Skip to main content
    • International
    Shortlist
    Back to:Music and Production

    National code: CUA30920

    Certificate III in Music

    Ask a question
    Certificate III in Music
    Overview

    About this course

    Get the skills you need to start a career in the music industry. Learn about performance, recording, the music business and live production. This course prepares you for entry-level roles and provides a clear pathway to further study.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

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

    • create music using software and equipment

    • write lyrics and compose basic music

    • plan and run live gigs

    • understand copyright

    • perform in front of an audience, if performance interests you.

    Course outcomes

    Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    • A nationally accredited Certificate III qualification.

    • The skills to organise and put on a live gig as a promoter, performer or sound technician.

    • A good understanding of industry-standard recording and audio equipment.

    • Experience in collaborating with others on song writing.

    • Demo existing songs or composing and creating original music.

    • Strong pathways to continue your study and improve your job options.

    • The confidence to learn songs and perform them live (if that’s the path you choose).

    Suitability

    Is this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

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

    Non-traineeship

    • There are no entry requirements for this course. You can enrol now.

    Traineeship

    • You must be employed as a trainee in the industry.

    • Your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) must submit your Training Proposal Plan (TPP).

    • Visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page for more information.

    Entry recommendations

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

    • a year of experience, which may include being self-taught, playing a musical instrument, singing, or creating music using software

    • an interest in music technology, sound production or the music business

    • access to a personal computer with software such as Microsoft Office and the internet, as some parts of this course are delivered online

    • availability to attend rehearsals, functions and live performances outside class hours, including evenings and weekends.

    The following foundation skills:

    • You can plan your work and try to solve problems on your own.

    • You can read everyday texts and find important information.

    • You can write short sentences or lists to share information

    • You can speak clearly and explain your thoughts in a group.

    • You can recognise numbers and can do basic counting.

    • You can turn on a digital device and follow simple steps.

    Note

    • We encourage students to speak with their teachers at the start of the course about their experience. Teachers can help them choose the study area that best suits their interests and goals.

    We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.

    Find Your Fit

    This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.

    Start quiz
    Pathways

    Future career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Performing Arts Technicians

    Performing Arts Technicians provide technical and other assistance for the production, recording and broadcasting of artistic performances.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      60%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      4,500 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      38 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $1,350

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      46 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      Medium

    • Gender share

      29% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: band member, solo performer, entry-level music producer or composer, assistant sound technician and assistant at a record label, music management company or other music industry organisation.

    Study pathways

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

    Previous study1 Course

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

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Certificate III in Music does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study2 Courses

    Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    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 Certificate III in Music qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 11 units of competency, including 3 core and 8 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.

    • Implement copyright arrangementsCUACMP311

    • Work effectively in the music industryCUAIND313

    • Plan a career in the creative arts industryCUAIND314

    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