National code: CUA50820

Diploma of Music (Sound Production)

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Overview About this course

Take your career in recording engineering and music production up an octave and pursue your creative dream. Strengthen your technical ability to create albums, collaborate with fellow artists and explore the world of audio post-production.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Record, edit and mix audio

  • Engineer and produce studio recording

  • Create and arrange music using music software

  • Manage freelance clients and business

  • Work within copyright arrangements

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally recognised qualification at Diploma level

  • Experience in studio recording, live sound and computer-based production

  • Knowledge of copyright and other industry essentials

  • Skills to mix live sound and record music in a studio

  • Strong pathways 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

  • Successful completion of the Certificate III in Music (Sound Production) or the Certificate IV in Music (Sound Production) 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 interview. We will contact you to discuss the requirements of the interview and arrange a suitable time.

Entry recommendations

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

  • Digital literacy including some experience of a digital audio workstation (DAW) and programs like Logic, ProTools or Ableton

  • A reasonable numeracy level including an understanding of frequencies and counting bars

  • A willingness to explore a range of music styles

  • The ability to collaborate with people in a team environment

  • Some knowledge of audio theory, including types of microphones, basic knowledge of frequencies and volume

  • Some knowledge of signal path, such as you might find in a basic home studio or in a simple PA system

  • A willingness to be available and attend functions and live performances outside of class hours, including evenings and 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.

  • If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.

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 producer, recording engineer, mix engineer, live sound mixer and film and TV sound engineer.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 3 Courses

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

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 3 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 Diploma of Music (Sound Production) 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.

  • Manage copyright arrangements CUACMP511

  • 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.