The degree offers instruction in several areas of emphasis.  These include:

* Recording Arts - the study of digital audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering.  The WCU studio is located in the Center for Applied Technology and features a Solid State Logic all digital audio mixing console.  In addition to a 1200 square tracking room, there are two isolation booths, two MIDI production rooms, and a surround-sound audio control room.  A minor program in electronic engineering is available for students who are adept at math and science and want to know more about electronic circuitry as it applies to music and audio recording. Math 145 and Physics 130 are recommended for this concentration.

* Applied MIDI/Synthesis - the study of performance practice using an electronic musical instrument or computer.  This is built upon skills obtained with a foundation acoustic instrument.  For example, a person studying synthesizer is expected to have completed basic mastery of the piano.  There are several labs equipped with appropriate computers and music technology hardware that are available to students studying in this area.

* Jazz Studies - the study of jazz styles, arranging and improvisation.  Participation in large and small jazz ensembles is expected.  Selected music technology study is included in this emphasis.   A background in solo instrumental or vocal performance is expected. Materials in Pop and Jazz (MUS320) is required. Jazz Arranging and composition (MUS 426) is a concentration elective.

* Music for Film and Video - the application of compositional skills in the area of musical underscore to visual image.  Synchronization and timing are vital components.  A background in the basics of music composition is expected for this emphasis area.  A minor program in Multimedia is available for interested students.

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Admission to the University (for details, please refer to the WCU Undergraduate Catalog)
Demonstrated proficiency on a musical instrument through audition
(Any student not meeting this minimum may be admitted under a one semester conditional status at the discretion of the audition committee and the applied instructor)
Interview with the Coordinator of the Commercial and Electronic Music Program demonstrating interest in an aread of commercial music. Usually, this is held during the sophomore year when the student has successfully completed the beginning classes in music theory (MUS 118), aural skills (MUS 108), applied music (MUS 107) and Introduction to MIDI/Synthesis (MUS 181).

Acceptance criteria include demonstrated proficiency on a musical instrument through audition. Audition expectations include a live performance by the student on an acoustic instrumet. The applied area teacher can provide information about what is required for the audition on that instrument or voice. This can be any woodwind, brass or string instrument, percussion, voice, piano or rhythm instrument such as guitar or bass. Applied study in an instrument is required for 8 semesters. A recital is required at the completion of study.   After 4 semesters of study on an acoustic instrument (such as piano, voice, etc) a student may elect to study MIDI/Synthsis (MUS 317/417). The MIDI/Synthesis emphasis area will include an electronic music controller (synthesizer, EWI, Malletkat, etc.), and will involve creation and manipulation of computer files of electronic music created by the student.

TRANSFER CRITERIA
Same as acceptance criteria
Minimum of 2.5 GPA

RETENTION CRITERIA
Semester portfolio review by BMus faculty
Successful completion of MUS 118 (music theory)
or demonstrated competency

GRADUATION CRITERIA
Minimum of 128 hours
Minimum of 2.5 GPA
Successful completion of Commercial and Electronic Music classes, keyboard proficiency examination (or equivalency), and the Junior qualifying examination or recital
Completed portfolio

An interview with program faculty is also a part of the process in which career goals are clearly articulated.  There are certain skills that we consider as requisite to the program.  These include experience in computer music notation (such as Finale), MIDI/sequencing, synthesis and sound design, and digital audio recording, editing and mixing.  Along with basic musicianship training, these will be part of the course of study. The interview typically takes place in the sophomore year after the student has sucessfully completed two semesters of applied music (MUS 107), the foundation classes in music theory (MUS 118) and aural skills (MUS 108), and Introduction to MIDI/Synthesis (MUS 181).

There are three components to the degree: Liberal Studies (41 hours), music core classes, (39 hours), and the classes that make up the Commercial and Electronic Muic classes and elective classes in the program (48 hours).  The C&EM courses and their descriptions are listed below.

For more information about the degree programs in music, please consult the Undergraduate Catalog.  Please contact Dr. Frazier for more information about the Commercial and Electronic Music Program.

Performance Courses (8 hours)
MUS 307 (or 317) - Applied Music (2, R4)
MUS 407 (or 417) - Applied Music (2)
MUS 375  Small Ensemble (1, R2)

Concentration (23 hours) 
MUS 181 - Introduction to MIDI/Synthesis (1)
MUS 182 - Music Notation Using computers (1)
MUS 281 - Music Sequencing and Digital Audio (1)
MUS 320 - Pop & Jazz Theory (3) 
MUS 378 - Survey of the Music Industry (3)
MUS 379 - Intro to Recording Arts (3) 
MUS 417 - Applied Music (2)
MUS 470 - Orchestration (2)
MUS 474 - Entrepreneurship in Music, Senior Project (1)

(Choose 6 hours from the following)
MUS 383  - Music and Audio in Media (3)
MUS 426 - Jazz Arr. & Composition (3)
MUS 468 - Scoring for Film (composition), (3)
MUS 469 - Music in Motion Pictures (history & lit), (3)
MUS 479 - Digital Audio Recording (3)

General Electives (5 hrs)
Can be in any area

MUS 106, 107, 207, 307, 317 (MIDI/Synth), 407, 417 (MIDI/Synth) -Applied Major (2, R8)
Applied music with one hour of private instruction and one hour master class each week. PREQ: Audition or permission of the department head. Studio.

MUS 181 - Introduction to MIDI/Synthesis (1)
Survey of MIDI devices, synthesis techniques, and contemporary music technology. PREQ: Permission of instructor. 2 Lab.

MUS 182 Music Notation Using Computers (1)
Use of the computer to prepare parts and scores, and to orchestrate and arrange music. PREQ: 208, 218 or permission of the instructor

MUS 184 - Jazz Keyboard Class (1, R2)
Functional keyboard skills in jazz and popular styles. 2 meetings. PREQ: 208, 218 or permission of the instructor

MUS 281 - Music Sequencing and Digital Audio (1)
.
MUS 283 - Music Technology Class (1)
Topics, equipment, and pedagogy of music technology. PREQ: Placement test or 108 and 118. 1 hour of lecture/demonstration.

MUS 284 - MIDI/Synthesis Masterclass (1, R3)
Group lessons in MIDI/Synthesis including an introduction to performance on selected MIDI controllers. 2 Lab. PREQ: 181 and 182 or permission of instructor.

MUS 304 - Jazz Appreciation (3)
Introduction to the materials, performing media, fundamental principles, and performers of American jazz in a social and historical context. (P5- counts toward liberal studies requirements)

MUS 320 Materials in Popular Music and Jazz (3)
The basics of music theory and the development of aural skills pertaining to popular song and jazz. PREQ: 319 or permission of instructor

MUS 375 - Ensemble (1, R12)
Performance in small vocal and instrumental ensembles.

MUS 378 Survey of the Music Industry (3)
The retail and wholesale music trade: publishing, royalties, copyright, performance rights, record production, advertising and promotion, labor relations, contracts, artist management.

MUS 379 Introduction to Recording Arts (3)
The audio recording process including the acoustics of sound, microphone design, signal path, audio console theory, and digital signal processing. PREQ: 181, 283 or permission of instructor.

MUS 383 - Music and Audio in Media (3)
Recording, editing, importing, embedding and synchronizing in a variety of media formats including compact disc, video, instructional presentation, and the World Wide Web.

MUS 413 - Studies in Improvization (1, R4)
Study of significant styles of improvisation through listening, analysis, and performance. Additional credit may be earned at an advanced level or in a different style. Lab. PREQ: 309, 319.

MUS 426 Jazz Arranging and Composing (3)
Basic tools of creative arranging and composing for small jazz ensembles. PREQ: 320 or permission of instructor.

MUS 468 Scoring for Film and Video (3)
The materials and procedures in producing music in synchronization with film and video. PREQ: Grade of ìCî or better in MUS 319.

MUS 469 Music in Motion Pictures (3)
The study of music composed for motion pictures, process and procedures, selected biographies, representative films, and a brief chronology.

MUS 470 Orchestration and Arranging (2) 
Scoring and arranging for instrumental and vocal ensembles. PREQ: 182 or 283, 319.

MUS 474 Entrepreneurship in Music, Senior Project (3)
The study and application of skills needed in professional music related fields: senior project, resume, and multi-media portfolio required. PREQ: 378 or permission of instructor.

MUS 479/579 Digital Audio Recording and Editing (3)
Non-linear digital audio production for recording, editing, arranging and mixing of digital audio and MIDI. PREQ: 379 or permission of instructor.

MUS 480 Independent Study (1-3, R9) - this can be in any area such as jazz improvisation.
PREQ: Permission of the instructor; music major.
 
MUS 483 - Practicum in Commercial and Electronic Music (1-3 hrs, r)
Project-based practicum in an on-campus work environment; 45 hours of work per hour of credit.
PREQ: Permission of the instructor.

MUS 489 Internship (3, 6, 9, R9)
Faculty-supervised training in an approved agency. Minimum of 9 hours per week or 135 hours for each 3 credits, arranged with the agency and the music department. PREQ: 378, permission of department head. S/U grading.