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CG51 - Bachelor of Music (Specialisation)

Overview

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Music (Specialisation) is designed to provide you with specialist training in jazz and popular music, performance, contemporary music as well as music studies. If you are studying the jazz and popular music, performance or contemporary music specialisations on campus, you will 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 skill in a supportive, collaborative environment.

If you are studying the performance specialisation by distance you will have the opportunity to develop your solo music performance skills with highly specialised music staff via video technology or on campus, depending on your location. If you are studying the music studies specialisation by distance, you will have the opportunity to build your understanding of music as part of the broader community through studies that include music theory, composition and arranging and the investigation of the practice of music in historical and contemporary contexts.

A range of adjunct units and electives allows you to pursue additional studies in music, or add other allied skills and knowledge in areas of professional and personal interest such as other creative arts and arts administration, events management, education, digital media, business and professional communication.

Career Information

The Bachelor of Music is ideal for students considering a career in the music industry as a professional musician, recording or sound engineer, performing or recording artist or composer. Other career options include primary, secondary and tertiary teaching, private studio work, and music related careers in arts administration, communication or creative industries businesses.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BMus
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,160
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $34,320
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,944
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $23,856
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $16,320
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $32,640
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,296
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $15,600
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $31,200
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $31,200
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $15,600

Admission Codes

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2025

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 1 - 2025

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 2 - 2024

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 1 - 2024

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 2 - 2023

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 1 - 2023

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 2 - 2022

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 1 - 2022

Cairns
Mackay
Online

Term 1 - 2021

Cairns
Mackay
Online
Townsville

Term 2 - 2020

Cairns
Mackay
Online
Townsville

Term 1 - 2020

Cairns
Mackay
Online
Townsville

Term 2 - 2019

Mackay
Online
Townsville

Term 1 - 2019

Mackay
Online
Townsville

Term 2 - 2018

Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Townsville

Term 1 - 2018

Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Townsville

Term 2 - 2017

Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
Distance
Mackay
Noosa

Term 1 - 2017

Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
Distance
Mackay
Noosa

Term 2 - 2016

Distance
Mackay

Term 1 - 2016

Distance
Mackay

Term 2 - 2015

Distance
Mackay

Term 1 - 2015

Distance
Mackay

Term 2 - 2014

Distance
Mackay

Term 1 - 2014

Distance
Mackay
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2025

Mackay

Term 1 - 2025

Mackay

Term 2 - 2024

Mackay

Term 1 - 2024

Mackay

Term 2 - 2023

Mackay

Term 1 - 2023

Mackay

Term 2 - 2022

Mackay

Term 1 - 2022

Mackay

Term 1 - 2021

Mackay

Term 2 - 2020

Mackay

Term 1 - 2020

Mackay

Term 2 - 2019

Mackay

Term 1 - 2019

Mackay

Term 2 - 2018

Mackay

Term 1 - 2018

Mackay

Term 2 - 2017

Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
Mackay

Term 1 - 2017

Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
Mackay

Term 2 - 2016

Mackay

Term 1 - 2016

Mackay

Term 2 - 2015

Mackay

Term 1 - 2015

Mackay

Term 2 - 2014

Mackay

Term 1 - 2014

Mackay
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Entry scores are not available, please contact the Student Advice Team for more information.
Entry Requirements

Domestic students - Prerequisites: audition and interview

Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Assumed Knowledge
No information available at this time
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CC41 - Diploma of Music
Exit Awards CC41 - Diploma of Music
Accreditation
  • Core

    not applicable

Residential School Requirements

No Residential School for this course.

Practicum/Work Placement

Not applicable

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 85
2023 88
2022 86
2021 94
2020 97
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures, and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating respect for cultural diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the creative and performing arts practice environment.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate for professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
  • Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations in the creative and performing arts practice environment.
  • Demonstrating appropriate behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional or performance setting.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with university and workplace policy around the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
  • Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices including relevant OHS legislative requirements pertaining to creative and performing arts practice in music performance environments.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating your creative and performing arts knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
  • Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions; eye contact, being mindful of space boundaries, and a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
  • Competently using written music notation, as required, to convey detailed information and knowledge relating to music performance and practice.
  • Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Using a variety of computer programs suitable to your course of study.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and performing professional skills within reasonable set time-frames.
  • Producing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in a professional setting.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to various music learning activities involving written and aural music notation.
  • Demonstrating effective use of basic mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to operate sound for music performance environments.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Safely performing in a variety of music performance contexts including on stage as a performer or off stage as part of the technical support team.
  • Working in a team-based performing arts environment where verbal and non-verbal communication are essential to realisation of a wide range of music performances.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in sustained and intensive rehearsals and performances involving creative and performing arts skills that may occur in time-frames outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends. These creative and performing arts skills may include music instrumental and vocal performance.
  • Actively participating in intensive rehearsals and performances involving creative and performing arts skills with sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Performing with the required physical and mental energy and endurance in the learning activities of the course, as well as during set time-frames during intensive rehearsal and performance periods.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Using a variety of gross motor skills in various creative and performing arts performance activities that include music instrumental and vocal performance.
  • Demonstrating and performing a variety of gross motor skills in a range of creative and performing arts performances that include music instrumental and vocal performance, consistently in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
  • Using a variety of fine motor skills in various creative and performing arts performance activities that include music instrumental and vocal performance.
  • Demonstrating and performing a variety of fine motor skills in various creative and performing arts performances that include music instrumental and vocal performance, consistently in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
Core Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Contemporary Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Use your skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques associated with contemporary music styles within a broad range of creative projects
  • 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural, and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
  • 3. Apply your relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise contemporary musical works, performances, improvisations and other forms of creative expression
  • 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
  • 5. Work independently and collaboratively in music in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, composer, producer, improviser, critic and manager
  • 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in contemporary music.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Music Studies Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Use your skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical styles within various creative projects
  • 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
  • 3. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
  • 4. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Performance Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Use your skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical styles within various creative projects
  • 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
  • 3. Apply your relevant performance skills and knowledge to produce and realise musical works, performances and other forms of creative expression
  • 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
  • 5. Work independently and collaboratively in music in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, composer, producer, critic and manager
  • 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24


Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC11405 Language of Modern Music 1
MUSC11411 Music Styles & Analysis 1
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC11406 Language of Modern Music 2
MUSC11412 Music Styles & Analysis 2
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major

Contemporary Major

Number of units: 20 Total credit points: 120

This major is only available on the Noosa campus.

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC11401 Digital Music Applications
PERF11026 Production Fundamentals 1
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC11379 Audio Recording Techniques
PERF11027 Production Fundamentals 2
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PERF12016 Performance and Production Studies 3
MUSC12413 Language of Modern Music 3
MUSC12394 History of Rock and Roll 1
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
PERF12017 Performance and Production Studies 4
MUSC12414 Language of Modern Music 4
MUSC12395 History of Rock and Roll 2
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC13406 Language of Modern Music 5
PERF13018 Performance and Production Studies 5
MUSC11380 Introduction to Songwriting
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC13407 Language of Modern Music 6
PERF13019 Performance and Production Studies 6
MUSC13410 Music Business in the New Millennium

Plus 4 electives from anywhere in CQUniversity

Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major

Jazz and Popular Major

Number of units: 20 Total credit points: 120

This major is only available at the Mackay campus.

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC11409 Principal Music Studios 1
PERF11026 Production Fundamentals 1
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC11410 Principal Music Studios 2
PERF11027 Production Fundamentals 2
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
JAZZ10015 History of Jazz 1
MUSC12411 Principal Music Studios 3
PERF12016 Performance and Production Studies 3
MUSC12413 Language of Modern Music 3
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
JAZZ10016 History of Jazz 2
MUSC12412 Principal Music Studios 4
PERF12017 Performance and Production Studies 4
MUSC12414 Language of Modern Music 4
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC13406 Language of Modern Music 5
MUSC13411 Principal Music Studios 5
PERF13018 Performance and Production Studies 5
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MUSC13407 Language of Modern Music 6
MUSC13412 Principal Music Studios 6
PERF13019 Performance and Production Studies 6

Plus 2 electives from anywhere in CQUniversity

Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
More Details

Credit Transfer

Students will be assessed for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis and will be required to nominate the CQU units they wish to be considered for exemption from. Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies, equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course, have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.

Students may only gain credit transfer for up to 67% of the overall course.

Please note that study undertaken more than 10 years ago is not normally considered unless the applicant can supply certified documents showing that they have been continually using the required skills in the work force. Generally only TAFE diploma level or above is recognised for credit at tertiary level.

Refer to the Credit Transfer website at https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses-and-programs/credit-transfer-and-rpl/credit-transfers for further details on the guidelines and application process.

Course Planners

For Course Planners please refer to the following website http://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/new-students/planners-and-profiles