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3003140 | 026996C | CRICOS Provider number 01241G

Bachelor of Contemporary Music

In partnership with Southern Cross University

Prepare for a career in the 21st Century music industry with this advanced course. This qualification will give you skills across a wide range of disciplines within the industry whilst giving you the ability to hone in on a specific area of either performance, songwriting/composition or production. 

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Download Course Brochure
STUDY LOCATIONS Gold Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Annual indicative cost
$7,950
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Course overview

The Bachelor of Contemporary Music prepares you for a portfolio career in music - the multi-faceted career pathway that is now most common for contemporary musicians. Tailor your degree towards your area of interest, whether it's production, performance, songwriting or other professional areas of the music industry.

This degree focuses on a major study area inside the Specialist Studies unit. This unit comprises of a mixture of one-on-one and small group lessons in performance with studio areas of guitar, voice, drums, bass, keys and other instruments, in songwriting / composition, or in studio production.

You will collaborate in ensembles writing, recording, arranging and performing within Creative Music Practice units; you will gain music theory and musical authoring skills within Musicianship units; you will gain a great insight into the music industry from contemporary music history, musicology and industry based units; and you will gain vital information to build your own portfolio music career and be able to build projects around your own areas of interest.

Coomera students will have access to four soundproof rehearsal rooms with a vocal PA and backline gear and a live performance space with a full line array sound system and professional lighting rig. Our main studio is a world-class recording facility with an SSL Duality mixing desk, offering the best in analogue and digital recording.

What can I do?

  • Performer
  • Songwriter
  • Producer
  • Sound Engineer
  • Session Musician
  • Musical Director
  • Music Educator
  • Music Event Promoter
  • Band and Venue Manager
  • Songwriter / Composer
  • Artist and Venue Manager
  • Publicist
  • Mix Engineer
  • Sound Designer

Course outcome:

3003140 Bachelor of Contemporary Music

Hands-on learning environment

As a TAFE Queensland student you'll participate in collaborative music-making activities throughout your degree. An extensive ensemble program includes small and large repertoire-focused groups and student-led project bands. You'll have the opportunity to write, arrange, rehearse, record and perform a wide range of music as well as develop your own creative projects.

Industry-standard facilities

Gain technical and practical skills in live performance, sound production, basic lighting and music production in our modern rehearsal and performance spaces. Move from the live performance space to a recording session in our industry-standard recording studios featuring the latest sound production software including Avid Pro Tools and Reason. 

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 4 elective units. 
Elective/Option Units: 4 equivalent elective units - the below two electives and any two university-wide electives.

If you have completed the below Diploma, you will gain up to a year's credit towards this qualification:

Please note that not all units are offered in each teaching period.

The below study plan is for new students.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1001
    Creative Music Practice I
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1001
    Unit description :
    Introduces students to foundational level skills and knowledge in relation to songwriting, ensemble rehearsal and music performance. Students will rehearse and perform in small ensembles and participate in songwriting practical sessions.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Creative Music Practice I

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1002
    Creative Music Practice II
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1002
    Unit description :
    Builds on the foundational level ensemble skills established in Creative Music Practice I, with a focus on collaborative music-making practices, arrangement, music performance and presentation. Students will create, rehearse and perform in small ensembles and participate in practical sessions covering basic arrangement skills and collaborative creative practices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Creative Music Practice II

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC2005
    Creative Music Practice III
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC2005
    Unit description :
    Develops intermediate-level skills and knowledge in relation to ensemble rehearsal and performance, rhythm section and vocal arranging. Students will rehearse and perform in a small ensemble and participate in practical sessions focused on arrangement techniques. In this unit students have the option of participating in a project ensemble geared towards the students’ own creative or performance goals.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Creative Music Practice III

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC2007
    Creative Music Practice IV
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC2007
    Unit description :
    Strengthens intermediate level skills and knowledge in relation to collaborative music making practices, arrangement, music performance and recording. Students rehearse and record with a small ensemble and participate in practical sessions focused on arranging for strings, horns and electronic sound sources.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Creative Music Practice IV

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC3001
    Creative Music Practice V
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC3001
    Unit description :
    Develops advanced level skills and knowledge in relation to collaborative music making practices, production and performance. Students will collaborate in a small ensemble setting to produce studio recorded tracks and participate in practical sessions focused on expanding production skills and techniques.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Creative Music Practice V

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1012
    Music Craft I
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1012
    Unit description :
    Develops foundational level technical and analytical skills in a specific studio practice area (instrumental/vocal performance, songwriting or production) and introduces students to foundational music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge. Students participate in practical and lab sessions in musicianship and theory and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft I

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1013
    Music Craft II
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1013
    Unit description :
    Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Music Craft I, challenging and developing foundational performance, songwriting or production skills through analysis and critique of repertoire and the application of studio specific techniques. Further develops foundational level music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge (including notation software and digital audio workstation software). Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft II

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1014
    Music Craft III
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1014
    Unit description :
    Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Music Craft II, further developing foundational performance, songwriting or production skills through analysis and critique of repertoire and the application of studio specific techniques. Builds and consolidates foundational music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge. Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft III

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1015
    Music Craft IV
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1015
    Unit description :
    Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Music Craft III, refining foundational performance, songwriting or production skills through analysis and critique of repertoire and the application of studio specific techniques. Refines and integrates foundational level music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge. Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft IV

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC2008
    Music Craft V
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC2008
    Unit description :
    Develops intermediate level technical and analytical skills in a specific studio practice area (instrumental/vocal performance, songwriting or production) and introduces students to intermediate level music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge. Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft V

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC2009
    Music Craft VI
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC2009
    Unit description :
    Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Music Craft V, challenging and developing intermediate level performance, songwriting or production skills through analysis and critique of repertoire and the application of studio specific techniques. Further develops intermediate level music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge (including notation software and digital audio workstation software). Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft VI

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC2010
    Music Craft VII
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC2010
    Unit description :
    Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Music Craft VI, further developing intermediate level performance, songwriting or production skills through analysis and critique of repertoire and the application of studio specific techniques. Builds and consolidates intermediate level music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge. Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft VII

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC2011
    Music Craft VIII
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC2011
    Unit description :
    Builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Music Craft VII, refining intermediate level performance, songwriting or production skills through analysis and critique of repertoire and the application of studio specific techniques. Refines and integrates intermediate level music theory and musicianship skills and knowledge. Students participate in practical and lab sessions and participate in one to one and small group tuition in their chosen studio practice area.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Craft VIII

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1009
    Sounds Styles and Cultures
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1009
    Unit description :
    Explores the fundamental elements involved in the historical development of contemporary music styles and introduces foundation concepts of musicology and ethnomusicology. Students will participate in weekly tutorials and workshops and engage with a range of musical cultures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Sounds Styles and Cultures

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1008
    Music Industry Landscapes
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1008
    Unit description :
    Provides an overview of the changing nature of work within the global music Industry. Students participate in weekly workshops and practical sessions that build foundational knowledge in relation to the historical origins of the music industry, relevant business and legal frameworks and the impact of technology on music promotion and distribution.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Industry Landscapes

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC3008
    The Portfolio Career Musician
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC3008
    Unit description :
    Interrogates the portfolio career model for contemporary musicians. Students examine case studies of career pathways, theoretical underpinnings and provides an opportunity for students to develop strategies for the transition into their preferred career area. This is an advanced level core capstone unit for students completing the Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree.
  • UNIT NAME
  • The Portfolio Career Musician

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC3010
    Oceans of Sound
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC3010
    Unit description :
    Provides students with a range of historical, cross-cultural and indigenous perspectives relating to global music cultures and related industries. This unit examines the roles of music within different societies and promotes an understanding of the dynamics of global musical cultures through the development of research frameworks for cross-cultural musical comparisons.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Oceans of Sound

  • UNIT CODE
  • MUSC1010
    Music Second Study
    UNIT CODE :
    MUSC1010
    Unit description :
    Provides small group tuition aiming to build on students' existing skills in guitar, keyboard, production or singing performance/presentation techniques; or to provide introductory performance/presentation skills in the specific studio areas. The study is sequenced according to the requirements and abilities of individual students, and the demands of the instrument, the voice or production aspects.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Music Second Study

  • UNIT CODE
  • COMM3004
    Independent Project
    UNIT CODE :
    COMM3004
    Unit description :
    Provides students with an opportunity to pursue in depth a topic of particular interest to them arising from theoretical or practical issues raised in earlier units of the Major being undertaken within their Bachelor degree. A supervisor chosen from their field of study will review progress towards a major project. Research/creative projects will be closely supervised by an interdisciplinary team chosen from the School and can be undertaken independently or as a group activity.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Independent Project

  • UNIT CODE
  • CRTV1002
    Create: Innovate: Change
    UNIT CODE :
    CRTV1002
    Unit description :
    Introduces students to six important skills needed for contemporary society: innovative problem solving; creativity; analytic thinking; collaboration; effective communication and ethics (action and accountability). By utilising curiosity and engagement, this unit introduces students to the concepts and practices of creative and innovative thinking through collaboration and problem solving. This unit will unpack the skills and strategies needed, through collaboration and co-design with other students, to solve real-world problems in innovative and creative ways. These methods and fluencies include a range of conceptual approaches, as well as communication strategies, to explore and reconsider the context in which we learn, work and create change.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Create: Innovate: Change

Ways to study

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Bachelor of Contemporary Music (3003140)

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Bachelor of Contemporary Music

COURSE CODE: 3003140
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.

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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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HECS help

HECS‑HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for eligible students studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place, that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf.

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Important Information

Read this before applying

Selection criteria

Domestic students
ATAR 60

International students
English language IELTS
Overall score 6.0
Listening score minimum of 5.5
Reading score minimum of 5.5
Speaking score minimum of 5.5
Writing score minimum of 5.5

Second year entry requirements for this qualification are:
Completion of a relevant Diploma including:

These qualifications award a full year's credit towards this degree.

For additional information about the admissions criteria for Southern Cross University and for this course, refer to the Southern Cross University website.

Please note that you will be required to complete an audition / interview. For more information, please refer to Important application information for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music on the Southern Cross University website.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet to access the Southern Cross University online learning system Blackboard Learn, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for students to use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You may be required to purchase, or have access to recommended text books, which are listed under "Prescribed Texts" for each unit.

Placement

You have the opportunity to undertake professional placements at major local festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and with music organisations and businesses.

Need to know

This qualification is delivered in partnership with Southern Cross University. Please see the below links from Southern Cross University for further advice regarding student policies, procedures and any additional course information.

International important information

CRICOS Provider: 01241G
CRICOS Course Code 026996C

 

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.

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.

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.

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