At a glance
Enrich your career in the music industry with this advanced-level qualification. You'll get the specialised skills needed to become a performer or composer.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Music Industry Professional
- Composer for Film or TV
- Musician and Vocalist
COURSE OUTCOME
CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry
Course overview
Get your break in the music industry sooner with this advanced level qualification. This course will give you access to industry-standard studios and the foundation skills needed to operate equipment and software.
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 available mean this is an exciting industry to be a part of.
You will get specialised skills in composition techniques; developing and maintaining stage craft; performing as a part of a group; preparing a program for performance; and providing freelance services. 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 the field.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding, meaning it could be $144 for eligible school-leavers, young people and job seekers looking to develop new skills. Training is proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland and jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. Learn more >
Students in the Greater Brisbane area wishing to continue their studies can take advantage of our partnership with the University of Canberra. Successful completion of your diploma will automatically qualify you for a provisional place in the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Contemporary Music Practice) with up to one year of credit.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 12 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| CUAMCP401 |
Develop techniques for arranging music | |
| CUAMCP402 |
Develop techniques for composing music | |
| CUAMLT401 |
Notate music for performance | |
| CUAMLT403 |
Develop skills in analysis of functional harmony | |
| CUAMPF402 |
Develop and maintain stagecraft skills | |
| CUAMPF404 |
Perform music as part of a group | |
| CUAMPF405 |
Develop instrumental techniques | |
| CUAMPF501 |
Prepare a program for performance | |
| CUAMPF505 |
Develop technical skills and expand repertoire | |
| CUAMPF507 |
Provide musical leadership in performance | |
| CUASOU504 |
Produce sound recordings | |
| CUAWRT503 |
Write about music | |
| Greater Brisbane | ||
| CUAMCP401 |
Develop techniques for arranging music | |
| CUAMCP402 |
Develop techniques for composing music | |
| CUAMCP501 |
Compose music using electronic media | |
| CUAMLT401 |
Notate music for performance | |
| CUAMLT403 |
Develop skills in analysis of functional harmony | |
| CUAMPF402 |
Develop and maintain stagecraft skills | |
| CUAMPF404 |
Perform music as part of a group | |
| CUAMPF405 |
Develop instrumental techniques | |
| CUAMPF501 |
Prepare a program for performance | |
| CUAMPF505 |
Develop technical skills and expand repertoire | |
| CUAMPF507 |
Provide musical leadership in performance | |
| CUASOU409 |
Mix recorded music | |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| CUAMCP401 |
Develop techniques for arranging music | |
| CUAMCP402 |
Develop techniques for composing music | |
| CUAMLT401 |
Notate music for performance | |
| CUAMLT403 |
Develop skills in analysis of functional harmony | |
| CUAMLT501 |
Refine aural perception skills | |
| CUAMPF402 |
Develop and maintain stagecraft skills | |
| CUAMPF404 |
Perform music as part of a group | |
| CUAMPF405 |
Develop instrumental techniques | |
| CUAMPF410 |
Perform music from written notation | |
| CUAMPF501 |
Prepare a program for performance | |
| CUAMPF505 |
Develop technical skills and expand repertoire | |
| CUAMPF507 |
Provide musical leadership in performance | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| BSBADV507 |
Develop a media plan | |
| CUAMCP401 |
Develop techniques for arranging music | |
| CUAMCP402 |
Develop techniques for composing music | |
| CUAMCP501 |
Compose music using electronic media | |
| CUAMLT401 |
Notate music for performance | |
| CUAMLT403 |
Develop skills in analysis of functional harmony | |
| CUAMPF402 |
Develop and maintain stagecraft skills | |
| CUAMPF404 |
Perform music as part of a group | |
| CUAMPF501 |
Prepare a program for performance | |
| CUAMPF507 |
Provide musical leadership in performance | |
| CUASOU401 |
Mix live audio | |
| CUASOU409 |
Mix recorded music | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
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.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
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.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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
Payment options
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.
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.
Vet Student Loan - $16,077 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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union 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
Important Information
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:
You will be required to submit an audition electronically, performing two pieces with your chosen instrument or vocals which showcase a variety of skills and musical expertise. These pieces may be original music or covers and backing tracks may be used (minus the auditioned instrument or vocal line).
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 an audition electronically, performing two pieces with your chosen instrument or vocals which showcase a variety of skills and musical expertise. These pieces may be original music or covers and backing tracks may be used (minus the auditioned instrument or vocal line).
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
A recommended reading list and/or required textbooks will be provided after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs up to the value of $55, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You will also require access to personal stationery and an exteral hardrive (1TB), which may also incur additional costs of approximately $100.00
Please note: you must bring your own portable instruments such as guitars, strings, keyboards, percussion etc.
Need to know
Replacement Qualification
This qualification has been replaced by CUA50820- Diploma of Music, as of 14 April 2021. Please note: a transition period of 12 months applies to enable current students to complete their study.
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.
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.
How to apply
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.
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
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 