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Music (Performance)

The music industry and production trade is in high demand nationwide. Recent years have seen a growth in industry demand for sound engineers, producers, mixers and Foley artists skilled in digital technology. Beyond the music industry, employment is also possible across film, television, gaming and digital device sectors.

The course strongly focuses on providing students with a broad skill set that will enable them a wide range of employment opportunities within the music industry. The College consults with industry and government reference groups to ensure our curriculum remains consistent with emerging trends. Purpose built facilities demonstrate sustainable practices, furnished with a fully equipped recording studio, digital audio workstations and multi media labs.

Students are able to record using some of the finest equipment that you would normally only find in professional recording studios. This includes:

Music recital room with a Kawai grand piano.

Ten music rehearsal rooms.

Two computer labs, each equipped with twenty-five music workstations comprising Arturia keyboards, Arrow audio interfaces, Apple iMacs with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and other audio & music programs installed.

Two purpose built dance studios with sprung floors.

Purpose built Theatre Studies room with sprung floor and theatre lighting.

Music (Performance) enables you to:

Perform in various ensembles across multiple genres.

Work collaboratively and re-interpret popular music.

Plan, prepare and promote gigs as a part of a group.

Expand on your musical language and critically listen.

The College consults with industry and government reference groups to ensure our curriculum remains consistent with emerging trends. Purpose-built facilities demonstrate sustainable practices, furnished with a fully equipped recording studio, digital audio workstations and multimedia labs.

TestimonialsPeter Myers (Head of Department, Music)

“The equipment we've got is industry standard. We've got a recording studio that is as good as any commercial recording studio that you would find.”

TestimonialsMonique Hirschfeld (Music Student)

“I love how music connects you to an audience and how it makes people feel.”

TestimonialsZac Lister (Sound Production Teacher)

“The most important part of having industry standard gear is when the real world, they know what it is. They see it they’re not daunted.”

TestimonialsMonique Hirschfeld (Music Student)

“They know that this is not just a thing you want to do, it's a passion.”

(1 / 5)

Learn how to edit and record using computerised digital equipment and systems. Set up, record and mix music in an industry standard recording studio. Install and program lighting systems. Plan, prepare and promote a gig as an organizer and performer for the launch of a compilation CD of original compositions. Get fully trained by performing professionals, who have worked with many of Australia’s music legends.

TestimonialsRebecca Barnard

“At the end of the year I take the students on the road with me - as my band. We played at venues along the Great Ocean Road – including Apollo Bay, Lorne and Aries Inlet. The gig in Lorne just went off – and the students got a taste of how it feels to be wanted and have their music appreciated. The repertoire which includes originals by the students, some of my songs, and covers.”

TestimonialsRebecca Barnard

“It’s a very practical course and gives students the opportunity to be paid as working musicians. These guys are also learning to be adaptable over a range of genres and songs. We’ll be playing songs from contemporary Australian bands too.”

(1 / 5)

Course

Level(s)

Qualification(s)

Music (Performance)

Tertiary

Qualification(s):

CUA40920 Certificate IV in Music (Music Performance)

Course Structure

The Certificate IV in Music Industry (Performance) includes studies in instrumental and vocal performance techniques, rehearsal techniques, improvisation, songwriting, composition, arranging, music transcription, harmony, making a demo recording and sound editing. The course is designed to produce well-rounded, knowledgeable, industry-ready musicians and culminates in a professional performance tour of the Victorian Surf Coast region in October of each year. Student have access to the college’s state-of-the art auditorium, recording studios, rehearsal rooms, sound editing software and music facility.

You can read more about our Online Service Standards, relating to the Online and Remote Delivery of Training and Assessment.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Activities & Tasks

Performance students develop multiple performance programs, perform in a variety of styles for multiple purposes, perform and record covers and original songs, give group and solo performances, contribute to back-up accompaniments, develop a folio of original songs and instrumental compositions, improvise in multiple contexts, develop performance skills on primary and secondary instruments, develop studio recording and aural perception skills; and they acquire a working knowledge of music theory and harmony.

Students also acquire knowledge and skills designed to assist them in developing careers by researching music and related careers, studying music marketing concepts, developing a business identity, producing business plans and developing an online presence for the dissemination of their work; and they develop a presentation folio for self-promotion to prospective employers, agencies and tertiary institutions.

Students develop skills in: 
Songwriting , Arranging , Performing , Stagecraft, Recording , Producing , Vocal techniques , Rehearsal techniques and more, all under the guidance of Rebecca Barnard.

Of the 12 units in Certificate IV in Music at NCAT, Rebecca Barnard teaches four of the units including Stagecraft, Songwriting, Performance - and her remarkable unit called ‘Backing Beck’ is perhaps the most important, because the students get first-hand experience of being in a successful band.

Assessment

Most assessment tasks are project based and culminate in the production of folios of work. Students participate in a number of public performances and a performance tour; and they produce a folio of compositions, musical transcriptions, performance reviews and demo recordings. The assessment of students’ overall competence will be undertaken by qualified assessors. Students’ competence will be judged using a set of nationally determined criteria. The assessment process will be fair and will include the option of re-sits.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must have completed a VCE, VCAL Senior or Year 12 equivalent. A Certificate III in Music Industry would be an advantage. Entry into this course is by audition and interview. Applicants are asked to prepare two contrasting works for audition. The use of backing tracks in auditions is encouraged. Mature age applicants welcome.

Demos can be submitted by providing a link to NCAT via email ncat@eductation.vic.gov.au or at the allocated audition date. 

Fees

You can read more about our Fees