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Music Audio Technology

Turn your love of music and technology into a career with a Music Audio Technology AAS degree, Music Business certificate, or Sound Engineering certificate from ACC.

ACC student at the sound board in Waring Theater at the Littleton Campus.

Are you interested in becoming a Sound Engineering Technician, Recording Engineer, Sound Editor, Mixing Engineer, Sound Designer, or a Live Audio Engineer? ACC’s Music Audio Technology program is the first and only audio engineering program at any Colorado community college. We offer a Music Audio Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a Music Business certificate, and a Sound Engineering certificate. Our courses involve creating original music, running sound for live concerts, and projects at professional recording studios. We work with local music and audio industries so you learn the exact skills necessary for employment in the field from our faculty who have a range of industry experiences. Alumni have gone on to be professional rock guitarists, audio specialists, and music staff at the Boulder Planetarium.

ACC Admissions
Admissions
admissions [at] arapahoe.edu
Charles Haarhues
Program Chair / Faculty
Music
charles.haarhues [at] arapahoe.edu
Jason Klobnak
Faculty
Music
jason.klobnak [at] arapahoe.edu

What You'll Learn

A Music Audio Technology AAS will prepare you to enter into a career once you graduate. You will grow your skills and be able to:

  • Prepare and perform music
  • Show fundamental knowledge of music theory and history
  • Mix multi-track sound
  • Use signal processing
  • Operate sound consoles that synchronize, reproduce or mix music, voices, and sound effects in recording studios
  • Use computer music software and MIDI to create instrumental tracks for recordings and live performances.
  • Use digital and analog technology

CIP 100203 (AOU1)

This Associate of Applied Science degree in Music Audio Technology prepares students for entry-level employment as an audio technician, and to provide supplemental training for persons currently employed in this occupation. The content includes, but is not limited to: computer music software applications, audio recording/production, and live sound engineering.

This program may transfer to other colleges or universities and apply toward a bachelor's degree. Contact the ACC Advising Office or a Faculty Advisor in the music department for details.

Program Requirements

Electives (3 credit hours)

Applied Music & Ensembles Choose from below 3 Credits

1 Credits (Instrumental or Voice)
1 Credits (Instrumental or Voice)
1 Credits (Instrumental or Voice)
Total: 60 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

  • All courses required for this A.A.S. degree must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to meet admission and graduation requirements.
  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 100203 (MB)

The Music Business Certificate prepares students for opportunities in music promotion, publishing, touring, and marketing. Students will learn how to develop their business skills in the music industry so they can apply for careers in artist management, music marketing, publishing, the live entertainment industry, or entrepreneurship. Students will learn the basics of every major facet of the industry, choose what fits them, and learn how to further explore the area that best suits their career goals.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

CIP 100203 (COU2)

The Sound Engineering certificate program offers opportunities for students to add a wide range of music technology related courses to their expertise in order to advance in their jobs and to enhance skills needed in the audio industry. The content includes, but is not limited to: computer music software applications, audio recording/production, and live sound engineering.

Graduation Requirements

  • Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
  • As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.

ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.

Job Opportunities in Music Audio Technology

Why Music Audio Technology

See and hear the talent of our students and the experience and training they get while at ACC. Turn your love for music and technology into a rewarding career through ACC's Music Audio Technology program.

ACC Student Work

See and hear what our Music Audio Technology students are working on in the studio and live music settings. Check out a video of our students in a recording session; from set-up, through recording, and to tear-down. 

Playlist