SPC Music of the Week features student/alumni music creations to promote internal and external awareness of the SPC Music programs.
This week’s featured student: Dylan Mixer
Music Selection: Goner
(performed by Keirsten Johnson)
About the Work: Producer’s Perspective
My inspiration for “Goner” came from a lot of the electro-pop and synth wave music I was listening to at the time. I wanted to write something upbeat and catchy, but I kept playing with this church organ patch. I eventually worked it in to the arrangement. Keirsten Johnson and Brian Messick, two other MIRA Grads helped to write the vocals. Keirsten would go on to sing on the track as well. They are the ones who made the song in to what it is. The lyrics and vocal melodies took the song to a whole other level. I have since completely redone the song and re-recorded with Keirsten, and will be releasing on an EP coming out by the end of the year.
Impact of SPC Music
The MIRA program has taught me one of my most valuable pillars that I still hold dear to this day. “If it sounds good, it is good.” This phrase opened my mind to the fact that there isn’t any one correct way to do music. It helps me not to doubt myself and my decisions on a daily basis. I also met friends and made connections there that I will continue to have in my life far in to the future. I owe a lot to where I am today not just to the program, but to the people I met along the way.
I am currently working on my film & tv composing career. My short term goals continue supporting myself with the one thing I love most: music. And long term, maybe move to LA and work on a studio movie!
Study Music and Music Technology at SPC
Connect with our Music Department today! Complete the following survey questionnaire to learn more about our program and clarify your goals. You will receive a custom detailed email response with faculty, advising, and financial aid contacts, and guidance towards next steps. https://web.spcollege.edu/survey/30265
About Music at SPC
Music AA Transfer
SPC’s Music and Music Education AA Transfer degrees (60 credits) are two-year programs that prepare students for transfer to University music programs in Performance, Music Education (Band, Chorus, Orchestra, General Music), and Music Therapy. Students earn Music State Common Perquisite credits in music lessons, music ensembles, music/aural theory, and student recital. Students also earn all 36 general education liberal arts credits.
Music Industry Recording Arts (MIRA) AS Degree
SPC’s Music Industry Recording Arts (MIRA) AS degree (64 credits) is a two-year workforce program with technology focus. It prepares students to work as producers, audio engineers, composers/songwriters in the music industry. The core curriculum includes courses in digital audio workstations, live sound engineering, studio recording techniques, critical listening, legal issues in music, practical music business, and more.
Audio Engineering and Production (AUDIOPE) Certificate
SPC’s Audio Engineering and Production (AUDIOPE) Certificate (24 credits) is a financial aid eligible certificate that includes instruction in digital audio workstations, studio recording techniques, acoustics, live sound and professional audio production. The stand-alone certificate prepares workforce internships and employment. The 24 credits also count towards the MIRA-AS degree.
Donation Opportunities
As a non-profit organization serving our community, charitable contributions are vital to our mission to educating students and engaging our community. Your support makes performances, art shows, and concerts possible and provides invaluable experiences for our students.
Donations impact our music students by providing:
(1) Scholarships for bonus elective courses
(2) Loaner hardware/software kits to those in need
(3) Expansion of facilities
Those wishing to donate to SPC Music and SPC Humanities and Fine Arts should contact Department Chair Nathan Muehl muehl.nathan@spcollege.edu