National code: CUA50820

Diploma of Music (Performance)

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Overview About this course

Gain the confidence and experience you need for success as a recording artist or session musician. Explore your unique sound as you practise performing, composing, producing music and collaborating in bands while establishing your music industry network.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Use Instrument and vocal technique

  • Record your song ideas with music production software

  • Perform in a group and as a soloist

  • Apply stagecraft skills

  • Improve critical listening skills

  • Write and arrange music using technology

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Diploma level

  • Specialist skills and knowledge to continue your music career and take on freelance opportunities

  • Experience creating and recording music in rehearsal or recording studios

  • Confidence to perform live and prepare a stage

  • A network of music industry professionals

  • A strong pathway 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

  • That you have completed a Certificate III in Music (Performance) or Certificate IV 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. 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:

  • Experience in playing an instrument, performing as a vocalist and/or composing music or songs

  • The curiosity to explore a range of music styles.

  • Some knowledge of music theory, including key signatures and basic notation

  • Access to your own instrument/s or microphone.

  • 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.

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:

Music Professionals

Music Professionals write, arrange, orchestrate, conduct and perform musical compositions.

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

    35%

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

    4,400 workers

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

    42 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.

    $1,310

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

    45 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.

    Very high

  • Gender share

    26% 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: recording artist, session musician, session singer, live performer, songwriter or jingle writer and multimedia composer.

Licensing

There are many career pathways and opportunities to choose from when you graduate from the Diploma of Music (Performance). It’s important to check the licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements relating to your future career by visiting NSW Fair Trading or your state licensing body.

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 Diploma of Music (Performance) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Diploma of Music (Performance) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

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

The Diploma of Music (Performance) 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 Diploma of Music (Performance) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 16 units of competency, including 4 core and 12 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.

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  • Provide freelance services CUAIND412

  • Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge CUAIND512

  • Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries CUAMWB401

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.