Bachelor of Music

Duration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Mackay
Next start termTerm 1, 2024
Study modeOn Campus
Course codeCG51
CRICOS069478C
Two music students in a studio with a saxophone and guitar

Overview

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Music is designed to prepare you for a professional career in the music industry. Offering specialist training in vocal or instrumental performance, composition or singer/songwriting, you will graduate with the skills necessary to be an industry-ready music professional. Our flexible and innovative degree allows you to focus on a broad range of music styles including western art music, jazz or contemporary music. The Bachelor of Music allows you to focus your strengths and interests by pursuing minors in performance, ensemble training, music technology, musicology and music pedagogy.

During your course, you will learn foundational aspects of the language of music from Western art-music tradition to contemporary popular music styles and examine the role of prominent performers, composers, lyricists, and music producers in the development of these styles. In your first term, you will engage in practical music studies focusing on foundational-level repertoire and technical work in your chosen instrument, voice or composition. In your second term, you will build on your knowledge and technical skills further through a combination of theoretical and technical learning activities. Throughout your second and third years, you will continue to build your knowledge and skills applicable to modern music while studying your chosen minors in performance, music ensemble, music technology, musicology and music pedagogy.

Study on campus in Mackay and be involved in a comprehensive conservatoire-style environment with expectations of high standards of performance, musicianship and scholarship. A rigorous performance schedule in various university, community and professional settings is one of the strengths of this course, as is the development of individual skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.

You will benefit from hands-on experience combined with academic study in the interpretation and understanding of music. On completion of the course, you will have the knowledge and practical skills to be successful in your chosen career.

To gain entry into this course, you will be required to audition.

Study experience

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Bachelor of Music will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as a:

  • professional musician
  • recording or sound engineer
  • performing or recording artist
  • composer
  • private music educator
  • educator at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels (once suitable postgraduate qualifications in education have been obtained).

Structure & Availability

Course structure

You are required to complete 24 units. These include 12 core music units and three minors from the following options:
  • performance
  • ensemble training
  • music technology
  • musicology 
  • music pedagogy
  • liberal arts

Unit information

For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

Credit transfer information

If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2024Mackay
Term 2, 2024Mackay

Liberal Arts minor
The Liberal Arts minor is available if you wish to gain credit for another course. Approval from the Head of Course is required to access this minor.

Music Ensemble minor
Gain knowledge of how contemporary music is created, rehearsed, recorded, and performed using industry-recognised software. You'll gain experience with multi-track recording, editing and audio mixing.

Musicology minor 
In this minor, you'll study the history and cultural development of a range of musical styles including baroque, classical, romanticism, modernism, jazz and 20th-century music.

Music Pedagogy minor
You'll study the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of effective studio teaching in music for beginners. You will gain knowledge and skills in a number of internationally recognised music teaching philosophies and methods.

Music Performance minor
This minor allows you to continue your practical music studies in one instrument, voice or composition, focusing on advanced-level repertoire and technical work.

Music Technology minor
Enhance your abilities of audio recording and mixing for a range of music technology applications including sound design techniques for the production of a podcast. Plus, you'll learn the fundamentals of electronic music production and composition, mastering and music distribution.

Requirements

Recommended study

Year 12 studies in music or the equivalent private music study in your chosen instrument, voice or composition portfolio.

IELTS Academic: 6.0 with no individual band score of less than 5.5

TOEFL Internet-based: Overall score of 75 with no score less than 17

Pearson Test of English Academic: Overall score of 54 with no score less than 46

For entry into this course, all applicants will be required to successfully complete an audition and interview.

Further information regarding auditions, including the audition guidelines can be found via https://www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm

You will have to meet this course's inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes.

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
International Indicative First Term FeeA$15,600
International Indicative First Year FeeA$31,200

Please note the following important information:

  • Fees are in Australian dollars (A$).
  • Fees are indicative only and do not cover additional costs such as textbooks, accommodation, visa applications, OSHC, general living etc.
  • Fees are based on a full-time study load and the final fee payable will be determined by your selection of units and if any credit was awarded for recognition of prior learning.
  • The University reserves the right to amend fees at any time during the course. Fees are reviewed yearly and may increase in the following year to enable CQUniversity to continue to provide quality services and facilities to students.
  • Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the University.
  • It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the entry requirements and prerequisites of the courses you wish to undertake.
  • The typical annual fee shown provides an estimate of the tuition fees for the first year of the course in the same academic year. This estimate assumes a full-time study load of 4 units per term (based on two terms).
  • Students not on an Australian student visa can only undertake courses online from an overseas location.
  • Courses undertaken online may be studied on a full-time or part-time mode.
  • International students studying on-campus in Australia may take no more than 33 per cent of their entire course by online education, and this option cannot be taken in its entirety during a compulsory term (Term 1 and Term 2).

Please refer to our international course fees page.

We offer a range of scholarships to support international students and encourage you to apply for one that's right for you.

How to apply

Our easy to use online application system for international students will guide you through the process of applying for a course at CQUniversity Australia.