Bachelor of Contemporary Music

There are eight streams:

• Performance (audition stream)
• Performance (non-audition stream)
• Songwriting/Composition (audition stream)
• Songwriting/Composition (non-audition stream)
• Music Education
• Sound Production
• New Media Arts
• Screen

The flexible course structure enables students to choose the pathway most suited to their interests. Students can combine elements from different streams to create their own pathway.

All students participate in collaborative, practical music-making activities throughout the degree. An extensive ensemble program includes small and large repertoire-focused groups and student-led project bands. Students write, arrange, rehearse, record and perform a wide range of music, and are encouraged to develop their own creative projects.

Performance audition and Songwriting/Composition audition streams

The Performance audition stream and the Songwriting/Composition audition stream offer students who are entering the course with high-level abilities the opportunity to work closely with staff and hone their skills in a specialist area. Students in these streams receive extensive one-on-one tuition and consultations.

Please note that students wishing to be considered for the performance or songwriting/composition audition streams must complete the audition process as part of their application to this course. Information about the audition process is available at scu.edu.au/music. 

Students who achieve a high level in the performance non-audition stream, or songwriting/composition non-audition stream, can transfer into the audition stream in second year.

Music Education stream

Students who complete the degree with the Music Education stream can then apply for a graduate education course (such as the Master of Teaching at Southern Cross) to become a secondary school music teacher. The Bachelor of Contemporary Music course structure enables students to also pick up a second teaching area by taking elective units in either English, history, maths or geography.

Sound Production stream

The Sound Production stream develops students' skills in live recording and sound engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, including purpose-built recording and performance spaces. They work closely with performers and songwriters in both live and recording environments.

New Media Arts and Screen streams

Students in the New Media Arts stream and the Screen stream pursue design, film, video and emerging arts practices. There are opportunities for students to collaborate on projects with students studying the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication and the Bachelor of Art and Design.

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Assessment methods include performances, composition/songwriting portfolios, recording portfolios, technical assessments, musicianship exams and assignments, oral presentations, reflective writing tasks, peer and self-assessments, essays, projects and written exams.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, individual tuition, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

As performers, songwriters, producers, sound engineers, music educators, session musicians, musical directors, arrangers, music event promoters, band and venue managers.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Contemporary Music who complete the required units can study the Master of Teaching and teach secondary school music.

Students have the opportunity to undertake professional placements at major local festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and with music organisations.