Valence band structures of TiN and TiC have been calculated by the cluster method. A chemically complete cluster (X = N or C) is used to improve termination of the cluster and electroneutrality of the Ti-N and Ti-C stoichiometric pairs. Density of states for the valence band, theoretical Ti , Ti K and X K x-ray emission spectra for TiN and TiC are presented and are in good agreement with the experimental ones. Interaction between the metal and non-metal atoms is discussed. Experimental Ti x-ray emission spectra for TiN and TiC have also been obtained in the present work, using monochromatized synchrotron radiation.