Alexander finds his voice and his future with TAFE Queensland

That changed after a single performance assessment in Year 10 at McAuley College, Beaudesert.

“I didn’t plan on starting a music career until my music teacher recruited me for the school rock band when I was in Year 10,” Alexander said.

As his musical interest and confidence grew, Alexander sought a way to develop his skills further while completing his senior studies.

He chose to enrol in TAFE Queensland’s Certificate II in Music (CUA20620-MUSIC), drawn by its accessibility and practical focus.

“I chose to study at TAFE because it is easily accessible and allowed me to progress my music career,” he said.

Offered through the TAFE at School program, the course allowed Alexander to gain credit toward his Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), receive guaranteed entry into a diploma at TAFE Queensland, and build real-world skills sooner.

His music studies proved to be a turning point, providing him with direction at a crucial stage of his education while also offering industry-relevant training that complemented his school studies.

“My certificate studies helped bolster my music career by serving as an addition to my resume, showing that I’ve acquired appropriate knowledge and experience for the music industry.”

Alexander says the quality of teaching and supportive learning environment played a major role in his development as a performer.

Learning from industry experts in state-of-the-art facilities, including recording in a professional music studio at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus, helped him build both technical skills and confidence.

“The teaching felt like a mix of informal and formal, and all my classmates were friendly,” he said.

That confidence soon translated beyond the classroom. While studying at TAFE, Alexander was accepted into the SHEP Gala Concert program as a vocal tenor and has since been invited back to perform at the Senior Years SHEP Gala 2025 at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.

“Joining TAFE thrust me into meeting new people, and allowed me to practice ways to make friends, even if they’re not in my class,” he said.

Alexander also had the opportunity to perform for the wider community, appearing at Australia Day celebrations and Christmas Carols in the Park with Scenic Rim Council.

“I feel honoured being invited to perform and be granted the chance to appeal to the audience, with reverence and relevance to the event,” he said.

In recognition of his growing contribution to music and culture, Alexander was awarded the Cultural Shield Award 2025 by McAuley College - an achievement that came as a complete surprise.

“It felt like a sucker punch - I never would have guessed that I’d worm my way into the music world, yet there I was on the podium shaking hands and receiving awards,” he said.

Looking back, Alexander believes his TAFE Queensland studies played a significant role in shaping not only his musical ability but also his confidence and outlook.

“Studying music has granted me insights into the cultural world and given me far too many opportunities to meet and befriend people from different backgrounds and spaces.”

Alexander has since returned to TAFE Queensland to begin a Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC), showing how TAFE’s pathways can support students as their interests and career goals evolve.

Studying under TAFE Queensland’s Fee-Free TAFE initiative made his decision to enrol even easier, with the cost barrier to study removed, allowing him to focus entirely on his new path.

While his studies have taken a new direction, music remains an integral part of who he is. For students considering pursuing their passion through TAFE Queensland, Alexander’s advice is clear.

“It’s accessible and worth it, and attending weekly TAFE classes was something that I looked forward to. I’ve made friends, and the learning process was simple and linear - very comprehensible, even to newcomers,” concluded Alexander.