TCC Northwest  Hits the Right Note

With New Commercial Music Technology Program

Northwest Campus of Tarrant County College is preparing to launch an innovative new Commercial Music Technology Certificate Program, designed to equip students with workforce-ready skills in audio recording, music business, and music production.

The one-year technical workforce certificate, currently in development, is expected to launch by Fall 2027. The program is being led by Adam Koch, Commercial Music Faculty Coordinator, alongside Benson Lee, Department Chair, and Lisa Benedetti, Dean of Arts and Humanities. Together, they are building a curriculum that reflects the evolving demands of today’s music industry.

Unlike a traditional music degree focused primarily on performance, this program centers on commercial music technology — the technical and business side of the industry. Students will learn audio recording, production, music software, and music business fundamentals, preparing them for careers such as audio engineer, producer, music publisher, band manager, or other adjacent roles within the industry.

The timing is strategic. The campus has recently completed significant development, including a brand-new recording studio, an updated theater equipped with industry-standard technology, and a new Mac lab where students will train on professional software platforms. The program is built around hands-on experience using real-world tools.

A key feature of the certificate is its strong connection to industry partners. An advisory committee made up of local music professionals and business owners in Fort Worth will help shape curriculum and provide networking opportunities. In an industry where relationships often determine opportunity, students will graduate not just with skills, but with connections.

The program also includes a 10-week summer internship, allowing students to gain real-world experience before completing the certificate. The structure — fall and spring coursework followed by a summer internship — enables students to move quickly from classroom to career.

Leaders have also engaged with the Texas Music Office, which tracks the statewide economic impact of music. Texas remains one of the most music-friendly states in the nation, with the industry generating 12.5 billion in economic impact annually. In particular, Fort Worth, designated a “Music Friendly City,” continues to grow as a vibrant music hub.

The goal of the Commercial Music Technology Certificate is clear: provide students with marketable, sustainable skills that allow them to earn steady income while remaining deeply connected to the creative world of music. For aspiring producers, audio engineers, and music entrepreneurs, Northwest TCC is creating a direct pathway into the industry — combining passion with practical opportunity.

For more info:
Contact Adam Koch at Tarrant County Community College:
adam.koch@tccd.edu or (817) 515-7363.