Bachelor of Contemporary Music
At a glance
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.
JOB PROSPECTS
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete six (6) units from Part B (including at least 2 advanced level units) and 4 elective units; or one ten (10) unit Recommended Stream from Part C:
- Performance (audition stream)
- Performance (non-audition stream)
- Songwriting/Composition (audition stream)
- Songwriting/Composition (non-audition stream)
- Sound Production (audition stream)
- Sound Production (non-audition stream)
- Music Education
For list of units in Part B and Part C refer to the Southern Cross University website.
If you have completed the below Diploma, you will gain up to a year's credit towards this qualification:
- CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Performance
- CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Sound Production
Please note that not all units are offered in each teaching period.
The below study plan is for new students.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Option A - Session 1 (2021) | ||
| MUSC1001 |
Creative Music Practice I | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1003 |
Musicianship I | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| CRTV1002 |
Create: Innovate: Change | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1005 |
Specialist Studies I | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option A - Session 2 (2021) | ||
| MUSC1002 |
Creative Music Practice II | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1004 |
Musicianship II | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1008 |
Music Industry Landscapes | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1006 |
Specialist Studies II | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option A - Session 1 (2022) | ||
| MUSC2005 |
Creative Music Practice III | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC2002 |
Musicianship III | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC2003 |
Specialist Studies III | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option A - Session 2 (2022) | ||
| MUSC2007 |
Creative Music Practice IV | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3004 |
Musicianship IV | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC2004 |
Specialist Studies IV | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option A - Session 1 (2023) | ||
| MUS3001 |
Creative Music Practice V | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3007 |
Studies in Western Art Music | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1009 |
Sounds Styles and Cultures | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option A - Session 2 (2023) | ||
| COMM3004 |
Independent Project | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3010 |
Oceans of Sound | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3008 |
The Portfolio Career Musician | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option B - Session 1 (2021) | ||
| MUSC1001 |
Creative Music Practice I | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1003 |
Musicianship I | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| CRTV1002 |
Create: Innovate: Change | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1005 |
Specialist Studies I | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option B - Session 2 (2021) | ||
| MUSC1002 |
Creative Music Practice II | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1004 |
Musicianship II | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1008 |
Music Industry Landscapes | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1006 |
Specialist Studies II | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option B - Session 1 (2022) | ||
| MUSC2005 |
Creative Music Practice III | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC2002 |
Musicianship III | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC1009 |
Sounds Styles and Cultures | Level 1 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC2003 |
Specialist Studies III | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option B - Session 2 (2022) | ||
| MUSC2007 |
Creative Music Practice IV | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3004 |
Musicianship IV | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3010 |
Oceans of Sound | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC2004 |
Specialist Studies IV | Level 2 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option B - Session 1 (2023) | ||
| MUS3001 |
Creative Music Practice V | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3007 |
Studies in Western Art Music | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| Option B - Session 2 (2023) | ||
| COMM3004 |
Independent Project | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| MUSC3008 |
The Portfolio Career Musician | Level 3 - Credit Points: 12 |
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Elective Units: Option A - Session 1/2 (2022) | ||
| EL1 |
1st shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| EL2 |
2nd shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| Elective Units: Option A - Session 1/2 (2023) | ||
| EL3 |
3rd shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| EL4 |
4th shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| Elective Units: Option B - Session 1 (2023) | ||
| EL1 |
1st shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| EL2 |
2nd shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| Elective Units: Option B - Session 2 (2023) | ||
| EL3 |
3rd shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
| EL4 |
4th shared minor or open elective unit | Credit Points: 12 |
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.
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.
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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Selection criteria
Domestic students
ATAR / OP 60 / 15
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:
- CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Performance
- CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Sound Production
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 