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CUA50820 | CRICOS: 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.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Far North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 08 Jul 2024 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession
$12,260
Subsidised
$13,425
Full Fee
$17,345
International
$18,400
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.

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

  • 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
  • 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
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 4 days per week
  • Concession: $12,260
  • Subsidised: $13,425
  • Full fee: $17,345
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. 

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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

Workload

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

Full time 4 days per week

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,260
  • Subsidised: $13,425
  • Full fee: $17,345
Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled

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

VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No

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

ASSESSMENT

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

On-Campus

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

TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Coomera
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • Concession: $12,260
  • Subsidised: $13,425
  • Full fee: $17,345
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. 

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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

Workload

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

Full time 3 days per week

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,260
  • Subsidised: $13,425
  • Full fee: $17,345
Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled

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

VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No

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

ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus

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

TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 4 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
  • Concession: $12,260
  • Subsidised: $13,425
  • Full fee: $17,345
demo

Cairns

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. 

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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

Workload

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

Full time 4 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,260
  • Subsidised: $13,425
  • Full fee: $17,345
Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled

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

VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No

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

ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus

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

TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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

  • 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
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 4 days per week
  • International: $18,400
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. 

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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

Workload

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

Full time 4 days per week

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $18,400
Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled

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

VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No

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

ASSESSMENT

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

On-Campus

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

TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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

South Bank
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 4 days per week
  • International: $18,400
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

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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

Workload

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

Full time 4 days per week

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $18,400
Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled

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

VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No

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

ASSESSMENT

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

On-Campus

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

TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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

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: $18,400
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

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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

Workload

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

Full time 3 days per week

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $18,400
Class format

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

Teacher-led, Scheduled

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

VIRTUAL CLASS

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

No

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

ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus

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

TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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

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:

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

  • 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