Overview
Prepare to launch a rewarding career in the music industry as a musician or sound production professional.
This qualification is offered with specialisations in sound production and performance.
Sound production specialisation
Discover the world of sound recording and gain essential skills in live sound, studio recording, Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live and Reason.
Areas of study include:
- music technology
- studio recording and mixing
- live audio operations and mixing
- sound editing.
Performance specialisation
Extend your music performance skills and learn music fundamentals, including:
- performance preparation (soloist and group)
- stagecraft skills
- instrumental techniques
- music theory
- music demo recording and mixing.
You will have dedicated one-on-one instrument/vocal sessions with your teachers and attend performance workshops. You’ll also gain practical experience through collaborative projects with students, industry professionals, and community organisations.
Kindred Studios
Study alongside industry professionals working in the music and media industries, in our unique industry-based location at Kindred Studios in Yarraville, just a 5 minute walk from Footscray Nicholson campus.
In 2016 Kindred was listed as one of the top ten co-working spaces in the world by Lonely Planet.
Performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, recording studios and computer labs are fitted out with quality instruments, sound gear, and the latest computers and software.
Music booking agency
Students studying this course can get performing opportunities through the VU Music Booking Agency.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced Victoria University Polytechnic course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
Careers in the music industry
Possible career titles:
- Sound engineer
- Music producer
- Studio engineer
- Live sound engineer.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
To be awarded CUA40915 Certificate IV in Music Industry, a student must successfully complete a total of fourteen (14) units of competency, consisting of:
- four (4) core units, and;
- ten (10) elective units, of which:
- eight (8) units must be selected from the elective units listed in the CUA40915 Certificate IV in Music Industry qualification, with no more than three (3) units from Group D, and;
- two (2) units may be selected from the remaining elective units listed in the CUA40915 Certificate IV in Music Industry qualification or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course at Certificate III, IV or Diploma.
Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.
This qualification can provide for specialisations.
Specialisations
The Polytechnic currently offer the following specialisation(s):
- Performance, and;
- Sound Production.
Course structure and units
Specialisation: Sound Production
To be awarded this specialisation, the following additional packaging rules must be adhered to:
- six (6) elective units must be selected from Group B.
CORE UNITS
ELECTIVE UNITS
Group A: Performance
Group A electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic under this specialisation.
Group B: Sound Production
Group C: Business
Group C electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic under this specialisation.
Group D: General
Specialisation: Performance
To be awarded this specialisation, the following additional packaging rules must be adhered to:
- six (6) elective units must be selected from Group A.
CORE UNITS
ELECTIVE UNITS
Group A: Performance
Group B: Sound Production
Group B electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic under this specialisation.
Group C: Business
Group C electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic under this specialisation.
Group D: General
Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers
Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.
Learning outcomes
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base in music performance, sound production or music business contexts. They apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may provide leadership and guidance to others and have limited responsibility for the output of others.
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Applicants seeking to apply for the Performance Specialisation will be required to undertake an audition to determine course suitability.
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Apply direct to VU using our admission centre, submit applications for one or more courses, track and save your progress and upload additional information.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
