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The Bachelor of Contemporary Music provides a professional industry environment for students to pursue their studies.
Students can choose two out of three majors and specialise in performance, (subject to audition at the end of first year), professional industry studies and/or music education.
The degree equips graduates for a range of career pathways and reflects the diverse range of creative practices that are part of music-making in the 21st century.
Students benefit from having lecturers who are all practising musicians. Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) music workshops, featuring visiting artists, are also held on campus.
Many students perform at North Coast entertainment venues or form bands and all have the opportunity to regularly use the state-of-the-art studio and performance space, Studio One29, in the contemporary music building, for rehearsal and performance. This studio experience gives students the ability to hone their skills as performers, producers, sound engineers, composers or managers and other roles in the music industry, such as music educators.
This degree is taught at the Lismore campus which has a great creative vibe, drawing from the rich music scene of the North Coast of New South Wales, including annual events such as Splendour in the Grass and the Byron Bay Bluesfest.
Female students are well supported through the Women in Music Program. The program gives students the opportunity to experience first-hand the diversity of professional women working in the contemporary music industry, and to meet, be taught by, and network with, some leading female practitioners. Visit: scu.edu.au/womeninmusic
Graduates may choose to pursue work in the entertainment industry as performers, recording and mastering engineers, recording studio managers, music event promoters, music store/franchise owners, composers for television and advertising and in other music-related businesses.
When combined with the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) graduates can also teach music at secondary level. When combined with the Bachelor of Laws, graduates can pursue careers as solicitors and legal specialists in areas that relate to the music industry (see Related Courses below).
Graduates can become members of the Australasian Performing Right Association, International Association for the Study of Popular Music, and the International Society for Music Education.
Many students perform at North Coast entertainment venues or form bands, taking advantage of the rich music environment. Public performances are also part of the assessment process. Students also work as crew for sound production teams.
Core studies:
During first year, students learn about contemporary music theory and styles, the practice of music, music technology and the internet, songwriting and musicianship. They then select two majors to specialise in their areas of interest.
Majors:
Performance enables specialisation in the student’s chosen instrument (guitar, bass, keyboards, voice or drums). Practical tuition is provided through individual lessons and group workshops. These classes are supported by ensemble classes which provide industry-relevant training in playing in bands.
Industry and Audio Production prepares students for working professionally in the music industry and allows students to train for a portfolio career that encompasses composition and music production as well as practical music. Other areas of specialised study include conducting business in the music industry, marketing musical products and managing a career as an independent musician.
Music Education provides training for students who are pursuing a career in music teaching. Areas of study include Western art music, ensemble direction and arranging, music theory, musicianship and practical music. These units provide vocational skills specifically required for secondary music teaching and also essential for teaching music in other contexts.
Please note: Entry to the performance major is by audition during the first year of study, with students commencing the major in the second year.
To qualify for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music a total of 288 credit points (usually 24 units) must be completed.
This course offers an intermediate award (early exit point) at Diploma level.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year. Please contact the School for further information.
For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.
| Locations | ||
| Distance Education | Unavailable | |
| Lismore | Session 1 | |
| Coffs Harbour | Unavailable | |
| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Unavailable | |
| Course Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time May be completed in a shorter duration subject to unit availabilities. |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • International fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Arts and Social Sciences | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | Domestic applicants: Ph: 1800 626 481 International applicants: Ph: +61 2 6620 3876; E: intoff@scu.edu.au |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 24 | BContempMus | 68/15 |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Lismore: 333101 | Lismore: 053011 | Lismore NSW: 026996C |
Teaching methods include individual tuition, small group classes, workshops, lectures, tutorials, and online discussion forums.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
A wide variety of assessment methods are employed including essays, written exams, reading/listening/practice logbooks, aural exams and assignments, technical and technique tests, music theory exams and assignments, performance exams, music business projects, composition and recording portfolios and tutorial presentations.
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Excellent specialist facilities for Bachelor of Contemporary music students include recording studios, a music production workstation laboratory, a keyboard laboratory, a television studio and concert performance space, and well equipped tuition and practice facilities for individual student and band rehearsals and performances.
Pre-requisite Year 12 subjects
There are no pre-requisite subjects required for this course.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Office website.
At Southern Cross University, your previous study or work experience may help you cut time off your degree.
We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.
Bachelor of Contemporary Music with Honours
Bachelor of Contemporary Music, Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Contemporary Music/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Arts
Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Applicants for Admission shall be in accordance with Rule 2 Section 1 and Rule 2 Section 2 of the Rules Relating to Awards.
4.1 Requirements for an AwardCandidates who can demonstrate artistic or academic expertise at a professional level in any approved area of the award course may be granted advanced standing for up to 12 units from Parts A or B in the Schedule, provided that except in special circumstances, such artistic expertise has been demonstrated within seven (7) years prior to admission of candidature.
~ Optional unit