Music and Technology Associate Degree: Keyboard Concentration

Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology: Keyboard Concentration
The Music and Technology Associate Degree: Keyboard Concentration offers the intermediate musician a fully immersive, nonstop music atmosphere.
The Music and Technology Degree caters to the modern musician who, in order to thrive in today’s competitive music business, wants to develop both their technical skill on an instrument, and acquire an in depth understanding of the writing, recording, mixing, and mastering process.
If you’re looking to push your musical and technical skills to the next level through specially designed courses and rigorous curriculum, then the Music and Technology Associate Degree: Keyboard Concentration is perfect for you.
Blending Keyboard and Music Engineering
You will not only graduate from AIMM with an Associate Degree in Music and Technology, but it is our goal that you will also have put together an impressive portfolio of your work and musical abilities.
This portfolio will benefit you and help with finding employment, or self-employment, in music or production industry.
Your experience and diverse portfolio of skills will make you a prime candidate for not only record labels, but also video games, movies, television, radio, multi-media production studios, and more.
In addition to mastering the keyboard with the best techniques, utilizing the number system, and music theory, you'll be skilled in the music production field, as well.
With AIMM as your first step, your career opportunities will be endless. If you remain in good standing throughout the program, you will be eligible to take AVID Certification Exams to become Pro Tools Certified.
As an AVID Training Parter, AIMM offers you the opportunity to become AVID Pro Tools Certified as you progress through the curriculum. AIMM also focuses on Ableton Live, which bridges the divide between creative music production and liver performance.
Using Pro Tools and Ableton Live, you will learn analog and digital music production, microphone techniques, virtual instruments, effect plugins, as well as hone your education in music theory essentials and keyboard skills for the digital audio workstation.
Important note: The Music and Technology Degree is intended for intermediate musicians. Therefore, you must show proficiency on the instrument of your focus as detailed in the Admissions procedures.
To learn more about our courses, check out AIMM's E-Brochure.
Student Success Timeline
This program can be completed in 18 months of accelerated studies, 24 months of full-time enrollment, or 30 months of ¾ time enrollment.
The opportunities and choices are there to make it easiest on you and your lifestyle.
Upon completion of this program, students in good standing will not only graduate with an Associate Degree but will also be given the opportunity to take AVID Certification Exams to become Pro Tools certified.
This Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) certificate can set you apart and will be one of your greatest assets when looking for a job in your field.
Prior to graduation, all Music and Technology program students must complete the required number of General Education credits.
These credits can be transferred from another institution, but you must demonstrate the appropriate comparability to the applied nature of each course.
If you want to push your keyboard skills to the next level, get more information about the Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology Degree: Keyboard Concentration today!
Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology
Instrument-Specific Technical Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
KBD130 | Reading I This class introduces the students to note-reading on the keyboard. Subjects include note recognition, intervals, chord shapes and rhythmic figures. Students will read together in a keyboard lab setting, and will be given individual exams. |
1 | |
KBD230 | Reading II This class introduces the students to two-handed reading on the keyboard. Simple passages with bass lines and open-position chords are covered in various keys. Key signatures (5 and 6 sharps or flats) will be introduced. Students will read together in a keyboard lab setting and will be given individual playing exams. Prerequisite: KBD130 Reading I. |
1 | |
KBD330 | Reading III This course focuses on chart and lead-sheet reading on the keyboard. Various ways to interpret a chart will be covered including simple accompaniment, solo piano, and piano trio styles. Swing, rock, and Latin rhythmic figures and textures are introduced. Students will read together in a keyboard lab setting and will be given individual playing exams. Prerequisite: KBD230 Reading II. |
1 | |
KBD430 | Reading IV This course covers advanced reading for keyboard including lines with chromatic alterations, chords spread between two hands, altered chord shapes and advanced rhythmic figures. Students will read together in a keyboard lab setting, and will receive individual playing exams. Prerequisite: KBD330 Reading III. |
1 | |
KBD120 | Scales I This class introduces keyboard students to the basic scales and chord forms used in contemporary musical performance. Major and minor scales, triads and basic voicings will be covered. Class will use keyboards in a lab setting to build muscle memory and technique. |
1 | |
KBD220 | Scales II This course focuses on the linear forms used for melody and improvisation as well as basic accompaniment figures used by the contemporary keyboard player. Major scale modes and patterns, pentatonic scales, melodic minor modes and chord-tone lines are studied. Prerequisite: KBD120 Scales I. |
1 | |
KBD320 | Scales III This class covers a variety of harmonic voicings and patterns used in contemporary keyboard. Students will learn to harmonize melodic material and to accompany soloists in the ensemble. The techniques used to build a keyboard part and a keyboard-based arrangement will be covered. Prerequisite: KBD220 Scales II. |
1 | |
KBD420 | Scales IV This class focuses on advanced voicings, pattern, and textures used in contemporary keyboard. Triads, 4ths, Upper structure, and parallel voicing are covered. Students will learn solo piano textures and arranging techniques. Prerequisite: KBD320 Reading III. |
1 | |
Number of Instrument-Specific Credits Required | 8 |
Interdisciplinary Technical Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
INT100 | Performance I This course is an interdisciplinary live performance class based on standard introductory level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. |
4 | |
INT200 | Performance II This course is an interdisciplinary live performance class based on standard intermediate level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: INT100 Performance I |
4 | |
INT300 | Performance III This course is an interdisciplinary live performance class based on standard intermediate-advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: INT200 Performance II |
4 | |
INT400 | Performance IV This course is an interdisciplinary performance class based on standard advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform on stage weekly in a live interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional gigging scenarios. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: INT300 Performance III |
4 | |
INT301 | Studio Performance III This course is an interdisciplinary studio performance class based on standard intermediate-advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform in the recording studio weekly in an interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional recording sessions. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. |
4 | |
INT401 | Studio Performance IV This course is an interdisciplinary studio performance class based on standard advanced level repertoire for R&B, Blues, Rock and Pop styles. Students perform in the recording studio weekly in an interactive ensemble format with voice and rhythm section instrumentation that emulates professional recording sessions. The emphasis is on execution of melody, rhythm, chords, form, and improvisation. Materials such as sheet music, charts, play along tracks, lyrics, video tutorials are provided via Canvas Learning Management System. Prerequisite: INT301 Studio Performance III |
4 | |
INT105 | Skills Lab This lab course is designed to help the student gain awareness of “soft skills” such as behavior, habits, work ethic, etc. in a fun and engaging way. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of their own strengths and areas in need of improvement. Students will gain tools to help them succeed in their academics and beyond. |
1 | |
INT145 | Music Theory Essentials I This class covers the basic elements of music theory, ear training and notation. Diatonic harmony, major and minor key signatures, triads and 7th chords, scale harmonization, meters, basic rhythmic notation, and chord symbol conventions. Students will practice recognizing fundamental musical elements by ear. Basic keyboard skills will be covered including chords, scales and reading. |
3 | |
INT245 | Music Theory Essentials II This class focuses on scales, modes and linear structures needed for improvisation and melody. Ear training and dictation of melody and diatonic chord progressions are covered. Advanced notation concepts including form, articulation and syncopated rhythm are included. Harmonic concepts are practiced and reinforced using keyboard. Prerequisite: Music Theory Essentials I. |
3 | |
INT495 | Music Business Presenting concepts and practices that cover several areas of the constantly changing music industry. Students will learn about such things as booking, agency contacts, performing rights organizations, copyright and trademark, record label anatomy, artist management agreements, tax information, resume and self-promotion. |
1 | |
Number of Interdisciplinary Credits Required | 32 |
Recording and Engineering Technical Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
RCD100 | Pro Tools 101 This course introduces basic principles a student needs to understand how to complete a Pro Tools project, from initial setup to final delivery, and to take the Avid Pro Tools 101 User Certification exam. Topics include purposes and uses of edit tools, modes, various track and signal clip functions for recording, editing, and importing audio, MIDI, and video used for music and media production. Included with the course textbook are media files for Pro Tools 101 exercises and hands-on projects. Students in good standing will have the opportunity to take the Avid Pro Tools 110 User Certification exam upon course completion. |
2 | |
RCD130 | MIDI: Synthesis & Sequencing This course is an introduction to the MIDI language, using Ableton Live and Native Instrument’s Komplete Bundle as the vessel of instruction. This course demonstrates core concepts such as the basic MIDI environment, sequencing, sampled-based and synthesis instruments, automation, and final steps for MIDI-based production including mixing and effects processing. |
4 | |
RCD140 | Introduction to Audio Production I This course gives the student an introduction to, and a strong foundation in, audio production techniques, including an introduction to analog recording history, physical properties of sound, basic microphone types, recording environments, mono & stereo microphone techniques as well as basic analog signal flow & analog signal processing including equalization and dynamic processing techniques. |
3 | |
RCD200 | Pro Tools 110 This course builds on the introductory Pro Tools 101 course, evolving basic Pro Tools principles while providing the student with the essential processes needed to complete a Pro Tools project, from initial set up to final mixdown, and to take the Avid Pro Tools 110 User Certification exam. The course teaches intermediate Pro Tools techniques, covering key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system. Topics include Hardware I/O setup and routing, Elastic Audio, internal Bus path usages for send/returns, automation, and more. Included with the course textbook are media files for Pro Tools 110 exercises and hands-on projects. Students in good standing will have the opportunity to take the Avid Pro Tools 110 User Certification exam upon course completion. Prerequisite: RCD100 Pro Tools 101. |
2 | |
RCD240 | Introduction to Audio Production II This course gives the student a more advanced introduction and foundation to audio production techniques including principles of analog & digital audio production and recording and data storage and playback media for digital audio formats. The student will gain an advanced understanding of large format analog console signal flow, time-based processors and an introduction to plug-in processing. Prerequisite: RCD140 Introduction to Audio Production I |
3 | |
Number of Recording Technical Credits Required | 14 |
Elective Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
BAS / DRM / GTR / KEY / VOC 910 | Group Lesson I (elective instrument) Students receive two hours of group instruction every week to address areas of technique or theory for which they require assistance. Prerequisite: Online Prep Course |
2 | |
BAS / DRM / GTR / KEY / VOC 920 | Group Lesson II (elective instrument) Students receive two hours of group instruction every week to address areas of technique or theory for which they require assistance. Prerequisite: KEY910 Group Lesson I |
2 | |
BAS / DRM / GTR / KEY / VOC 930 | Group Lesson III (elective instrument) Students receive two hours of group instruction every week to address areas of technique or theory for which they require assistance. Prerequisite: KEY920 Group Lesson II |
2 | |
BAS / DRM / GTR / KEY / VOC 940 | Group Lesson IV (elective instrument) Students receive two hours of group instruction every week to address areas of technique or theory for which they require assistance. Prerequisite: KEY930 Group Lesson III |
2 | |
INT134 | Music Appreciation This course is designed to expose students to a broad spectrum of musical ideas, concepts, and genres. Emphasis is placed on studying those musical concepts that hold true for all styles of music (form and structure, counterpoint, melodic and harmonic content). Genres covered include: Middle Ages; Renaissance; Baroque; Classical; Romantic; 20th Century; Jazz; Rock. |
2 | |
INT345 | Music Theory Essentials III This course focuses on the chord progressions and harmonic techniques used in contemporary music. Concepts include diatonic, extended diatonic and chromatic progressions, modulations and reharmonization. Keyboard is used to illustrate reinforce these concepts. Students explore melodic, rhythmic and harmonic transcription, and basic desktop music publishing using Finale software is covered. Prerequisite: INT245 Music Theory Essentials II |
3 | |
INT445 | Music Theory Essentials IV This course explores advanced harmonic and melodic techniques used in modern music. Melodic writing, harmonization, voice-leading and arranging are covered. Students will compose and arrange music using the techniques discussed, and will apply these ideas on the keyboard. Prerequisite: INT345 Music Theory Essentials III |
3 | |
RCD205 | Studio Interconnect Basics This course teaches the basics of studio connections and routing of electronics, various types of analog and digital cables and connections, and soldering basics, developing necessary skills commonly needed in professional and home studio environments. |
2 | |
RCD300 | Pro Tools HD 201 This course covers core concepts and skills needed to operate an Avid Pro Tools HD/Ultimate system in a professional studio environment, and to take the Avid Pro Tools 201 Operator Certification exam. Included with the course textbook are media files for Pro Tools 201 exercises and hands-on projects. Students in good standing will have the opportunity to take the Avid Pro Tools 201 Operator Certification exam upon course completion. Prerequisites: RCD100-200 Pro Tools 101-110 |
2 | |
RCD340 | Introduction to Music Production This course offers hands-on experience of the complete process for a professional music production inside AIMM studios, from beginning to end. The course moves the student through all stages of a music production from planning, to tracking demos, cutting basics, overdubs, vocal production, mixing & mastering. In each phase, students will learn a professional approach along with cutting edge techniques to utilize. In class, students will work with musicians and artists, and cover various roles utilized. Prerequisites: RCD140-240 Introduction to Audio Production I-II |
4 | |
RCD400 | Pro Tools HD 210M This course covers specific techniques for working with advanced professional Avid Pro Tools systems in a music production environment. The main topics in this course are followed by exercises that allow the student to practice concepts taught in class. Included with the course textbook are media files for Pro Tools 210M exercises and hands-on projects. Students in good standing will have the opportunity to take the Avid Pro Tools 210M Operator Certification exam upon course completion. Prerequisites: RCD100-300: Pro Tools 101, 110, 201 |
2 | |
RCD410 | The Science & Art of Mastering This course provides an overview of concepts, techniques, equipment and environments used in the process of mastering a record. Topics include outlining the differences between a mixing engineer and mastering engineer, use standard mastering tools and approaches with digital software, and types of delivery standards required for various platforms and release formats, including digital streaming to vinyl records. |
1 | |
RCD435 | Methods of Mixing This course covers the history, psychology, and mechanics of mixing including topics such as balance and arrangement of the mix, use of stereo field, equalization, effects and dynamics, monitoring, printing various common versions of the mix, and digital mixing with plugins. Prerequisite: RCD200 Pro Tools 110. |
5 | |
RCD350 | Introduction to Live Sound This course introduces all aspects of live venue sound systems and production, including signal flow for live applications, front of house and monitoring sound systems, speaker set up and rigging, microphone techniques for live applications, mixer routing and controls, proper power requirements and set up, room EQ, and communication with artists/musicians. The class is comprised of a one-hour lecture paired with a one-hour lab where students will practically apply the skills covered in lecture. |
2 | |
The minimum requirement for elective credits is 16, therefore, the student will choose from the courses listed above to total 16 credits | 34 | ||
Number of Elective Credits Required | 16 |
Required General Education Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
HUM115 | English Composition This class introduces students to the fundamentals of writing. Students will study standard English grammatical and syntactical conventions to ground our composition skills in the systems and structures that will make our writing legible to a general audience of standard English readers. Students also practice brainstorming, drafting, and revising in order to learn about the writing process, identify what works for us individually, and work towards making our processes more productive. Students will regularly apply what we have learned to different formal and informal genres to understand the transferability of standard English writing conventions and the praxis of writing texts across varying styles, forms, and purposes. |
3 | |
SOC110 | Cultural Anthropology Anthropologists take a broad approach to study and understand different aspects of the human experience. This course explores how people in different places live, use music, and interact with the world around them. Students will analyze select case studies from around the world. They will study the perspectives, practices, and social organization of other groups whose values and lifeways may be very different from their own.The knowledge they gain will enrich human understanding on a broader level. Special importance will be placed on global music styles that impact contemporary music including Indian classical music, West African Music, Brazilian Samba, Cuban music styles, and African-American folk music. |
3 | |
MAT120 | Mathematical Modeling This course covers applied algebra, linear, piecewise, exponential and quadratic functions. It focuses on logical problem-solving techniques required for critical thinking. Statistical analysis and probability will be used to analyze and explore real world data. In addition, students will develop a clear understanding of the role and function of quantitative analysis. This unit also focuses on skills needed to ensure students acquire better decision-making processes for money management in their personal and business lives. |
3 | |
SCI120 | Physics of Sound This course introduces students to the physical nature of music and sound. Waves, sound propagation, harmonic content, the human hearing mechanism and musical instrument tone production are discussed. Psychoacoustics and perception of sound are included. |
3 | |
Number of Required General Education Credits | 12 |
Applied General Education Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits | |
HUM110 | Finding Poetry in Songwriting This course explores the relationship between poetry and songwriting. Students will be expected to build upon a solid foundation in the poetic form, in order to further understand and develop songwriting. Students will complete in-depth poetry analyses that include meter, scansion, and explication. In addition to this close reading practice, students will also challenge their own abilities in songwriting. The final project in the course incorporates research, analysis, and writing as students create Multi-genre Research Projects. |
3 | |
HUM120 | Contemporary Music Survey I This course is an overview of the history and evolution of popular music in America including Minstrel Shows, Tin Pan Alley, Vaudeville, Classic and Urban Blues, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, R&B, Rockabilly, Rock and Roll and more. Special importance will be placed on the sociological, technological, and historical influences upon the development of popular music styles. Students will develop critical listening skills and will be able to identify important artists as well as artistic styles and song forms. |
3 | |
HUM125 | Contemporary Music Survey II This course is an overview of the history and evolution of popular music in the second half of the 20th century. Topics include Bob Dylan and the Beatles, Art Rock, Motown and Soul, Singer-Songwriters, Jazz Rock, Reggae, Funk, Punk, New Wave, Rap Music, 80’s Pop Styles and Grunge. Special importance will be placed on the sociological, technological, and historical influences upon the development of popular music styles. Students will develop critical listening skills and will be able to identify important artists as well as artistic styles and song forms. Prerequisite: HUM120 Contemporary Music Survey I |
3 | |
SOC120 | The Sociology of Popular Music This course is an introduction to the Sociology of Popular Music, a relatively new field of study that explores the complex interactions between popular music and society and culture. In particular this course will focus on the production, distribution, and consumption of popular music. Special attention will be paid to recent advances in digital technology and how it has impacted the music industry, recording artists, and fans. This course will incorporate case studies from across popular music genres to elaborate concepts studied in class. |
3 | |
SCI110 | Introduction to Electronics This class introduces the fundamental principles of analog electronics, with emphasis on audio reproduction. Basic electrical measurements and components, typical circuits, troubleshooting and safety are covered during the process of building simple projects. |
3 | |
MAT110 | Accounting and Tax Essentials for Entrepreneurs This course teaches the fundamental accounting and tax information needed to create a successful sound career in the music industry and digital media industries. It will include basic accounting and tax elements, information on setting up a business, selecting the appropriate type of business entity, and accounting aspects as related to various music and intellectual property transactions. |
3 | |
The minimum requirement for Applied General Education credits is 12, therefore, the student will choose from the courses listed above to total 12 credits | 18 | ||
Minimum Number of Applied General Education Credits Required | 12 | ||
Associate of Applied Science in Music and Technology - Total Credit Hours | 94 |
Other Program Options
Program Features
- Courses 39
- Credit Hours 94 hours
- Skill level Intermediate
- Language English
- Currently Enrolling Yes