Important application information for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music

Students can apply for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music either through the NSW University Admissions Centre (UAC) or the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) or they may apply directly to the University. If you are a STAR applicant, you will apply directly to the University.

In addition to applying via UAC or QTAC (or online), applicants for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music need to attend an interview and submit a video audition or link to your online portfolio based on your specialist area.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all interviews will be conducted via Zoom. 

Interviews for the 2021 intake will be held for Lismore campus applicants on 16–19 November and for Coomera campus applicants on 7–10 December 2020.

*A final round of auditions will be held for Lismore applicants on the 8-9 February 2021 and for Coomera applicants on 21-22 January 2021.

Audition/interview requirements

Candidates will be selected on the basis of:

• The quality of their performance or songwriting/composition or sound production skills
• Their potential for development
• Their level of commitment
• Their communication skills.

Specialist areas

You can apply for one or more of the following specialist areas:

• Songwriting/Composition
• Production
• Performance (instruments: guitar, vocals, drums, bass, keyboards/piano, saxophone or other instrument considered on a case by case basis).

Requirements for Performance 

Applications will be accepted on the following instruments: Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards/piano and drums and saxophone. Other instruments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Course Coordinator Matt Hill if you wish to audition on another instrument. For the video audition, you will need to perform two pieces (up to 10 minutes in length total), in contrasting styles and perform technical work as per the Audition guidelines and video submission instructions set out for each instrument (including vocals). In the interview, you will also be asked questions related to your musical background and achievements to date and your career aspirations. 

Requirements for Songwriting/Composition and Sound Production 

You are required to present a portfolio of three tracks (up to 12 minutes in length total) that represent your level of achievement as a songwriter/composer or producer/engineer to date. Note the portfolio may include music created for film or other media. During the audition/interview you will be asked to discuss the three works in your submission as well as your musical background, achievements to date and your career aspirations.

Audition/interview details

Southern Cross University will contact all applicants between the end of September and early February. Applicants who have not been contacted by the end of January should call the University on 1800 626 481. 

Audition guidelines and video submission instructions

Further enquiries

Contact the Future Students team online or by phone.

T: 1800 626 481

Contact the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts - Southern Cross