Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.

Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.

TEST

Back to:International Courses

TAFE NSW Course

International

Course code: CUA50820P | CRICOS Code: 110849B

Diploma of Music (Performance)

Apply online How to apply

Overview

About this international course

The Diploma of Music (Performance) gives you the practical skills and industry knowledge you need to work as a professional composer, musician or performer in the global music industry.

This TAFE NSW qualification builds on your experience in performance, composition and music production. You will enhance your practice and performance technique, collaborate with other musicians and build lifelong music industry networks.

Develop your expertise in music composition, arrangement and performance, and learn a range of specialised, technical or managerial skills to turn your love of music into a successful career you can take anywhere.

Outcomes

What you'll gain

Learn new skills

Through theory and practical course work, you will learn:

Live solo and group performance
Song writing
Music theory
Freelance business skills
Copyright
Work, health and safety practices

Gain practical experience

Build your experience and get practical skills in:

Rehearsal techniques
Performing in front of an audience
Creating music using technology

Develop your professional confidence

Stand out in a global job market by developing a range of key soft skills that equip you with the confidence to work in a variety of music settings:

Creativity
Attention to detail
Punctuality and commitment to your craft
Performance and refining your practice

Global industry demand

The global music market is expected to grow 8.5% annually between 2020 and 2025. Key factors driving this growth include:

Growing opportunities for upcoming artists to showcase their work to global audiences via online streaming platforms and social media like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Premium

Increasing investment by record companies in music artists
Artists leveraging digital generation opportunities
An increasing focus on the industry’s long term development and sustainability

The global music publishing market, valued at AU$6.4 billion in 2018, is expected to grow 6.1% annually between 2018 and 2025. The increase in paid subscriptions for media streaming is a key driver of this growth. In fact, in 2018 digital royalties contributed to about 54% of the overall global music publishing market revenues.

Suitability

International 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.

Entry requirements

Recommended skills and knowledge

Fees and locations

Starting 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 units

What 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). CUACMP511 Manage copyright arrangements CUAIND412 Provide freelance services CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge CUAMWB401 Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries

Core units are the required units that you must complete.

Pathways

Continue 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:

Master your skills with the Advanced Diploma of Music (Performance)

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.

Services

Campus facilities and support services

TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

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 which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills