Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) is a relatively new program to the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM). Established in 2008, the BMus has three specializations, Music Theatre, Jazz and Popular Music and Classical. The Bachelor of Music is a three year full-time program offered on the Mackay campus of Central Queensland University.

The BMus provides graduates with employment options as instrumental or vocal teachers within private schools or private practice, and/or a performance career. BMus graduates are eligible to apply for entry into a post graduate degree in education through Central Queensland University's, Gradute Diploma of Teaching and Learning (GDTL) degree. This degree currently takes just one year of full-time study to complete in fast track mode. Graduates from the GDTL are eligible for employment as classroom or instrumental music teachers within the Queensland Education Department.

CQCM graduates are now working in the following fields:

Jazz & Popular Music

The principal focus of the Jazz and Popular Music specialization is on musical development through performance. In any given year the jazz and popular music students present performances in a variety of settings including tours, festivals, concerts, and corporate functions. As these are delivered in industry settings students gain valuable performance experience relevant to the real world.

The course has been designed by professional musicians and covers all forms of jazz and popular music but is flexible enough to enable specializations in performance (instrumental or vocal), or composition/arrangement. The curriculum features an integrated approach to concepts of theory, linking each concept with practical experience. While the program contains a balanced approach to both jazz and popular music styles, in many of the practical areas students are able to undertake an emphasis on either genre. Students are expected to be involved in a number and variety of ensembles. These include a big band, a soul band, Latin band, jumpin’ jive band, blues band and a multitude of small jazz and popular music bands.

The visiting artist program is extensive and the very best are invited to perform and teach. Students have the opportunity to work with many leaders of the various fields, making valuable contacts within the industry. In the jazz area, to date some of the visiting artists have included; James Morrison, Don Burrows, Vince Jones, Don Rader, Kevin Hunt, Jim Kelly, Blaine Whitiker, Emma Pask, Rick Holland (USA), Viv Middleton, Irene Bartlett, Michael Davison (USA), Col Laughnan, Michael Tracey (USA), Grace Knight, Kerrie Bidell, Graham Jesse, Sharney Russell, Kristin Berardi, Peter Walters, James Greening, Marc Isaacs, James Muller, Brett Hurst, Allan Browne, Paul Hudson, and many others. To date in the popular music area some of the visiting artists have included; Graham Conners, Rickilee Coulter, Karen Knowles, Grace Knight, Courtney & Chris Murphy, Ngaire Joseph and many others.