PROGRAMS AND COURSES
Major Concentrations

In addition to MusicCraft^TM Studies, each USSCM student selects a major concentration based upon his or her interests and goals. The majors we currently offer reflect today's professional music scene.
 

Performer (View the concentration course listing.)
Whether in front of the audience or behind the scenes, expert instrumentalists are the heartbeat of the music scene. Good music is often transformed into great music by stunning instrumental performances. Good players have the respect of all their musical peers. At USSCM you'll be given the tools and guidance to become an accomplished instrumentalist, who is aware of what is expected and who can deliver it.

Program Design:

The following example meets the minimum requirement for a performance concentration.

In the next program design example (below) we add Schillinger before Advanced Improvization. We recommend this strategy for players who want to have a significant competitive edge and incorporate a thorough understanding of the sophisticated harmonic, rhythmic and melodic analysis tools developed by Joseph Schillinger, who influenced great Hollywood and New York songwriters, composers and improvisers.

Songwriter (View the concentration course listing.)
Virtually every idiom of popular music is based upon well-written songs. These songs don't just happen by accident. They are composed by knowledgeble, experienced writers. Today's songwriter must not only be conversant with style, but also with prose, music theory, and songform, he or she must be technologically competent. Nearly every song that is recorded today started its life as a self-produced demo. Your USSCM course will train you in the compositional techniques used by great composers and songwriters, while encouraging you to develop your recording skills. You'll study styles and artists, and learn how to project your own voice through them. Note that the two suggested variations of the program change the sequence of when SongWriting is studied.  The first example is of a Performer/Songwriter – one who wishes to make a living as a songwriter who performs his or her songs as a frontline soloist. The second example is of a Songwriter/Performer – one who wishes to be a concertizing performer of his or her original songs. The difference is the emphasis and timing of when SongWriting is studied in depth and the level of musical sophistication one wishes to aim for. We recommend the study of the Schillinger System in both instances, because it adds so much power to a student's musical arsenal. Move on to Designing your Program.
 

or

Multimedia Scoring Composer (View Concentration Course Listings.)
By artfully blending the skills of the arranger, composer, performer and engineer, today's film , video and CD-ROM composers are specialists who command good salaries and have interesting work in the fastest growing area of the music business. Multimedia composers are found everywhere the visual and aural arts meet. Move on to Designing your Program.
 

Professional Arranger (View Concentration Course Listings.)
Movie themes, TV Jingles, and award-winning pop song arrangements are the products of talented, trained arrangers who understand the nuts and bolts of all types of music. USSCM training in this area will prepare you as a versatile interpretive artist; able to conceive and create all types of charts, and to present them professionally. Move on to Designing your Program. 

Professional Musician
A well-rounded career musician, who is ready for any assignment which come along. Move on to Designing your Program.