May 01, 2026  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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MUS 172 - Music Software Essentials For Musicians


Description
This course is for musicians who wish to enhance their understanding of music and computer technology.  Students learn to use current software applications for music notation, composition, recording, and music production.  This class is intended for students who are proficient at reading music.
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
None
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Students will be able to use music notation software for score set up and creation, including page layout, and expression,markings, and lyric entry.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate a professional working knowledge of a DAW software program such as ProTools, Reaper, and Logic Pro.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of MIDI and Digital Audio editing, use of effects, and mixing procedures across platforms.
  4. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to create and manipulate an audio file of an extended piece of music.
  5. Students will be able to create and edit video content.
  6. Students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of setting up and archiving a live stream performance on Facebook Live or YouTube.
  7. Know and use active listening skills.
  8. Manage time effectively.

Course Outline:
  1. Music Notation software introduction.
  2. Music notation software study and practice.
  3. Music notation software projects.
  4. MIDI instruments and sequencing introduction.
  5. MIDI instruments and sequencing study and practice.
  6. MIDI instruments and sequencing projects.
  7. Audio recording introduction.
  8. Audio recording study and practice
  9. Audio recording projects.
  10. Basic video editing and live stream production introduction.
  11. Basic video editing and live stream production study and practice.
  12. Basic video editing and live stream production projects.
  13. Projects and presentations.
  14. Final exam.

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Instructor Demonstration: 25-40%

Lecture: 20-30%

Applied Work: 20-30%

Internet Site Exploration: 5-10%

Student Presentation: 5-10%
Mandatory Course Components:
There will be several quizzes during the semester.  Students will create several projects during the semester and do at least one presentation.
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
Course Type:
Elective- Offering designed to expand learning opportunities for degree seeking students. May or may not be required for students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 102946
Course CIP Code: 50.09
Maximum Course Enrollment: 20
General Room Request: Music Center Music/Midi Lab
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Music
Discipline: MUS
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Instructor must have a demonstrated knowledge of music production and notation software programs. A strong background in music with degrees in music, music technology, or commensurate experience is desirable.
Major Course Revisions: N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20230223T20:26:55
Course Review & Revision Year: 2027-2028



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