Back to Music and Production

National code: CUA40920

Certificate IV in Music

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Overview About this course

Grow your creativity and music business nous, with skills and techniques for performance, composition and recording, using music production software. Set the stage for a diverse range of career options in the vibrant and evolving music industry.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Compose, produce, mix and perform original music

  • Refine songwriting skills

  • Beat making and manipulating samples

  • Understand music theory

  • Harness music technology with software such as Ableton Live

  • Develop techniques and improvisation skills

  • Gain a music industry overview

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally recognised qualification at certificate IV level

  • Skills in using music production software such as Ableton live

  • A sound understanding of copyright and music business concepts

  • The capacity to adapt your compositions to various musical genres

  • Confidence to collaborate with fellow musicians and build a professional network

  • Build a strong pathway to a successful career in music composition, sound production and related fields

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Entry recommendations

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

  • That you have completed a Certificate III in Music (Performance) or its equivalent as evidenced by a copy of your transcript, or

  • That you have the music skills and knowledge as evaluated by a teacher-assessed audition or interview.

  • Access to a computer with stable internet connection, Microsoft Office and music production software. If you don't have your own, you may access these at a TAFE NSW campus

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

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 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, composer, beat maker, music producer, executive producer, music arranger, sound designer and music educator.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 4 Courses

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

Further study 8 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 8 Courses

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

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 IV in Music qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 14 units of competency, including 4 core and 10 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.

  • Investigate business opportunities BSBESB301

  • Implement copyright arrangements CUACMP311

  • Extend expertise in specialist creative fields CUAIND411

  • Manage feedback on creative practice CUAMWB402

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.