Back to Music and Production

National code: CUA60520

Advanced Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition)

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Pursue your dreams and apply your musicality in this hands-on course. This qualification will help guide your identity as a recording artist or music producer and launch your career in one of the world’s most popular creative commercial industries.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Protect original work against unauthorised reproduction at local and international levels

  • Apply your knowledge of music to your own professional practice

  • Research the role and impact of music in other disciplines and build this into your work

  • Advance your composing and arranging skills across a range of music

  • Complete a final mix to create a finished product and release it publically

  • Develop social media engagement to build a fan base

  • Collaborate on projects with other like-minded people

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited Advanced Diploma

  • Specialist skills in music creation and composition

  • A professionally created master for public release

  • A growing social media presence

  • A developed personal brand as a recording artist, producer or both

  • The ability and confidence to collaborate on a range of projects

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • You should have the skills, knowledge and experience equivalent to a Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) as evidenced by a transcript or

  • That you have the music skills and knowledge as evaluated by a teacher-assessed audition or interview. We’ll contact you to discuss requirements of the audition or interview and arrange a suitable time.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Access to a personal computer and software to complete coursework with software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Access to music production software that will depend on the music staff at your TAFE NSW campus

  • Access to a stable internet connection or a TAFE NSW library where you can connect to the internet outside of class hours

  • The ability to attend and travel to live performances and functions outside of class hours, including on evenings and weekends

  • (LLN) skills test at a Year 10 high school level

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.

  • This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: Recording artist, Songwriter, Film composer, Record producer, Executive producer, Beatmaker, Music arranger, Sound designer and DJ

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Advanced Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Advanced Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Advanced Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Advanced Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 Units of competency, including 4 core and 11 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Manage copyright arrangements CUACMP511

  • Assess significance of music and apply knowledge to professional practice CUAMLT512

  • Establish and maintain safe creative practice CUAPPR515

  • Engage in the business of creative practice CUAPPR613

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.