Season’s greetings! Our campuses are closed from the 21 December 2024 until Monday, 6 January 2025, but you can still enrol for 2025 at www.tafensw.edu.au or speak to our Student Sales team on 131 601 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (excluding public holidays).

    OverviewAbout this course

    The Diploma of Music (Sound Production) prepares you to work in the entertainment industry as an assistant sound engineer or sound designer.

    Learn and apply theoretical knowledge and use a range of technical and managerial skills to plan, carry out and evaluate sound production work. You will also develop specialist expertise and learn to exercise music knowledge and artistic judgment.

    Refine your knowledge of music production software and create your own original music, beats, toplines and remixes. Practise your skills in synthesis, pitch shifting, time warping, filters and effects. Develop a skillset that will see you stand out in studios around the world.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:

    • Edit and mix audio
    • Perform and produce studio recordings
    • Apply audio theory and understand signal paths
    • Create and arrange music using music software
    • Manage freelance clients and business needs
    • Work with copyright arrangements

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Recording studio operations
    • Editing, sound design and other digital audio workstation skills
    • Creating beats and other production elements using music software
    • Collaborating with producers and musicians

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Creativity and problem-solving abilities
    • Commitment to developing your skills through practice
    • Teamwork and collaboration skills
    • Punctuality and consistency
    • The ability to seek, deliver and use constructive feedback

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Music producer
    • Post-production editor
    • Project collaborator
    • Assistant sound mixer
    • Audio-visual operator
    • Live sound assistant
    • Casual technician

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    4 core units plus 12 elective units, of which: at least 9 must be from the elective units listed below, with no more than 3 of these units from Group F up to 3 may be from the remaining listed elective units (with the exception of Group F).

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Manage copyright arrangementsCUACMP511

    • Provide freelance servicesCUAIND412

    • Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledgeCUAIND512

    • Develop and implement own selfCUAMWB401

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Music study pathway:


    At TAFE NSW Ultimo

    • If you apply for a package of Diploma of Music (Sound Production) -1 year and Bachelor of Creative Practice specialising in Music Production and Performance then due to credits the the Bachelor duration will be reduced to 2 years. (Package Duration:3 years)

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    You’ll also have access to rehearsal spaces, recording studios equipped to industry standard, specialty music computer labs, audio PA and recording equipment, industry standard speakers for listening to music, as well as a good supply of instruments and other accessories for you to practise your craft.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support 
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service  
    • Smarthinking – online access to a tutor 
    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International