
Gain the confidence and experience you need to succeed as a performer, recording artist or session musician. Explore and refine your sound through performance, composition, collaboration in bands and music technology skills.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
explore instrument or 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.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited qualification at a 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.
A network of music industry professionals.
A strong pathway to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Music (Performance), Certificate IV in Music (Performance) or equivalent. You’ll need to show your certificate or transcript as proof.
attend a pre-admission interview or audition to assess your music skills and knowledge. We will contact you to explain the requirements and arrange a suitable time.
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
experience playing an instrument, performing as a vocalist and/or writing music or songs
an interest in exploring different music styles
basic knowledge of music theory, including key signatures and simple notation
access to your own instrument or microphone
access to a computer with a stable internet connection, Microsoft Office and music production software. If you don’t have your own, you can access these at a TAFE NSW campus
the ability to attend and travel to live performances and events outside class hours, including evenings and some weekends.
You take charge of your learning and can finish tasks on time by yourself.
You can read longer text and understand their main ideas.
You can write longer paragraphs and texts that explain your ideas clearly.
You can solve maths problems you often see in real life.
You can join group talks and share your ideas clearly.
You can use digital tools to do everyday tasks like writing or finding information.
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.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Music Professionals write, arrange, orchestrate, conduct and perform musical compositions.
35%
4,400 workers
42 years
$1,310
45 hours
Very high
26% female
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: recording artist, session musician, session singer, live performer, songwriter , composer and music tutor.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Music (Performance) does not have any post-graduate courses.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
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.
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.
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