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Southwest unlocks music potential of students with new Commercial Music Technical Certificate

By Victoria Brown

Southwest offering Commercial Music Technical Certificate for students51±¬ĮĻ students have the opportunity to pursue careers in the music industry thanks to the Collegeā€™s Commercial Music Technical Certificate. 

Offered by the Department of Communications, Fine Arts and Graphics, the certificate launched in fall 2023 and is embedded within the University Parallel, , associate of science degree program.

Charles Pender, professor of communications, graphics and fine arts, is one of four professors who teaches music-related courses at the college. 

ā€œStudents will have ā€˜hands onā€™ access to audio equipment and software used currently in the music industry,ā€ Pender said. ā€œThey will be involved in all areas of music production including songwriting, audio recording, and mixing and mastering.ā€

Students completing the certificate program can select from one of three emphasis areas or a combination of all three: Instrumental, Music Production, or Voice. The program includes core courses in music theory, audio recording and music production.  Performing ensembles will also provide opportunities for students to learn in an active and collaborative setting.

ā€œThe individual courses that make up the certificate have been very popular with students in the past,ā€ Pender said. ā€œNow that the certificate has been developed, we anticipate even more interest and involvement.ā€

Students who complete the certificate could find employment as an assistant publicist, production assistant, recording technician, booking manager, artist, songwriter or professional musician.

The Commercial Music Technical Certificate can be completed in two semestersā€™ time. 

For more information about the certificate, contact Pender at cpender@southwest.tn.edu.