CUA50820 | 107861K

Diploma of Music

Performance

Get your big break into the music industry with this advanced qualification. Develop the specialised skills needed to be an outstanding performer or composer.

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NEXT INTAKE On campus: South Bank Start date: 10 Jul 2023 Duration: 1 year

STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Far North Queensland

WAYS TO STUDY On campus International

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Fee-Free TAFE

Concession

$11,635

Subsidised

$12,385

Full Fee

$16,515

International

$17,400

Eligibility Calculator

Course overview

Get your big break into the music industry with this advanced qualification. Develop the specialised skills needed to be an outstanding performer or composer. This course will provide opportunities for you to perform and develop your stagecraft, access to studios and software to develop your songwriting and recording skills, and will also give you access to a network of other like-minded music and sound production students so that you can recruit your success team to enter the music industry.

The creative arts industry plays an important role in Australia's economy. According to the Australian Government's MySkills service, it contributes over $10 billion to the our economy and employs nearly 100,000 people. The emergence of new technologies and wide range of job prospects mean this is an exciting industry to be a part of.

In this course you'll hone your skills in stage performance, songwriting and recording. Our highly experienced and passionate teaching team have years of industry experience and will give you one-on-one guidance to prepare you for a career in the music industry.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a music industry professional, performer, or composer. It will also give you the foundation knowledge needed to undertake further training in this field.

What can I do?

Music Industry Professional
Vocalist
Musician

Course outcome:

CUA50820 Diploma of Music

Pathways to university

With our diploma-to-degree pathways you can jump straight into the second year of a related bachelor’s degree at some of Australia's top universities. This diploma will also give you one year of credit and a provisional place in the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Contemporary Music Practice) delivered in Brisbane in partnership with the University of Canberra or the Bachelor of Contemporary Music delivered on the Gold Coast in partnership with Southern Cross University.

Fee-Free TAFE

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What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 12 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CUAIND512

Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge

UNIT CODE :
CUAIND512

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain creative arts industry knowledge and monitor and manage own professional practice. This includes applying industry knowledge to research-based work activities, when interacting with others, and when engaging in professional practice in the music industry.
UNIT NAME
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge

UNIT CODE
CUAMWB401

Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries

UNIT CODE :
CUAMWB401

Unit description :
This unit describes skills and knowledge required to identify, select and use a range of self-care strategies to support sustainability of own practice and actively implement mental wellbeing and self-care in the creative industries. This includes implementing preventative techniques and evaluating their success against an individualised self-care plan.
UNIT NAME
Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries

UNIT CODE
CUAIND412

Provide freelance services

UNIT CODE :
CUAIND412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry. This includes promoting self to potential clients, negotiating work arrangements, managing financial and business aspects of services, and undertaking strategic planning.
UNIT NAME
Provide freelance services

UNIT CODE
CUACMP511

Manage copyright arrangements

UNIT CODE :
CUACMP511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, manage and apply individual or collaborative copyright arrangements for original works.
UNIT NAME
Manage copyright arrangements

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

Greater Brisbane

Greater Brisbane

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP411

Develop techniques for arranging music

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rework an existing composition into a different instrumental or vocal grouping to produce a musically distinctive sound, according to an arrangement brief.
UNIT NAME
Develop techniques for arranging music

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP412

Compose musical pieces

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply imagination and perception skills to compose a range of musical pieces.
UNIT NAME
Compose musical pieces

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP511

Compose music using music technology

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to generate ideas for and compose a range of musical pieces using music technology, music equipment and software.
UNIT NAME
Compose music using music technology

UNIT CODE
CUAMLT411

Notate music for performance

UNIT CODE :
CUAMLT411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse, notate and edit songs and musical pieces to the standard required by musicians and vocalists during live performances.
UNIT NAME
Notate music for performance

UNIT CODE
CUAMLT413

Analyse basic harmony functions

UNIT CODE :
CUAMLT413

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and analyse basic harmony functions.
UNIT NAME
Analyse basic harmony functions

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF412

Develop and apply stagecraft skills

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a range of stagecraft skills during performances.
UNIT NAME
Develop and apply stagecraft skills

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF415

Develop and apply instrumental techniques

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF415

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop instrumental techniques and apply them when performing a range of repertoire.
UNIT NAME
Develop and apply instrumental techniques

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF511

Develop programs for performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop programs for performances, including planning, analysing and developing the interpretation of program plans.
UNIT NAME
Develop programs for performances

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF512

Use interactive technology in performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF512

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use music technology as a creative tool in performances.
UNIT NAME
Use interactive technology in performances

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF515

Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF515

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine instrumental techniques and expand the range of practical performance repertoire.
UNIT NAME
Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF517

Provide musical leadership in performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF517

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use knowledge of music techniques to lead a group in ensemble or other musical performance.
UNIT NAME
Provide musical leadership in performances

UNIT CODE
CUASOU419

Mix recorded music

UNIT CODE :
CUASOU419

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix music that has been recorded live or in a studio. It involves using sound editing equipment and associated software to balance instruments, vocals, and recorded or imported sounds.
UNIT NAME
Mix recorded music

Gold Coast

Gold Coast

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP411

Develop techniques for arranging music

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rework an existing composition into a different instrumental or vocal grouping to produce a musically distinctive sound, according to an arrangement brief.
UNIT NAME
Develop techniques for arranging music

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP412

Compose musical pieces

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply imagination and perception skills to compose a range of musical pieces.
UNIT NAME
Compose musical pieces

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP511

Compose music using music technology

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to generate ideas for and compose a range of musical pieces using music technology, music equipment and software.
UNIT NAME
Compose music using music technology

UNIT CODE
CUAMLT411

Notate music for performance

UNIT CODE :
CUAMLT411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse, notate and edit songs and musical pieces to the standard required by musicians and vocalists during live performances.
UNIT NAME
Notate music for performance

UNIT CODE
CUAMLT413

Analyse basic harmony functions

UNIT CODE :
CUAMLT413

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and analyse basic harmony functions.
UNIT NAME
Analyse basic harmony functions

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF412

Develop and apply stagecraft skills

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a range of stagecraft skills during performances.
UNIT NAME
Develop and apply stagecraft skills

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF511

Develop programs for performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop programs for performances, including planning, analysing and developing the interpretation of program plans.
UNIT NAME
Develop programs for performances

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF512

Use interactive technology in performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF512

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use music technology as a creative tool in performances.
UNIT NAME
Use interactive technology in performances

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF515

Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF515

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine instrumental techniques and expand the range of practical performance repertoire.
UNIT NAME
Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF517

Provide musical leadership in performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF517

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use knowledge of music techniques to lead a group in ensemble or other musical performance.
UNIT NAME
Provide musical leadership in performances

UNIT CODE
CUASOU419

Mix recorded music

UNIT CODE :
CUASOU419

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix music that has been recorded live or in a studio. It involves using sound editing equipment and associated software to balance instruments, vocals, and recorded or imported sounds.
UNIT NAME
Mix recorded music

UNIT CODE
CUASOU421

Mix audio for live productions

UNIT CODE :
CUASOU421

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live productions, such as shows and performances, in the music, screen, media, entertainment and events industries. This involves being a part of pre and post production operations, including checking and preparing audio equipment for live mixing, and dissembling equipment post-production.
UNIT NAME
Mix audio for live productions

North and Far North Queensland

North and Far North Queensland

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP411

Develop techniques for arranging music

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rework an existing composition into a different instrumental or vocal grouping to produce a musically distinctive sound, according to an arrangement brief.
UNIT NAME
Develop techniques for arranging music

UNIT CODE
CUAMCP412

Compose musical pieces

UNIT CODE :
CUAMCP412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply imagination and perception skills to compose a range of musical pieces.
UNIT NAME
Compose musical pieces

UNIT CODE
CUAMLT411

Notate music for performance

UNIT CODE :
CUAMLT411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse, notate and edit songs and musical pieces to the standard required by musicians and vocalists during live performances.
UNIT NAME
Notate music for performance

UNIT CODE
CUAMLT413

Analyse basic harmony functions

UNIT CODE :
CUAMLT413

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and analyse basic harmony functions.
UNIT NAME
Analyse basic harmony functions

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF412

Develop and apply stagecraft skills

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF412

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a range of stagecraft skills during performances.
UNIT NAME
Develop and apply stagecraft skills

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF415

Develop and apply instrumental techniques

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF415

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop instrumental techniques and apply them when performing a range of repertoire.
UNIT NAME
Develop and apply instrumental techniques

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF511

Develop programs for performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop programs for performances, including planning, analysing and developing the interpretation of program plans.
UNIT NAME
Develop programs for performances

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF514

Perform improvisation for audiences

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF514

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform improvisation for an audience as part of an ensemble.
UNIT NAME
Perform improvisation for audiences

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF515

Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF515

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine instrumental techniques and expand the range of practical performance repertoire.
UNIT NAME
Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire

UNIT CODE
CUAMPF517

Provide musical leadership in performances

UNIT CODE :
CUAMPF517

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use knowledge of music techniques to lead a group in ensemble or other musical performance.
UNIT NAME
Provide musical leadership in performances

UNIT CODE
CUASOU504

Produce sound recordings

UNIT CODE :
CUASOU504

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, organise and produce audio recordings.
UNIT NAME
Produce sound recordings

UNIT CODE
CUAWRT503

Write about music

UNIT CODE :
CUAWRT503

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to write music related material in response to a writing brief.
UNIT NAME
Write about music

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Show courses from

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	10 Jul 2023	1 year	Full time 4 days per week	Classroom	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply
South Bank	22 Jan 2024	1 year	Full time 4 days per week	Classroom	Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera	10 Jul 2023	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Mixed mode	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns	10 Jul 2023	1 year	Full time 4 days per week (Part time option available) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	Mixed mode	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	22 Jan 2024	1 year	Full time 4 days per week	Classroom	International: $17,400 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera	22 Jan 2024	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Mixed mode	International: $17,400 Apply

Show courses from

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	10 Jul 2023	1 year	Full time 4 days per week	Classroom	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply
South Bank	22 Jan 2024	1 year	Full time 4 days per week	Classroom	Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera	10 Jul 2023	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Mixed mode	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns	10 Jul 2023	1 year	Full time 4 days per week (Part time option available) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	Mixed mode	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Concession: $11,635 Subsidised: $12,385 Full fee: $16,515 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	22 Jan 2024	1 year	Full time 4 days per week	Classroom	International: $17,400 Apply

CAMPUS	START DATES	DURATION	WORKLOAD	STUDY MODE	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera	22 Jan 2024	1 year	Full time 3 days per week	Mixed mode	International: $17,400 Apply

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Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.

No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.

As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.

You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.

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Diploma of Music (CUA50820)

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Diploma of Music

COURSE CODE: CUA50820

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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VET Student Loan - $16,788 cap

This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

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International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
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Important Information

Read this before applying

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to domestic students:

This course requires you to perform as a member of a group in front of an audience. All applicants will be required to complete an audition and written application. You are required to perform two 1 min pieces with your chosen instrument or vocals in a contemporary/popular music genre. The pieces may be original songs or covers, and you may use your own backing tracks to accompany you. Classical music, musical theatre and jazz standards are not covered in this course so are not recommended. Further instructions will be provided.

Further to the above, it is recommended that you also meet one of the following requirements:

successful completion of at least Year 12, Certificate IV or equivalent; or
be of mature-age

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - view a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. view more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

You will be required to submit a videoed audition, performing two pieces with your chosen instrument or vocals in a contemporary/popular music genre. The pieces may be original songs or covers, and you may use your own backing tracks to accompany you. Classical music, musical theatre and jazz standards are not covered in this course so are not recommended. Applicants are also required to submit a written application outlining their musical experience.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also require access to personal stationery, an external hard drive (1TB) and headphones, which may also incur additional costs of approximately $200.00.

Please note: You must bring the following instruments if you intend to use them.

Guitar and accessories
Drum sticks

Assessment Methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to Apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
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Course Disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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Diploma of Music

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Stage Manager
Producer
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Full Time : 1 year

Next Start : 17 Apr 2023

Advanced Diploma of Music

Performance

Take control of your career and gain the elevated skills you need to thrive in the music industry. Develop the advanced knowledge and specialised creative skills required to work as a vocalist/singer, music producer, session musician, music arranger or sound engineer.

Careers

Sound Engineer
Music Arranger
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Session Musician
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Next Start : 10 Jul 2023

Certificate III in Music

Start your career in music with this entry-level course that will help you get your big break as a musician or assistant music manager.

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Next Start : 10 Jul 2023

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Diploma of Music

Performance

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Pathways to university

Fee-Free TAFE

Core units

Elective Units

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Diploma of Music

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $16,788 cap

International student payment

Important Information

Read this before applying

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Resources required

Assessment Methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to Apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

For International students

Course Disclaimer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related Courses

Diploma of Music

Careers

Advanced Diploma of Music

Careers

Certificate III in Music

Careers