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CUA50820 | CRICOS: 107861K

Diploma of Music

Sound Production

Kick start your career in the music industry with this advanced qualification in live sound and studio production.  This course will provide you with opportunities to develop your skills in live sound concert production, studio recording and mixing techniques. 

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$12,770
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$13,985
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$18,050
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$21,000
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in the music industry with this advanced qualification in live sound and studio production.  This course will provide you with opportunities to develop your skills in live sound concert production, studio recording and mixing techniques.  You will have access to a live production venue, recording studios and industry standard software to develop your craft.  You will network with like-minded sound production and music students to forge your future career.

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 will hone your skills in live sound production installation and mixing, studio recording, editing and mixing as well as sound design, lighting and the business of working in creative industries. 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 live sound engineer or recording engineer. It will also give you the foundation knowledge needed to undertake further training in the field.

What can I do?

  • Studio Engineer
  • Stage Manager
  • Producer
  • Live Sound Engineer

Course outcome:

CUA50820 Diploma of Music

Industry Partnership with The Princess Theatre

An industry partnership has been established between the music team at TAFE Qld’s Southbank campus and The Princess Theatre, one of Brisbane’s oldest theatres and currently a vibrant live music venue. This unique partnership offers Diploma of Music Sound Production students the opportunity to experience training in a venue using current industry equipment. Sound production students undertake a series of training workshops with the Princess Theatre’s in-house technicians in both sound and lighting, resulting in the production of end of year public events featuring Diploma of Music Performance students. Students receive training in venue set up, stage management, and further develop their live mixing skills.

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.

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
  • 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
  • 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

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 4 days per week
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,985

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,050

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 4 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,985

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,050

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,985

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,050

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Coomera

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,985

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,050

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 4 days per week
  • International: $21,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 4 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $21,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $21,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Coomera

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $21,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Coomera
On campus with some online
14 Jul 2025
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $21,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Coomera

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $21,000

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Diploma of Music (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.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $18,097 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more
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.
Learn more

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:

  • School leavers must have completed Year 12 or equivalent
  • Non school-leavers are selected according to eligibility and merit, vocational experience, previous study and personal competencies.
  • If you’re under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions may apply.

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

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests 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. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

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 are available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

  • Portable external hard drive (1TB minimum)
  • Headphone with 6.5mm adaptor (Bluetooth Headphones are unsuitable)
  • Personal stationery

Please note: The purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $250

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

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.
Learn more

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