Course and Unit Handbook - Bachelor of Contemporary Music 2023

Course summary Major areas of study Learning outcomes Professional placement Course facts Locations and Fees Course requirements Schedule of units Course progressions

Domestic student International student

Course summary

The Bachelor of Contemporary Music prepares you for a portfolio career in music — the multi-faceted career pathway that is now most common for contemporary musicians. Tailor your degree towards your area of interest, whether it’s production, performance, songwriting or other professional areas of the music industry.

You will learn using state-of-the-art facilities in either Lismore or Coomera, taught by lecturers who are practising musicians with strong industry links.

On-campus facilities include recording studios, rehearsal studios, music production labs, keyboard lab, and professional-standard performance spaces. You can immerse yourself in the rich local music scene that includes major annual events such as Splendour in the Grass.

Students participate in collaborative, practical music-making activities throughout the degree. An extensive ensemble program also includes small and large repertoire-focused groups and student-led project bands.

Join a fantastic community of Southern Cross music graduates that include award-winning producer Matt Fell, singer-songwriter BUOY, composer and musician Yantra de Vilder, Matt Smith of Thirsty Merc, US country music number-one hit songwriter Phil Barton as well as Matt Collins, Michael Watson, Scott Finch and Fraser Rojo Perrott of WHARVES to name just a few.

Please note: Applicants for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music must complete an Audition/Interview. For more information please see the important information for applicants.

Learn more about this degree in our music showcase.

You will learn using state-of-the-art facilities in either Lismore or Coomera, taught by lecturers who are practising musicians with strong industry links.

Please note: Applicants for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music must complete an Audition/Interview. For more information please see the important information for applicants.

Learn more about this degree in our music showcase.

Students can focus their study on either contemporary music performance, songwriting, composition or production.

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.

Students who complete the degree 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 another specialist area.

Please note, an interview/audition is part of the application process for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music. Details

Course Learning Outcome
Consolidate and integrate complex knowledge and skills in music. Demonstrate academic literacy skills to share knowledge through written and verbal communications Resolve musical and conceptual challenges using analysis, research, creativity and critical judgment.
Undertake sustained, independent and collaborative music practice Consolidate and integrate complex knowledge and skills in music Communicate complex musical ideas through music-specific forms of representation Resolve musical and conceptual challenges using analysis, research, creativity and critical judgment
Undertake sustained, independent and collaborative music practice Actively engage with different cultural and indigenous perspectives at local, national and international levels Prepare for a career in music demonstrating reflective and ethical practice, integrity, legal obligations and adaptability, in a dynamic industry
Undertake sustained, independent and collaborative music practice Consolidate and integrate complex knowledge and skills in music Communicate complex musical ideas through music-specific forms of representation Resolve musical and conceptual challenges using analysis, research, creativity and critical judgment Prepare for a career in music demonstrating reflective and ethical practice, integrity, legal obligations and adaptability, in a dynamic industry
Undertake sustained, independent and collaborative music practice Demonstrate academic literacy skills to share knowledge through written and verbal communications Prepare for a career in music demonstrating reflective and ethical practice, integrity, legal obligations and adaptability, in a dynamic industry
Demonstrate academic literacy skills to share knowledge through written and verbal communications Communicate complex musical ideas through music-specific forms of representation Actively engage with different cultural and indigenous perspectives at local, national and international levels
Undertake sustained, independent and collaborative music practice Actively engage with different cultural and indigenous perspectives at local, national and international levels Prepare for a career in music demonstrating reflective and ethical practice, integrity, legal obligations and adaptability, in a dynamic industry.

Course Learning Outcome

Consolidate and integrate complex knowledge and skills in music.

Demonstrate academic literacy skills to share knowledge through written and verbal communications

Resolve musical and conceptual challenges using analysis, research, creativity and critical judgment.