Careers can also be made in vocal and instrumental arranging, song writing, music promotion, bookings and music publishing. Retail outlets need salespersons who can play the musical instruments they sell, and persons who can teach music lessons are always in demand.

Commercial Music at South Plains College

South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, is one of a very few colleges in the nation offering an associate degree in commercial music and the only one in Texas that specializes in country and bluegrass music styles. Established in 1975, the SPC program is regarded as the largest music program of its kind in the world.

SPC's two-year program in commercial music is designed to help students develop the basic performing skills necessary for a professional music career. Students study a variety of music topics from music theory to arranging to song writing. At the same time, they develop their individual instrument and/or vocal skills.

The program that first began instructing students in the more traditional styles of country and bluegrass music now includes course work in all contemporary musical styles, including rock and rhythm and blues.

In addition to individual instruction in electric guitar and bass, keyboard, drums and contemporary vocal styles, students also participate in any of more than a dozen commercial music ensembles that perform music ranging from western swing to rhythm and blues. Each semester, ensembles develop into tightly knit bands that perform before a live audience in the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio, named after the country music legend who has supported the program for many years. Performances are recorded with high-quality video equipment, resulting in an excellent video product for resume or audition purposes.

Students of SPC's unique program have gone on to join such acts as Tom T. Hall's Storyteller Band, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Dean Dillon, Asleep At The Wheel, Rick Trevino, Alison Krauss, and Ricochet. The program has attracted students from across the United States and around the world.

The college has gained national recognition for its pioneering efforts in country music education. Country music notables who have visited the program include Waylon Jennings and Tom T. Hall.

The Tom T. Hall Lecture Series also brings in music industry leaders like Jo Walker-Meador, executive director of the Country Music Association, and Jack Weston, vice president of RCA Record Labels in Nashville, who give students a "behind the scenes" look at how to break into the recording business.

The Commercial Music Artist Series provides students with exposure to artists who are actually making their living by working in the commercial music field. Since its inception, live performances and clinics have been presented by top artists, including Chuck Rainey, Dean Peer, Tom Jackson, the Czech group Druha Trava, jazz fusion band Tribal Tech, and The Eddie Adcock Bank, among others.

Outstanding Faculty and Facilities

Dedicated to teaching, these instructors possess extensive experience as commercial music performers, and several enjoy national notoriety. All are multi-instrumentalists.

Teaching facilities for SPC's commercial music program are housed in the modern Creative Arts Building, which also houses the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio. The building is equipped with rehearsal halls, classrooms, faculty studios and practice rooms. At the heart of the facilities are two professional caliber 24-tract, multitrack recording studios, and a fully-equipped television studio with audio and video control areas. Other instructional areas include an eight-tract digital studio, computerized music learning lab, and music synthesis lab.

Up-to-date sound reinforcement equipment, an extensive music library and resource center, mini-sound studios and video equipment are also utilized by students enrolled in the program.

In addition to their studies in commercial music, students gain additional insight into the entertainment industry by their close association with the college's sound technology and performing arts technology programs.

Opportunities to Perform and Refine Skill

Talented students have another opportunity to perform in front of a television audience through the program's videotaped 30-minute country music show that is aired twice weekly over local cable television.

Additional performance opportunities are available through participation in the Touring Ensemble, a group that regularly performs at area high schools. Students can also audition for the Thursday Night Live Ensemble which performs as part of a monthly cable-televised variety show before a live studio audience. The South Plains Opry provides another opportunity for students to participate in a performance class during the first summer term.

SPC students find many opportunities to share the stage with professional groups. Students also find additional performance opportunities with the symphonic band, jazz band and choral programs.

Curriculum Pattern

The curriculum combines traditional music courses with specialized courses in country, bluegrass and other commercial music styles. This course work includes:

Through private lessons, individual instruction is given on a variety of instruments, including:

All courses and private lessons are tailored to each student's current skill level and designed to help them improve quickly to develop their full playing potential. Additional course work in english, history, government, math, science and physical education, provides a well-rounded liberal arts background for the first two years of college work.

For a more detailed listing of the curriculum, please consult the General Catalog.

Scholarships

For more information about the commercial music program at South Plains College and for information concerning scholarship auditions, please contact:

Commercial Music Program Coordinator
Creative Arts Department
South Plains College
1401 S. College Ave.
Levelland, Texas 79336-6595
Telephone:(806) 894-9611, ext. 476