositions and compositions of others with good facility
• Apply all of their skills and talents toward live and studio experiences, with the aim of cultivation of true artistry
• Gain practical knowledge of tools and skill-sets in the arenas of music technology and music business, towards general success in their careers, as musicians.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

David Joyce
Vocal Department Head

David Joyce is a singer/keyboard player/songwriter who has worked with the likes of Chris Isaak, Burt Bacharach, U2, Neil Young, Oasis, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Dionne Warwick, Sheryl Crow,Ray Charles, Babyface, Michael Jackson, David Byrne, Richard Marx, Tim McGraw, Wynonna Judd, Frank Sinatra, Vince Gill, and Barry Manilow. He has played and sung on many television shows, including American Dreams, Passions, Carmen San Diego, Saved by the Bell, Days of Our Lives, and The Tonight Show. Some of the films he has sung on have included The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Watchmen, Wanted, Horton Hears a Who, I Am Legend, Spiderman 3, The Simpsons Movie, World Trade Center, Superman Returns, King Kong, Matrix 2 & 3, There’s Something About Mary, Sixth Sense, Snow Falling on Cedars, Big, Face Off, and Contact. David has written songs for and produced a number of young artists in the Los Angeles area and has scored several PBS documentaries and a number of AFI films. David received his Masters in Jazz (voice) from USC and his B.M. in Composition from CSUN. He has been leading vocal/arranging seminars in Italy every summer since 2005 and has taught at both USC and Pasadena City College. In 1986, David was a Grammy Award winner in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Group with Clare Fischer’s 2 + 2 Plus.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Music in Composing for Visual Media is a professional degree created for students who wish to pursue a career in Composition and Music Production. Graduates of this program are qualified composers who are well versed in many genres of commercial music. Students focus their studies on the many areas needed to be a successful working music composer.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program in Composing for VisualMedia, students will:

• Have the ability to compose in dramatic, comedic, electronic, documentary, action, gaming, and all styles necessary to work as a professional, and provide the proper emotional bed for any project
• Have the ability to orchestrate and conduct your own music, from smaller scores to full cinematic orchestration
• Have complete knowledge of, and comfort using Protools, Logic, Abelton Live, Sibelius, and all the DAW tools necessary for your craft
• Have the ability to do an orchestral mockup of any composition using sample libraries and DAW.
• Record, mix, and edit all of your work
• Have complete knowledge of the music industry as it relates to being a composer
• Have the knowledge to spot a film, and learn to understand what the director is looking for
• Have a real understanding of how to impact a film with your music and gain the confidence to pursue any job because you know you have the necessary skills to succeed

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

Mark Cross
Composing for Visual Media Department Head

Mark Cross is an award winning Producer, Composer, Mixer, Educator and Author with an extensive discography in both film and television that spans over 2 decades.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The role of the producer varies from project to project, ranging from “lending a trusted pair of additional ears,” to that of a “hands-on factotum,” involved in every single aspect of a musical work. The range of skills to be acquired is therefore necessarily wide. The Music Producing and Recording program at LACM is designed to provide students a comprehensive education that will accomplish the following learning outcomes for its graduates:

Audio Engineering
Students will have acquired and developed through knowledge and hands-on experience of the proper
practical and technical skills needed to be a successful recording engineer and producer.

Students will:

• Understand and operate analog and digital equipment found in studios
• Achieve a high degree of proficiency in employing Pro Tools™ (the industry’ standard Digital Audio Workstation). Students are prepared (and can elect) to earn official Avid Pro Tools™ certifications at no extra cost
• Understand recording session makeup, personnel roles, and studio etiquette
• Record voices and instruments (from single performers to ensembles) with proper microphone choices and techniques
• Evaluate and edit recorded performances
• Use audio processors to solve problems and achieve desired results
• Understand Mixing techniques, and finished work delivery considerations
• Understand analog subtractive synthesis and sampling technologies
• Understand basic post-production techniques and workflows

Music
Music is the raw material to be molded into successful productions. It follows that a deep understanding of music is paramount to a producer.

Students will:

• Understand music theory
• Develop hearing and listening skills to analyze the harmonic makeup of a composition, and ensure proper musical outcomes
• Understand arranging and write parts for ensembles
• Analyze scores with ensembles, guide rehearsals, and conduct performances
• Acquire basic musicianship skills (Drums, Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals) to share ground with musicians and enhance their communication abilities
• Understand musical genres and their history, equipping them with the necessary frames of reference to successful choice-making

Producing
Technical and musical abilities must be complemented by the ability to adapt one’s role and be of service to the music and its performers. Ultimately, a producer’s abilities must instill confidence in all participants, a key to success in the studio.

Students are exposed to situations which lead them to acquire the following skills:

• Lead projects from conception to completion
• Make appropriate technical and artistic choices to each new circumstance;
• Direct recording sessions in ways that ensure positive results (i.e. guide and support musicians, choose specific technical interventions by studio staff, etc.), and develop the necessary “people skills.”

Business
As its name makes perfectly clear, the music business is, first and foremost, a business. A successful career requires knowledge of these aspects.

Students will:

•  Understand business practices, terminologies, and contract
• Understand and develop business plans
• Understand the marketing of projects and/or oneself

The skill-set described above equips students with the knowledge to seek employment in a variety of audio-related environments, and the confidence of knowing that he can be a valuable asset to any potential employer.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

André Knecht
Music Producing & Recording Department Head

André Knecht’s academic and professional background includes Electronic Music studies at Padua  University, Italy, and a 7-year stint as a Sound Designer, Recording Engineer, Music Supervisor and composer with the Swiss Broadcasting Company (SSR). In the US, he began a twin-track career in audio engineering and marketing at Warner Bros. Records. Today, he is active as a freelance engineer and producer, as well as a consultant, instructor, beta-tester, and technical editor for book projects in the audio field.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry degree is a liberal arts degree that prepares graduates to foster and employ an entrepreneurial mindset. Students focus their studies on the music performance and the music industry in areas such as music law, music publishing, artist management, music licensing, live concert production and promotion, radio programming and production, artist development and marketing in addition to the conventional study of music history, theory, individual music instruction and ensemble performance. A primary goal of the program is to develop connections and relationships between students and the industry in Los Angeles through core coursework, masterclasses and internships.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts program in Music Industry, students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of Intermediate music theory, ear training and piano technique knowledge and applied skill
• Apply skill and knowledge related to basic songwriting concepts, with particular attention paid to lyric and melodic construct as well as integration of harmonic and structural techniques applied to the popular song
• Be able to analyze the historical significance of varied traditional and contemporary songs, styles, genres, as well as socio-political and cultural contexts associated
• Understand the evolution of the popular music industry and the varied business roles and structures significant throughout the changes of each decade.
• Understand of key communication concepts and terminology, with applied skill toward the development of vital creative and business strategies essential to becoming a professional in the music industry today
• Develop an understanding of legal concepts, applied to agreements and scenarios in the areas of publishing, recording, licensing, artist management, venue and booking, strategic partnerships, and more
• Integrate technology and business concepts, with distinct application toward creating robust entrepreneurial strategies to promote and monetize music and media content
• Apply leadership and communication skills to the area of live production, music direction, A&R guidance and artist development in both a live performance and studio session setting
• Have experienced “real world” industry settings, with practicums and off-site internships in areas including Record Label, Publishing, Music Licensing, Artist Management and Marketing/Promotion
• Be able to create a robust entrepreneurial business strategy, with marketing and financial plans to support, along with a complete multi-media professional portfolio

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

Erin Workman
Music Business Department Chair

Erin Workman’s years of experience in the field of Artist Development include working alongside major labels and networks to hone the skills of new and established artists such as Zac Efron, DJ Ashba (Sixx:AM), Drake Bell, Miley Cyrus, Sara Overall, Emma Roberts, Ashley Tisdale and many more. As former Senior Director of A&R at TAXI Music, former Senior Director of Education and VP of Industry Relations at Musicians Institute, and in her current role as an independent Education, Entertainment, and A&R consultant, Erin has successfully applied her passion for guiding artists and projects to success. Her background as a staff songwriter for Gaylord Entertainment in Nashville and a Film/TV composer have given her the practical experience to teach solid song craft and the fine art of commercially competitive communication and strategic alliances. As a session singer and pianist, Erin can be heard working with artists as varied as Rufus Wainwright, Russell Crowe (TOFOG), Disney’s Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous with Emma Roberts, and many more. Erin’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Vocal Performance earned at CSU, Chico.

Ron Sobel
Music Business Department Advising Head

Co-Founder/Partner of Winogradsky/Sobel, he is also a nationally-recognized entertainment attorney, with primary expertise in intellectual property law, music copyright, New Media platforms, and media strategic planning, and music education. Prior to developing Winogradsky/Sobel in 2009, Ron served as President of North Star Media, a music and media services company (2000 – 2009). Prior to serving as President of North Star Media, Ron was V.P./Creative Affairs, and head of the L.A. office at ASCAP. Over the course of 16 years at ASCAP, Ron also served as Director of Business Affairs, was on the New Media Council, and he signed Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Lenny Kravitz, among others. Ron has published several music industry articles, and his latest book, Music Publishing: The Roadmap to Royalties, has been released by Routledge Books. Ron served as Chair of the Music Business Division at McNally Smith College of Music (St. Paul, MN) from 2009 – 2010, was on the Board of Directors of the California Copyright Conference for 18 years, and is a frequent speaker and Instructor at USC, Cal State Northridge, and UCLA.

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Music in Composition is a professional degree designed for students wishing to pursue a career as a songwriter in the music industry. Graduates of this program are qualified songwriters who are well versed in many genres of commercial music. Each student develops their own voice and is ready to compete as leaders in the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music program in Composition, students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of advanced music theory and applied concepts, with a focus on robust harmonic and melodic construct as well as ear training and piano technique.
• Able to self-accompany on both guitar and piano, with the focus to provide a solid foundation of innovative chord and rhythmic patterns in support of a powerful melodic structure
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge in the areas of both contemporary and traditional song styles and genre evolution.
• Understand the historical significance of the song throughout time and world cultures, with special consideration of composition technique and the influence of instrumentation throughout regions and eras
• Understand and apply varied methods of lyric composition, both in style and structure, with direct connection of applied knowledge between the studied compositions and the student’s original material
• Understand and apply knowledge of Advanced Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live as well as emerging software platforms
• Understand and apply gained DAW knowledge and operational skills to formulate a unique personal studio configuration, for the purpose of gaining self-sufficiency to record and produce a collection of original material
• Have experienced multiple performance opportunities in a professional showcase environment, with direct access to the critique of industry experts, and extensive training in music direction and live performance arrangement and production approaches
• Have compiled an extensive catalog of original material, for the purpose of licensing for media and pitching to multiple projects, as well as for use in support of the Artist-Songwriter’s personal recorded releases
• Have knowledge of basic legal and business concepts that apply to the professional songwriter, with applications in analyzing contracts and agreements, entrepreneurship concepts, culminating in the formulation of a personalized business plan with robust marketing and promotion concepts

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Bachelor of Music Degree (12 Quarters)
Associate of Arts Degree (6 Quarters)
Diploma Program (4 Quarters)

LEADERSHIP

Erin Workman
Songwriting Department Head

Erin Workman’s years of experience in the field of Artist Development include working alongside major labels and networks to hone the skills of new and established artists such as Zac Efron, DJ Ashba (Sixx:AM), Drake Bell, Miley Cyrus, Sara Overall, Emma Roberts, Ashley Tisdale and many more. As former Senior Director of A&R at TAXI Music, former Senior Director of Education and VP of Industry Relations at Musicians Institute, and in her current role as an independent Education, Entertainment and A&R consultant, Erin has successfully applied her passion for guiding artists and projects to success. Her background as a staff songwriter for Gaylord Entertainment in Nashville and a Film/TV composer have given her the practical experience to teach solid song craft and the fine art of commercially competitive communication and strategic alliances. As a session singer and pianist, Erin can be heard working with artists as varied as Rufus Wainwright, Russell Crowe (TOFOG), Disney’s Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous with Emma Roberts, and many more. Erin’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Vocal Performance earned at CSU, Chico.