Commercial Music
LAVC Commercial Music is a beacon of light among the many music programs in the California community colleges. In addition to a diet of commercial music theory, professors prepare students to actively pursue careers in the huge and variegated field of commercial music. Students gain skill sets in music theory, writing and arranging, ear training, keyboarding, and music technology. Courses emphasize a hands-on approach, developing practical skills in music labs, recording studios, and student ensembles. In addition, many projects are interdisciplinary, typically involving Jazz Studies, Recording Arts, Media Arts, and/or Broadcasting.
Designed and run by veteran music professionals, LAVC Commercial Music offers five Certificates of Achievement and an Associate of Arts degree, all achievable in two to four semesters. Course sequences for all degrees and certificates are detailed with links below. Many courses are transferable to the California State University system. Students who earn the Commercial Music AA degree will obtain important skills for entry-level employment in the music industry or career advancement.
Programs
Commercial Music Degrees and Certificates
Click the tabs below to find out about the Commercial Music degrees and certificates.
Students earning the Associate of Arts Degree in Commercial Music (Commercial Music AA) have obtained skills for entry-level employment in the music industry or for career advancement. Music 101 is not part of the degree but is a prerequisite for courses in the degree. Students are strongly encouraged to complete Music 101 early in their academic program.
- The following Certificate of Achievement can lead to positions as a Musician/Performer:
- The Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Jazz Studies provides the student with career preparation for entry-level positions in the growing field of jazz studies. Students gain requisite skill sets, including mastery of jazz theory and techniques. Students collaborate with other students, arranging and performing jazz in a variety of situations, developing partnerships indicative of those that exist in a professional environment. Students benefit from the hands-on approach offered by Commercial Music faculty, with labs and ensembles being a primary source of both direct and collateral learning.
- The Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Music Arranging is designed for students pursuing careers in this field. This pathway provides students with skills in music theory, ear-training, notation and arranging techniques, and music software used in the associated fields of Media Arts, Art, Dance and Theater. Students enjoy the hands-on approach offered by Commercial Music faculty.
- The Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Music Notation provides the student with career preparation for entry-level positions in the burgeoning fields of music notation and publishing. The student will learn and apply various music notation formats using computer software. Students collaborate with other students within the Music Department, developing partnerships indicative of those that exist in a professional environment. Students benefit from the hands-on approach offered by Commercial Music faculty, with labs being a primary source of learning.
- The Music Technology certificate provides the student with career preparation for entry level positions in the growing field of music technology. Students benefit from the hands-on approach offered by Commercial Music faculty with labs being a primary source of both direct and collateral learning.
Faculty
Full-time Faculty
| Name | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Richard Kahn | kahnrn@lavc.edu |
| Chauncey Maddren | maddrecm@lavc.edu |
Adjunct Faculty
| Name | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| John Buonamassa |
buonamjn@piercecollege.edu |
| Christian Coulter | coultec@wlac.edu |
| Steve Goomas | goomasst@lavc.edu |
| Irene Gutierrez | gutierim@wlac.edu |
Faculty Profiles
Commercial Music Faculty Profiles
Click below to learn about the Commercial Music faculty.
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Name/pronouns - Richard N. Kahn (he, him, his)
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Degree/institution -MA Cal State LA in Jazz Studies and Arranging. BA Washburn University in Piano Performance
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Courses taught - Fundamentals of Music, Music as a Business, Jazz Appreciation, Introduction to Music Technology, Commercial Harmony I and II, Music Copying and Notation I and II, Songwriting Workshop, Commercial Techniques I and II, Jazz Combos
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Areas of interest - Improvisation
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Role in department - Commercial Music
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Fun fact: I was the Kansas State Gymnastics champion on Horizontal Bar in 1977 and competed for the University of Kansas on a full Athletic Scholarship
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Name/pronouns - Chauncey Maddren
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Degree/institution - MA - UC Riverside, BA - CSUN, AA - LAVC
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Courses taught - Music 101, 111, 118, 165, 200, 201, 202, 203, 211, 212, 213, 321, 751
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Areas of interest - theory, musicianship, history, pedagogy
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Role in department - Full-time faculty and Theory Workgroup Chair
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Fun fact: I love motorcycles - riding 'em, fixing 'em, looking at 'em, talking about 'em.
Learn About Commercial Music
Watch our Promotional Video!
Click HERE for Calendar of Free Wednesday Concerts (or scan the QR code below)
