OverviewAbout this course
Build your production and musical skills to create fresh beats, songs or compositions as a recording artist or producer. Work with all music genres, especially electronic music, and use your computer to compose, produce, mix and more.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Make beats and perform DJ sets
Manipulate sounds, including pitch shifting, time warping, tuning as well as creating completely new and unique sounds
Compose and arrange music using technology
Use interactive technology in performances, such as Ableton Push Controllers, CDJs and laptops
Mix, record and produce sound recordings, compose for screen and implement and develop sound designs
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Experience using popular music production software to produce music and create fresh sounds
A collection of your own completed tracks
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
A Certificate III in Music (Creation and Composition) as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or
The ability to demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience equivalent to a Certificate III in Music in an interview with a TAFE NSW music teacher. If necessary we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 4 across the five bands of literacy and 3 across one band of numeracy. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs and to provide you with the appropriate support for your study success.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Access to a computer with stable internet connection and Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. 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 weekends
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.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Music Professionals
Music Professionals write, arrange, orchestrate, conduct and perform musical compositions.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
35%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
4,400 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
42 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.
$1,310
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
45 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.
Very high
Gender share
26% 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, Electronic music producer, Songwriter, Composer and Beatmaker
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study2 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) does not have any related courses.
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.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) 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.
Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industriesCUAMWB401
Provide freelance servicesCUAIND412
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledgeCUAIND512
Manage copyright arrangementsCUACMP511
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 2 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Music and Production