Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music is proud of its reputation for providing a supportive, nurturing and friendly environment for exceptional students to work with award-winning staff.
We have a number of courses supported by our conservatorium. To see our Creative, Performing and Visual Arts page for more details.
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) accepts online auditions year round. The Conservatorium operates in Terms 1 and 2 of the university calendar only.
Applying for entry into one of Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) courses is a four step process.
- Complete and submit a course application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). QTAC is the key body that offers student places into Queensland universities.
- Complete and submit the online application form to the Conservatorium. Ensure you complete all boxes marked with a red asterisk (*) so we can process your application.
- Attend a live audition, or submit a DVD or secured YouTube audition.
- When you attend your audition you will need to bring a copy of your current artistic resume. For those applying for music, music theatre and drama specialisations you will also need to supply a doctor's certificate.
A Doctor's Medical Certificate is required for the Music Theatre and Drama specialisations of the Bachelor of Theatre degree and needs to state whether you:
- are fit and healthy
- have no pre-existing conditions that may prevent you from doing any required medium to high aerobic dance and stage activities
- have no pre-existing conditions that may affect your ability to sing or use your voice.
International students wanting to apply to CQCM must:
- check the English entry and academic requirements
- complete and submit an online application form to the Conservatorium. All other information can be provided once you pass the pre-screening.
- submit a DVD or a secured YouTube audition, written application and key documents by post to CQCM.
CQUniversity's Conservatorium of Music takes pride in its friendly atmosphere and helpful understanding staff. Our aim is to make the admission process as simple and straight forward as possible.
Most of the information we require in order to register you for an audition can be entered into the online application form. Pay careful attention to the boxes marked with a red asterisk (*), as your application cannot be processed without providing this important information. If you require assistance to complete the online application form please contact the Music and Theatre Administrator by email at musicandtheatre@cqu.edu.au or phone +61 7 0940 7801
In addition to completing an application to the Conservatorium, all applicants must also apply to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). QTAC governs the place offerings to courses at universities in Queensland.
After you complete your online application, if successful you will be contacted about presenting an audition or attending an interview.
If you are invited you will also need to bring the following documents and extra copies for the panel:
- headshot photo
- curriculum vitae
- relevant certificates, licenses or diplomas (e.g. AMEB Grade certificates, RAD Dance certificates)
- any evidence of community work or volunteer activities.
Ensure you place this information with copies in a folder for the audition panel to keep.
Please view our audition guidelines to assist with your preparation.
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) is committed to making our university more accessible to our community. Our degrees open the door to career opportunities in Australia and overseas, preparing your students with the skills and knowledge to ensure your students are work-ready when they graduate.
We run a number of activities to engage high school students that will help prepare them for a music or theatre degree at CQUniversity. These activities:
- are fun, engaging and educational programs
- allow students to meet and work with CQCM staff and current students
- prepare students with the skills and knowledge to ensure they are work-ready when they graduate
- open the door to career opportunities in Australia and overseas.
Four key initiatives lead by the CQCM include:
- Conservatorium Academy
- Schools Jazz Festival
- Safety Circus
- Choices Applied Theatre Project
The Conservatorium Academy is a centre for creative and performing arts training for school-age children in Central Queensland.
Conservatorium Academy aims
The aims of the Conservatorium Academy is to provide music and theatre training as an extension to the dance, drama and music classes that young people may already be engaged in and provides them with:
- opportunities to perform through regular concerts and special events in Mackay
- a bridge for secondary school students to university
- help to prepare them for auditions and for the rigors of university study
- a safe, educational and recreational environment, with high-energy, fun classes that are taught in a friendly and encouraging environment.
How to enrol your child
To enrol your child contact the Conservatorium Academy or phone +61 7 4940 7800.
Semester fees
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music hosts the annual Schools' Jazz Festival and is supported by Yamaha Music Australia, Queensland Music Festival and Creative Capricorn.
The festival allows high school students to engage in two days of music and educational activities where they will be mentored by national and world class musicians, educators and staff to deliver a weekend full of musical performances.
The CQUniversity Schools' Jazz Festival includes:
- band workshops
- clinic for band directors
- an adjudicated performance for all participants
- a number of concerts.
Dates and locations for the Schools' Jazz Festival
The dates for 2015 dates for the Schools' Jazz Festival are:
| Date | Location | Special guest/s |
|---|---|---|
19 - 20 July 2015 | Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music | Dan Barnett - trombonist/vocalist |
26 - 27 July 2015 | North Rockhampton State High School | Dan Barnett - trombonist/vocalist |
Jazz Festival participants can look forward to:
- individual band clinics with world renowned musicians and educators
- concert performances
- band director professional development sessions
- adjudicated performances
- festival finale concert for all performers.
If you or your school band wants to register for this event please complete the nomination/registration form within the Jazz Festival handbook or contact CQCM for more information.
This project has received support from Creative Capricorn, a joint project of Rockhampton Regional Council, Arts Queensland and the Australia Council for the Arts.
The Safety Circus Applied Theatre project is an award-winning project from CQCM in partnership with the Crime Prevention Unit of the Queensland Police Service. It is a 30-minute theatre show aimed at Year 3 students to teach them about personal safety, safety on non-motorised transport and dealing with bullying. Created by students and staff from CQCM, the Safety Circus tours to Mackay primary schools each year in February.
To find out more about the award-winning Choices project visit our Choices site.
Performances
The Conservatorium has an exciting, vibrant and diverse annual events calendar featuring some exceptionally talented performers, teachers and scholars.
Enabling us to showcase the skills and talents of our music, theatre and multimedia students and staff as well as visiting stars and touring performing artists, the Conservatorium hosts approximately 100 performances each year on CQUniversity's campuses. These performances range from full musical theatre productions to drama productions and plays, children's theatre, jazz performances, recitals, concerts, art and media exhibitions, seminars and community events.
Supported by the Conservatorium Friends, our events program makes an important contribution to the local community and provides a professional platform for students to perform in public while they are preparing for a career in the performing arts. It also provides opportunities for staff and visiting artists to perform to supportive and appreciative audiences.
Purchase tickets
To attend any of our performances you can book through our online system. A booking fee may apply if you book directly through our office.
For information about CQCM performances contact our CQCM office or phone: +61 7 4940 7800.
Sold out performances
If a show has a 'Sold Out' sign, phone +61 7 4940 7800 as tickets may still be available or transferred over for sale at the door.
In 1989 the Queensland Conservatorium of Music established a regional campus in Mackay to deliver tertiary music courses and support the vibrant performing arts community already well-established in Central Queensland. Providing a focal point for professional performance training in classical music, jazz, popular music, drama and music theatre, the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) was incorporated into CQUniversity in 1996.
In 2001, CQCM moved to a purpose-built facility at CQUniveristy's Mackay Ooralea campus cementing our commitment to being a major performing arts training centre attracting students from all states of Australia and overseas.
Since then, the Conservatorium has established industry partnerships with many of Australia's most experienced professional performers, theatre directors and agents, as well as links with international artists, producers, directors and performing arts organisations contributing to its current national and international status
Follow the links below to find out more:
Have you had a great experience in a high school band or musical in the past and are interested to see where your talent can take you? Staff at Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music want to set you on a path to your dream career. Whether your passion is music theatre, acting or music, we have the course to suit you. Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music at CQUniversity is truly one of the cultural hubs of Queensland.
For 30 years, CQCM have been nurturing the talent of thousands of students who have gone on to launch successful careers on the world stage, including students who have delivered performances on London's West End, throughout Southeast Asia and all over the USA. Our innovative courses in music and theatre give students the opportunity to learn with award-winning lecturers and internationally renowned guest artists in our purpose-built facility on the Mackay Ooralea campus.
Choose from theatre courses, major in music theatre, technical theatre, drama or theatre studies and be immersed in practical industry-based training. If music is more your thing, you'll find your fit in one of our music majors. Whether you need the convenience of a completely online degree like our music studies major, the flexibility of our supported online music performance major, or the immersive experience of our jazz and popular music major, we've got the course for you. The arts community in Mackay are very inclusive and supportive of emerging performing artists. Mentored by world-class performers and directors, students at the ‘Con’ take part in a busy, annual performance schedule including stage productions, concerts, tours and festivals.
Your audition shouldn't be daunting, it should be a snapshot of who you are and demonstrate where your talent lies. To take the stress out of auditioning, our friendly staff accept auditions in person or online, it’s that easy! Apply for an audition today at cqu.edu.au/auditions.
Contact Details
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Boundary Road, Ooralea
Postal Address:
PO Box 636, Mackay Qld 4740
Phone: +61 7 4940 7800
Fax: +61 7 4940 7820
Email: musicandtheatre@cqu.edu.au
Auditions
Email: musicandtheatre@cqu.edu.au
Con Academy - Mackay
Email: academy@cqu.edu.au
Hire of the Conservatorium Theatre, Mackay
Email: cqcmhire@cqu.edu.au
Hire of Musicians/Performers - Mackay
For Jazz, Pop & Rock Bands please email music@cqu.edu.au or phone +61 7 4940 7800.
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