Bachelor of Contemporary Music
At a glance
Prepare for a career in the 21st Century music industry with this advanced course. This qualification will allow you to launch your career as a performer, songwriter, producer, sound engineer, educator, session musician, musical director, promoter or venue manager.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Performer
- Songwriter
- Producer
- Sound Engineer
- Session Musician
- Musical Director
- Music Educator
- Music Event Promoter
- Band and Venue Manager
COURSE OUTCOME
3003140 Bachelor of Contemporary Music
Course overview
Prepare for a career in the 21st Century music industry with this advanced course. This qualification will set you up for a musical career on stage or behind the scenes promoting artists, staging concerts and tours, or working behind the production desk.
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 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.
Guided by lecturers who are successful musicians with strong industry connections, this course will open the door to a career as a performer, songwriter, producer, sound engineer, educator, session musician, musical director, promoter or venue manager.
There are a number of streams you can choose from within this degree:
- 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
Performance, songwriting/composition and sound production audition streams
These audition streams are for students with high-level abilities and offer you the opportunity to work closely with staff to hone your skills in a specialist area. These streams include extensive one-on-one and/or small group tuition and consultations between students and teachers.
Students who achieve at a high level in a non-audition stream can transfer into the audition stream in second year.
Sound production non-audition stream
This stream will develop your skills in live recording and sound engineering. You'll get to work closely with performers and songwriters in both live and recording environments.
Music education stream
Completing this stream will prepare you to apply for a graduate education course to become a secondary school music teacher. The course structure also enables you to pick up a second teaching area by taking elective units in another specialist area.
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.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | ||
| MUS71005 |
Creative Music Practice I | Part A |
| MUS71006 |
Creative Music Practice II | Part A |
| MUS71001 |
Musicianship I | Part A |
| MUS71002 |
Musicianship II | Part A |
| MUS10509 |
Sounds, Styles and Cultures | Part A |
| MUS10506 |
Music Industry Landscapes | Part A |
| Intermediate | ||
| MUS72010 |
Creative Music Practice III | Part A |
| MUS72011 |
Creative Music Practice IV | Part A |
| MUS72003 |
Musicianship III | Part A |
| MUS72004 |
Musicianship IV | Part A |
| Advanced | ||
| MUS73015 |
Creative Music Practice V | Part A |
| MUS73016 |
Creative Music Practice VI | Part A |
| MUS73005 |
Musicianship V Advanced | Part A |
| MUS73001 |
The Portfolio Career Musician | Part A |
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 is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. 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
Diploma of Music Performance/Bachelor of Contemporary Music
Complete the Diploma and enter into the 2nd year of the degree
Students wishing to be considered for the performance or songwriting/composition audition streams must complete the audition process prior to entry into the course.
Bachelor of Contemporary Music (3 years)
Students wishing to be considered for the performance or songwriting/composition audition streams must complete the audition process prior to entry into the course.
For additional information about the admissions criteria for Southern Cross University and for this course, refer the Southern Cross University website.
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 