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CUA50825
Perform, record and mix your own music with this advanced qualification in music performance and sound production.
Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more
There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more
This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.
This diploma covers both sides of making music: playing it and producing it. You'll develop your instrument or voice, and write and perform your own material and build your theory and aural skills. You'll also record, edit and mix in our studios and run live sound for gigs and events.
Our campus has pro quality recording studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces equipped with guitar amplifiers, keyboards, drum kits, PA systems, microphones and industry-standard recording software. Along the way you'll learn the business skills to work as a freelancer in the creative industries, from protecting your work through copyright to looking after your wellbeing.
Our teaching team are professional musicians, producers and engineers, currently engaged in industry with some of Australia’s biggest artists. They'll give you one-on-one guidance on your playing, your recordings and your next steps in the industry.
Australia's music industry is growing. Contemporary music concerts earned $1.8 billion in ticket sales in 2024, up 21.8% on the year before, with 14 million tickets sold (Live Performance Australia). Recorded music grew for a seventh straight year in 2025, to $727 million (ARIA), and APRA AMCOS, which pays songwriters and composers, reported a record $787.9 million in revenue for 2024–25. Musicians who can perform, record and run their own shows can take on a wider range of that work.
Whether you are a performer looking to improve your production skills whilst continuing to develop your live show, or a producer looking to develop musical skills to add to your repertoire, this course will help you develop practical and employable skills in a range of areas.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a performer, music producer, live sound engineer or studio engineer.
The diploma is the perfect foundation for progression into the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Contemporary Music Practice) offered by TAFE Queensland in partnership with the University of Canberra, and successful completion of the diploma can streamline your higher education pathway with potential direct entry and university credit for your diploma studies.
CUA50825 Diploma of Music
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 at our South Bank campus in partnership with the University of Canberra.
From Q Music award winners to Aria chart toppers and successful touring musicians, our hall of fame is forever growing. With a combination of state-of-the-art studios, and teachers with strong industry connections, our students are equipped with the know-how to get their big break.
Our facilities are more than just classrooms. Students have access to rehearsal rooms and performance spaces equipped with guitar amplifiers, keyboards and drum kits. Our studios have world-class recording facilities featuring industry standard software, hardware and microphones. Learn more
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 12 elective units from the list below.
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
View comparison chart
| START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CoomeraOn campus with some online |
27 Jan 2027
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1 year
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Full time up to 3 days per week
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START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
27 Jan 2027
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 up to 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Self-paced
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.
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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.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Learn moreThis may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Learn moreYou will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.
The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.
If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.
Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.
Read the Skills Check FAQs.
Enrolment Conditions apply for students under 18 years of age.
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:
Please note: The purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $250.
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.
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
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.
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. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, 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.
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.
