National code: CUA40920

Certificate IV in Music (Performance)

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Overview About this course

Let your talent for music and performance take centre stage and build the basis of a long-lasting career in the industry. Develop the right skills, the right attitude and the right connections to help you succeed in this dynamic industry.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Perform live and master stagecraft

  • Write and compose songs

  • Develop your music theory and musicianship

  • Use music technology

  • Master improvisation, instrumental and vocal techniques

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

  • The skills to rehearse and perform in a group

  • Experience creating content using music technology

  • Skills in instrumental and vocal techniques

  • Confidence to network in the music industry

  • Engage in creating your live performance persona with stagecraft skills

  • Build a strong pathway to continue your study 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 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.

Entry recommendations

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

  • 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 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:

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: recording artist, band member, live performer, songwriter, music composer and music tutor.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 1 Course

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

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 2 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 (Performance) 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.