Performance, Music & Live Events

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Pathway Description:
Students will prepare for career paths in live entertainment and music. Students will explore the artistic, technical, and managerial career opportunities surrounding and supporting performers, and understand the production process and workflow for live events (i.e., concerts, tours, festivals, sports events, tournaments, plays, musicals, and corporate presentations).

Focus Areas:
Stage and Event Technology
Dance and Theatre
Music and Recording Arts

Guidance
It is highly recommended that students entering Performance, Music, and Live Events Focus Areas complete an introductory arts or AME course as a prerequisite. Dance, Theatre and Music foundations are essential to all Performance, Music, and Live Events Focus Areas. Refer to the Accomplished and Advanced California Arts Standards for Dance, Theatre and Music for academic alignment in CTE.

Standards Alignment:
All Introductory and Concentrator courses in Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathways should prioritize Anchor Standards and Interdisciplinary Standards to establish a foundation for AME students. Each Focus Area has a unique set of Pathway Standards that build from the Anchor Standards and Interdisciplinary Standards and prepare students with occupation-specific skills and competencies. Pathway Standards are unique to each Focus Area. Refer to the Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Tables for recommended standards alignment.

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Stage and Event Technology

Focus Area Description:
Students will prepare for careers in live entertainment with an emphasis on production technology. Students will understand the production design process, properly operate tools and equipment, and work collaboratively in live production environments including performances, concerts, festivals, tournaments, and/or conferences.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Level 1–2 Media Arts Course(s)
Level 1–2 Theatre Design Course(s)
Introductory Arts, Media, and Entertainment Course

Occupational Alignment: O-Net-SOC Codes
11-1021.00 General and Operations Managers
11-2011.00 Advertising and Promotions Managers
11-9151.00 Social and Community Service Managers
13-1082.00 Project Management Specialists
27-1011.00 Art Directors
27-1013.00 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
27-1027.00 Set and Exhibit Designers
27-2012.00 Producers and Directors
27-2012.05 Media Technical Directors/Managers
27-4011.00 Audio and Video Technicians
27-4012.00 Broadcast Technicians
27-4015.00 Lighting Technicians
27-4031.00 Camera Operators, Television, Video and Film
39-3092.00 Costume Attendants
39-5091.00 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
49-9096.00 Riggers

Aligned Course Titles
Audio/Visual Technology
Production Design
Live Event Production
Scenic Design
Theater Technology
Stage Technology
Production Management
Esports Production

17.0 Stage and Event Technology: Skill Building (Design)

• ST.17.1 — Examine how production elements (i.e., lighting, audio, video, scenic, special effects, and automation.) can drive story points and achieve desired effects for an audience.

• ST.17.2 — Determine artistic elements in alignment with the creative director’s vision including all production elements.

• ST.17.3 — Demonstrate understanding of industry software (i.e., CAD programs) for show design purposes.

• ST.17.4 — Design scenic and lighting for live events using CAD or other industry previsualization (PreViz) programs to achieve intended effect.

• ST.17.5 — Understand music structure and how to accent music-driven performances with production elements.

• ST.17.6 — Differentiate design and technical needs for dance, theatre, music, sports events, live events, and presentations.

• ST.17.7 — Design a production for different venue types, locations, and/or stage layouts.

18.0 Stage and Event Technology: Process and Practice (Technical)

• ST.18.1 — Demonstrate understanding of how to program and operate consoles and digital control environments (i.e., video, audio, lighting, automation, and/or special effects.)

• ST.18.2 — Properly decipher technical drawings and renders to develop a technical implementation plan.

• ST.18.3 — Apply knowledge of power and data distribution (i.e., signal flow, networking systems, connectors, cabling, show power, and balancing of power loads.)

• ST.18.4 — Demonstrate understanding of how to safely rig equipment and structures.

• ST.18.5 — Rig and operate lighting equipment to control shadows, brightness, color, and effects.

• ST.18.6 — Operate sound equipment (i.e., dynamic, condenser, lavalier/lapel, speakers, mixers, and amplifiers.) to achieve high quality audio capture and reproduction.

• ST.18.7 — Safely handle and operate tools and materials to construct and dress a set; demonstrate an understanding of scenic elements (i.e., staging, automation, soft goods, and floor surfaces.)

• ST.18.8 — Identify the components of a live video system and their uses (i.e., led screens, projectors, projection screens, cameras, switchers, and monitors); demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between video and other live production elements.

• ST.18.9 — Coordinate the strike and load out of a live production and properly transport and/or store production equipment.

19.0 Stage and Event Technology: Career Exploration

• ST.19.1 — Explore career pathways in different live production environments (i.e., concerts, theatre, festivals, tournaments, and conferences.)

• ST.19.2 — Explore career pathways in the production crafts and trades (i.e., lighting, audio, video, special effects, scenic, automation, and stagehand.)

• ST.19.3 — Explore career pathways for producers, creative directors, and designers.

• ST.19.4 — Explore corporate careers across industries for performance and live events professionals.

• ST.19.5 — Understand career pathways for promoters and tour managers.

20.0 Stage and Event Technology: Advanced Technologies

• ST.20.1 — Examine how automation has created new opportunities for spectacle and fundamentally changed the roles and responsibilities of technical crews.

• ST.20.2 — Understand the fundamentals of special effects and pyrotechnics from a technician’s perspective.

• ST.20.3 — Understand how virtual and augmented reality, real-time technology, and dynamic media is used in live production.

• ST.20.4 — Understand the principles of stage automation and how it changes what is possible for live entertainment.

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Stage and Event Technology Focus Areas Concentrator Course(s)

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Stage and Event Technology Focus Areas Advanced and Capstone Course(s)

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Dance and Theatre

Focus Area Description:
Students will prepare for careers in dance and/or theatre. Students will devise original work, perform in professional environments, and explore careers across commercial and concert industries. Students will work collaboratively in production environments and gain a broad understanding of opportunities for dance and theatre professionals including professional performance, arts and nonprofit management, production design and technology, studio and company management, public speaking, education, and/or fitness.

Note: Dance and Theatre focused pathways indicate common standards within Dance and Theatre CTE courses; it is key to remember that the techniques and expression of these standards are unique and discrete between Dance curriculum and Theatre curriculum. While there is opportunity for cross-discipline collaboration between Dance and Theatre courses, this document is not intended to be interpreted as guidance to combine Dance and Theatre CTE programs together or limit offerings to students.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Level 1–2 Dance Course(s)
Level 1–2 Theatre Course(s)
Introductory Arts, Media, and Entertainment Course

Occupational Alignment: O-Net-SOC Codes
11-1021.00 General and Operations Managers
11-2032.00 Public Relations Managers
11-9151.00 Social/Community Service Managers
11-9179.01 Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
13-1082.00 Project Management Specialists
25-1121.00 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
27-2011.00 Actors
27-2012.04 Talent Directors
27-2031.00 Dancers
27-2022.00 Coaches and Scouts
27-2012.00 Producers and Directors
27-1011.00 Art Directors
27-3043.05 Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
27-2032.00 Choreographers
39-9031.00 Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Aligned Course Titles (Dance):
Choreography
Commercial Dance
Dance Company
Dance Fitness
Dance Performance
Musical Theatre
Professional Dance

Aligned Course Titles (Theatre):
Acting
Acting for Camera
Professional Theatre
Musical Theatre
Drama
Physical Theatre
Theatre Performance

17.0 Dance and Theater: Skill Building

• DT.17.1 — Practice strengthening, coordination, balance, flexibility, and/or alignment exercises to improve physical technique for dance and theatre performance.

• DT.17.2 — Explore and refine techniques from different styles, crafts, forms, and genres in acting and/or dance disciplines.

• DT.17.3 — Understand and apply proper dance and theatre terminology and vocabulary to practice and performance.

• DT.17.4 — Safely navigate physical spaces and develop spatial and environmental awareness through practice and performance.

• DT.17.5 — Apply techniques that help reduce the risk of injury and contribute to emotional, mental, and physical wellness (i.e., yoga, Pilates, meditation, and breathwork.)

• DT.17.6 — Attend auditions and demonstrate effective performance skills in response to audition requirements.

• DT.17.7 — Understand elements of directing and effectively communicate artistic ideas when working with performers.

• DT.17.8 — Apply choreographic techniques to creating, staging, and blocking of performance material.

• DT.17.9 — Differentiate techniques for directing, choreographing, and performing for film/video and for live audiences.

18.0 Dance and Theatre: Process and Practice

• DT.18.1 — Use improvisation to experiment with creative ideas.

• DT.18.2 — Apply knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics to a safe physical practice.

• DT.18.3 — Utilize movement and gesture to express character, emotion, and story points.

• DT.18.4 — Experiment with mood and timing using music, sound effects, and/or spoken narrative to make artistic decisions and enhance a performance.

DT.18.5. Experiment with technical design elements (i.e., projection, lighting, costumes, property, and scenic) to make artistic decisions and enhance a performance.

• DT.18.6 — Experiment with camera shots, angles, and editing to create professional reels and performance excerpts.

DT 18.7 Explore how innovative stage technologies (i.e., immersive media, automation, projection mapping, and holographic technology) can enhance possibilities for performers.

• DT.18.8 — Memorize and practice performance material to maximize performance potential.

• DT.18.9 — Reflect and ask questions throughout the creative process to inform analysis and refinement of work.

19.0 Dance and Theatre: Career Exploration

• DT.19.1 — Understand careers for performers across concert, commercial, and tourism industries.

• DT.19.2 — Explore career pathways in arts management and business, including studio, venue, and company management.

• DT.19.3 — Explore career pathways in fitness, wellness, and physical therapy.

• DT.19.4 — Explore career pathways for producers, directors, and choreographers.

• DT.19.5 — Understand career pathways for dance and theatre educators and teaching artists.

• DT.19.6 — Understand how performing artists are well equipped with transferable skills that apply to careers across a variety of industries.

• DT.19.7 — Explore the realities and scope of opportunity within the entertainment industry for performing artists.

20.0 Dance and Theatre: Performance

• DT.20.1 — Participate in the production process by managing attendance for rehearsals, costume fittings and other requirements for performers.

• DT.20.2 — Work collaboratively and interact professionally with stage managers, directors, and crew to meet directorial goals.

• DT.20.3 — Plan and execute performances for different venue types, sites, locations, audiences, and purposes.

• DT.20.4 — Integrate an advanced level of technical skill and clear intent when performing in ensemble, group, and solo formats.

• DT.20.5 — Utilize control of cadence, projection, pitch, power/energy, and tone to effectively communicate emotion in dramatic performance.

• DT.20.6 — Utilize proper breath control and performance energy to support expression of movement and character.

• DT.20.7 — Skillfully apply director and choreographer notes to improve performance.

• DT.20.8 — Practice self-care and attend to mental and physical needs to maintain health and maximize performance potential.

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Dance and Theatre Focus Areas Concentrator Course(s)

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Dance and Theatre Focus Areas Advanced and Capstone Course(s)

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathway

Music and Recording Arts

Focus Area Description:
Students will prepare for career paths in the music industry. Students will create and refine original songs, properly operate equipment and digital audio workstations, record and/or perform in professional environments, and explore careers across music technology, music business, studio operations, and live performance.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Level 1–2 Music Course(s)
Level 1–2 Media Arts Course(s)
Introductory Arts, Media, and Entertainment Course

Occupational Alignment: O-Net-SOC Codes
11-1021.00 General and Operations Managers
11-2011.00 Advertising and Promotions Managers
13-1011.00 Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers and Athletes
13-1082.00 Project Management Specialists
25-1121.00 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
27-2012.00 Producers and Directors
27-2012.04 Talent Directors
27-2022.00 Coaches and Scouts
27-2041.00 Music Directors and Composers
27-2042.00 Musicians and Singers
27-2091.00 Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
27-3043.05 Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
27-4011.00 Audio and Video Technicians
27-4012.00 Broadcast Technicians
27-4014.00 Sound Engineering Technicians

Aligned Course Titles
Commercial Music
Music Composition
Music Performance
Music Production
Music Technology
Pop Music
Professional Music
Songwriting
Vocal Music

17.0 Music and Recording Arts: Skill Building

• MRA.17.1 — Apply critical listening to identify and describe various music elements and styles including acoustic and electronic instrumentation.

• MRA.17.2 — Demonstrate understanding of acoustics through playing and recording acoustic instruments.

• MRA.17.3 — Identify song form and musical sections in contemporary/popular music across genres.[^16]

• MRA.17.4 — Use critical listening to identify and describe key signatures.

• MRA.17.5 — Apply basic harmony and piano voicings for major, minor, and diminished chords and chord progressions to projects.

• MRA.17.6 — Describe how the emotional aspects of music such as tempo, dynamics, timbre, and feel can invoke a particular response from the listener.

Apply organizational elements of song structure to original work.

• MRA.17.7 — Demonstrate understanding of the analog and digital recording processes, including strategies for managing latency and signal flow.

• MRA.17.8 — Explore techniques for mixing[^17] instruments, vocals, and other sounds using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

• MRA.17.9 — Export final master in accordance with platform or distribution specifications for the optimal listening experience.

18.0 Music and Recording Arts: Process and Practice

• MRA.18.1 — Understand and apply foundational Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and DAW principles to create music.

• MRA.18.2 — Experiment with different sounds, arrangements, samples, and pieces of music, using instruments, vocal techniques and/or music technology to test and evaluate creative ideas.

• MRA.18.3 — Demonstrate understanding of sound synthesis and create original work using hardware and/or software synthesizers.

• MRA.18.4 — Develop musical ideas based on themes and other sources of inspiration.

• MRA.18.5 — Understand techniques for writing lyrics and melodies.

• MRA.18.6 — Create beats, write loops, and produce original work using industry standard equipment and software.

• MRA.18.7 — Create desired music and sound effects to invoke a particular mood and impact an audience experience.

• MRA.18.8 — Create original music for a commercial medium, such as advertising, video games, film soundtracks, etc.

• MRA.18.9 — Create, record, edit, master, and publish music in distinct styles.

19.0 Music and Recording Arts: Career Exploration

• MRA.19.1 — Explore a range of careers for studio and live audio Professionals (i.e., mixing, mastering, and engineering.)

• MRA.19.2 — Explore career pathway options for artists, arrangers, songwriters, composers, orchestrators, musicians, and producers across industries (i.e., film and television, games, and live events.)

• MRA.19.3 — Explore career pathways in music education.

• MRA.19.4 — Examine the role of Performing Rights Organizations and synchronization licensing in the music industry.

• MRA.19.5 — Examine the importance and variety of contracts available to musicians and the difference between royalty splits, mechanical royalties, and contract agreements for songwriting, composition, recording and publishing.

• MRA.19.6 — Create an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) that demonstrates creative and technical abilities.

20.0 Music and Recording Arts: Live and Studio Performance

• MRA.20.1 — Practice professional etiquette in various environments including live performance venues and recording studios.

• MRA.20.2 — Identify specific project needs for a live performance or studio session, including scheduling, budgeting, and staff; coordinate logistics to ensure objectives are met.

• MRA.20.3 — Create or analyze a song and/or setlist and determine the flow and length of a show or studio session.

• MRA.20.4 — Rehearse, memorize, refine, and present performance material in studio and live environments.

• MRA.20.5 — Apply different techniques for instrumental and vocal performances, including microphone selection and placement on sound sources.

• MRA.20.6 — Set up, test, and regulate input levels to ensure sound quality during live performances and/or recording sessions.

• MRA.20.7 — Demonstrate an understanding of monitor and main/front of house mixes in studio and live environments.

• MRA.20.8 — Coordinate the load in, set up, and load out of audio equipment and instruments.

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathways

Music and Recording Arts Focus Areas Concentrator Course(s)

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Performance, Music, and Live Events Pathways

Music and Recording Arts Focus Areas Advanced and Capstone Course(s)