MUSIC INDUSTRY
PERFORMANCE
Course Information
Music Industry Performance 1
CONTENTS
Melbourne Polytechnic VET music performance programs 2
Pathways through music performance 4
Course overviews 6
Subject descriptions 8
Applying for music courses 14
Music Industry Performance Pathways 15
Find out more ... 16
© Melbourne Polytechnic 2019
National Provider No. 3075
2019 Edition, Version 1
Prepared by Music Industry
Document creation date: 06.05.2019
Document review date: 06.05.2021
2 Course Information Booklet Music Industry Performance 3
MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC
VET MUSIC PERFORMANCE
PROGRAMS
Melbourne has a
dynamic and exciting
music scene that offers
many unique venues
and opportunities.
It’s the perfect place for
you to begin your career
in music performance.
At Melbourne Polytechnic, you’ll receive intense
one-on-one tuition on your principal musical
instrument. You’ll also gain valuable experience in
the music industry. Our music teachers are industry
professionals with years of experience. They are
active performers, composers, arrangers, and
educators. Along with your fellow students, you
will make vital industry contacts and perform in
some of Melbourne’s leading venues.
Melbourne Polytechnic has expansive rehearsal
rooms set up with drum kits, piano, PA and
ampliers. Our computer laboratories are equipped
with the full complement of music software, and
our theatre spaces contain excellent sound and
lighting, as well as skilled student operators to
support your performances.
During your time at Melbourne Polytechnic,
you’ll perform regularly and undertake an exciting
range of hands-on practical and theoretical tasks.
Music Industry Performance 54 Course Information Booklet
PATHWAYS THROUGH
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
VET Music Performance at
Melbourne Polytechnic offers
a range of qualications,
from Certicate IV to
Advanced Diploma.
Each qualication is designed to develop your music
performance skills and help you progress through
the higher qualications. No matter what your skill
level, we have a program to suit you.
While single qualications are available and will
suit some students, becoming a condent and
skilled performer can take many years of study.
Most students choose to pathway through several
qualication levels.
Each qualication level has some common
subjects to support your development as a
well-rounded contemporary performer/musician.
See the individual subject descriptions on
pages 8-12 for more information.
CERTIFICATE IV
If you have music performance ability, but limited
knowledge of theory or notation, then our Certicate
IV in Music Industry (Performance) is for you.
This hands-on, practical course is an excellent
preparation for further study. You’ll get one-to-
one tuition on your instrument or voice, perform
contemporary and commercial music in bands, and
learn music fundamentals including theory, aural,
rhythm, reading, and keyboard.
You’ll also meet other talented students and build
a solid foundation in music performance, through
an engaging and supportive environment. Finally,
develop networking and business skills from music-
industry professionals who’ll expose you to new
ideas and experiences.
CERTIFICATE IV (evening/exible)
Our popular evening/exible study options are
an enjoyable experience for musicians of most
ages and abilities. Improve on a variety of music
skills, both theoretical and practical, and choose
from a range of units offered on-campus, off-campus
and online.
Evening/exible units include theory/aural,
improvisation, group performance, keyboard,
principal instrument, music industry, and
songwriting.
If you decide to go on to further fulltime study,
successfully completed units from the evening/
exible Certicate IV can be credited towards the
Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Music Industry
(Performance).
DIPLOMA
If you have music performance experience and
a basic knowledge of theory and music notation,
then the Diploma of Music Industry (Performance)
may be for you. In this program you’ll perform
contemporary and commercial styles of music in
bands and ensembles for a minimum of eight hours
a week. You’ll network with professional musicians
and students in other areas of music industry,
perform on and off campus in leading venues
around Melbourne, and develop skills in theory,
aural, improvisation, keyboard, arranging,
composition and technology.
Upon successful completion of the Diploma, you
can progress to the Advanced Diploma to further
develop your performance skills.
ADVANCED DIPLOMA
The Advanced Diploma of Music Industry
(Performance) is for those with signicant
performance experience and solid music-craft skills.
The program offers over seven hours of weekly
contact time in music performance, comprising
individual lessons, small bands, larger ensembles,
workshops, and performance platform. It’s designed
to improve your music craft skills in theory, aural,
improvisation, reading, keyboard, arranging,
composition, and technology.
During the course, you’ll present a forty-minute
recital in a Melbourne venue of your choice, and
learn new skills by teaching music to students. Upon
completion, you’ll have an opportunity to articulate
into the second year of our Bachelor of Music.
6 Course Information Booklet Music Industry Performance 7
COURSE OVERVIEWS
CUA60515 Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Performance)
One year duration. February intake available at Faireld and Prahran campuses,
July intake at Prahran campus only.
Unit code and title Cluster/Subject
CUAMLT502 Apply concepts of music and society to professional practice Music and Society
CUAPPR603 Engage in the business of creative practice
Creative Business Practice
BSBIPR501 Manage intellectual property to protect and grow business
CUAPPR505 Establish and maintain safe creative practice Work Health & Safety
CUAMLT602 Analyse harmony Theory, Aural
CUAMLT602 Perform accompaniment Keyboard
CUAMPF503 Extend improvisation techniques Improvisation, Rhythm
CUALED501 Provide instrumental or vocal tuition Teaching
CUAMPF601 Present a music performance Band
CUAMPF602 Manage stagecraft aspects of performance
Principal Instrument &
Performance Platform
CUAMPF603 Rene performance techniques and expand repertoire
CUAPRF501 Rene performance techniques
CUAMPF607 Lead music rehearsals Ensemble
CUAMCP601 Extend techniques for arranging music Arranging
CUAPPR501 Realise a body of creative work Music Technology
CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry (Performance)
One year duration. February intake available at Faireld and Prahran campuses,
July intake at Prahran campus only.
Unit code and title Cluster/Subject
BSBCRT501 Originate and develop concepts
Freelance ServicesCUAIND402 Provide freelance services
CUACMP501 Manage copyright arrangements
CUAPPR505 Establish and maintain safe creative practice Work Health & Safety
CUAPPM503 Incorporate creative and technical needs into
management processes
Band
CUAMPF404 Perform music as part of a group
CUAMPF501 Prepare a program for performance Ensemble
CUAMPF402 Develop and maintain stagecraft skills
Principal Instrument &
Performance Platform
CUAMPF406 Perform music as a soloist
CUAMPF505 Develop technical skills and expand repertoire
CUAMLT501 Rene aural perception skills Aural
CUAMCP401 Develop techniques for arranging music Arranging
CUAMCP501 Compose music using electronic media Music Technology
CUAMPF410 Perform music from written notation Rhythm & Keyboard
CUAMLT401 Notate music for performance Theory 1A
CUAMLT403 Develop skills in analysis of functional harmony Theory 1B
CUA40915 Certicate IV in Music Industry (Performance)
One semester duration. February intake available at Prahran campus.
July intake at Faireld campus.
Unit code and title Cluster/Subject
BSBCRT401 Articulate, present and debate ideas
Industry
BSBIPR401 Use and respect copyright
BSBSMB301 Investigate micro business opportunities
CUAWHS302 Apply work health and safety practices
CUAMLT303 Notate music Theory
CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills Aural, Rhythm
CUAMCP303 Develop simple musical pieces using electronic media Music Technology
CUAMPF401 Rehearse music for group performances
Band
CUAMPF403 Develop repertoire as part of a backup group
CUAMPF302 Prepare for performances
Principal Instrument &
Performance Platform
CUAMPF405 Develop instrumental techniques
CUAMPF407 Develop vocal techniques Vocal group
CUAMPF203 Develop ensemble skills for playing or singing music Rhythm Section
CUAMPF408 Develop performance techniques on a second instrument Keyboard
CUA40915 Certicate IV in Music Industry (Performance) Evening/Flexible
Two years duration. February intake. July intake (selected units only).
Unit code and title Cluster/Subject
BSBCRT401 Articulate, present and debate ideas
Industry
(online or on campus)
BSBIPR401 Use and respect copyright
BSBSMB301 Investigate micro business opportunities
CUAWHS302 Apply work health and safety practices
CUAMLT303 Notate music
Theory Foundation, Aural
(Faireld campus)
CUAMLT301 Develop and apply aural perception skills
CUAMLT403 Develop skills in analysis of functional harmony Theory Sem. 1
Improvisation Sem. 2
(Faireld campus)
CUAMPF305 Develop improvisation skills
CUAMPF403 Develop repertoire as part of a backup group Band 1 (Faireld campus)
CUAMPF401 Rehearse music for group performances Band 2 (Faireld campus)
CUAMPF408 Develop performance techniques on a second instrument Keyboard (Off campus)
CUAMPF405 Develop instrumental techniques Principal Instrument
(Off campus)
CUAMCP301 Compose simple songs or musical pieces
Songwriting (online)
CUAMLT302 Apply knowledge of style and genre to
music industry practice
8 Course Information Booklet Music Industry Performance 9
SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Music Performance at Melbourne Polytechnic is grouped into four main subject areas:
Performance, Musicianship, Industry, and Technology.
1. PERFORMANCE
PRINCIPAL INSTRUMENT/
PERFORMANCE PLATFORM
Certicate IV
Receive individual lessons on your principal
instrument and present a recital performance with
you as the featured musician. Undertake individual
lessons with qualied industry experts who will
guide and instruct you to develop technical skills
and repertoire on your instrument. Perform in our
weekly performance class, and enjoy the opportunity
to both collaborate with and observe other music
students. Undertake a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a
week of personal practice to develop your skills.
Diploma
Receive individual lessons on your principal
instrument, and present four solo performances
and two recitals as a featured musician.
Undertake individual lessons with qualied industry
experts who will guide and instruct you to develop
technical skills and repertoire on your instrument.
Present weekly performances at both on- and
off-campus venues, and develop stagecraft skills
by collaborating with and observing fellow
music students.
Explore a variety of genres including pop/rock,
Australian contemporary, and jazz, and prepare and
present technical work relevant to your instrument.
Undertake a minimum of 6 to 8 hours a week
personal practice to develop your skills.
Advanced Diploma
Receive individual lessons on your principal
instrument, and present three solo performances
and one major off-campus recital. Undertake
individual lessons with qualied industry experts
who will guide and mentor you to develop technical
skills and repertoire on your instrument. Perform in
our weekly performance class where you will have
the opportunity to demonstrate well-developed
stagecraft skills, collaborate with other students,
and observe other student performances.
Explore a variety of genres including Australian
contemporary, jazz, and Latin jazz, and prepare
and present a technical piece and technical work
relevant to your instrument. Undertake a minimum
of 8 to 10 hours a week of personal practice to
develop your skills.
BAND
Certicate IV
Work together in bands to select, rehearse, develop,
and perform repertoire in a range of contemporary
popular musical styles. Be guided by experienced
music industry professionals to understand the
inner workings of building a set of music for
live performance. Perform on-campus during
Performance Platform.
Diploma
Rehearse music with others in bands under the
tuition of experienced industry professionals.
Develop stagecraft skills, and consider technical
and artistic development, repertoire selection,
individual roles, performance anxiety, and audience
reaction. Styles of music include pop, rock, jazz, and
Australian contemporary. Learn to rehearse a set of
music quickly and effectively, and perform regularly
in professional performance spaces on campus and
in Melbourne venues (pubs and clubs).
Advanced Diploma
Play music in an advanced band setting and learn
how to rehearse and perform music in collaboration
with a large range of personnel. Explore rehearsal
techniques including self-direction and learn how
to manage other band members in a positive and
productive way. Enjoy composing, rehearsing and
performing in a variety of bands/ensembles, and
explore a range of music styles including originals,
jazz, world, fusion, and groove. Develop the
condence to form and direct your own band, and
the skills to seek out and secure gigs in a range of
venues and styles.
ENSEMBLES
Certicate IV
(Includes a vocal ensemble and a rhythm section
ensemble)
Vocal – Expand your vocal technique, range,
uency, and enhance vocal quality and health.
Develop a broad range of skills by singing diverse
repertoire in a vocal ensemble. Learn strategies for
performing with condence, and how to collaborate
effectively in a group to develop music to a
performance standard.
Rhythm section – Develop technical and listening
skills related to timing, dynamics and timbre,
and musical expression and interpretation skills
including phrasing, and rhythmic and harmonic
elements. Collaborate in an ensemble to better
understand the roles of different rhythm section
instruments. Learn to play simple parts on bass,
drums and guitar as you explore the function and
role of rhythm section instruments in a variety of
contemporary styles and grooves.
Diploma
Guitar ensemble/vocal ensemble
Gain experience collaborating with others in
either a vocal or guitar ensemble and plan a
program, rehearse music, and present performances.
Develop technical and musicianship skills relevant
to the ensemble. Develop skills around reading
notation, pitch and intonation, rhythm, harmony,
and repertoire knowledge, as well as organisational
skills to ensure that sufcient time is allocated to
planning, practice and rehearsals. Present pieces in
the weekly Performance Platform class at both on-
and off-campus venues.
Advanced Diploma
Gain experience collaborating with others in an
ensemble, and learn to plan a program, rehearse
music, and present performances. Develop and
demonstrate rehearsal leadership skills including
organisational skills, and assisting and motivating
others. Apply a range of musicianship skills relevant
to the ensemble, such as reading notation, pitch/
intonation, rhythm, harmony, and repertoire
knowledge. Present your works in the weekly
Performance Platform class at both on- and off-
campus venues.
10 Course Information Booklet Music Industry Performance 11
2. MUSICIANSHIP
THEORY AND AURAL
Certicate IV
Theory – Explore the fundamentals of music theory
and notation, and learn to read music and develop
an understanding of rhythm, chords, scales and
melody. Analyse contemporary chord charts and
lead-sheets (pop/rock/funk/blues), developing
knowledge of major and minor keys, key signatures,
scales, intervals, chord construction, chord
progressions and transposition.
Aural – Learn to identify and sing a number of
diatonic intervals, triads, scales, and simple chord
progressions. Learn to read and notate rhythms and
transcribe pitch and short melodies. Be introduced
to the Solfeggio method of singing, which allows you
to recognise and sing aloud unfamiliar music.
Diploma
Theory and Aural – Explore the structures of music
including intervals, chords, the cycle of fths,
diatonic harmony in major and minor keys, chord
progressions, voice leading, modes of the major
scale, and pentatonic and blues scales. Analyse and
notate contemporary chord charts and lead-sheets
in a range of styles including pop, rock, funk, blues
and jazz.
Aural – Identify and sing a range of intervals, chords
and scales. Learn to identify chord progressions and
to transcribe melodies and rhythms.
Advanced Diploma
Theory – Write cadences and expand your harmonic
knowledge with extended chords and altered chords.
Learn how to connect chords smoothly through
voice leading, and learn new scales including the
modes of the jazz minor scale, the diminished, and
the whole-tone scales. Apply chord substitutions
and reharmonisation to progressions and apply the
concepts of functional harmony.
Aural – Learn to transcribe music from recordings
in pop, rock, funk, blues, and jazz genres and
develop chord charts and lead sheets to a
professional standard. Notate melodies, rhythms,
chords, and chord progressions.
KEYBOARD
Certicate IV
Keyboard is offered to all music performance
students as a second instrument. Build a harmonic
vocabulary as you learn to play chords and chord
progressions in different keys, and simple pieces
in contemporary styles.
Diploma
Learn how to read and perform rhythms in simple
and compound time signatures, and play music
from written notation in the treble and bass staves.
Practice and perform notated music that includes
melodies, chords, scale patterns and rhythmic drills.
Enhance your understanding of music notation by
performing crotchet and quaver triplets, straight
and swung rhythmic interpretation, and syncopation
and odd time signatures. Present pieces and
performances of notated music to enhance your
understanding of music notation conventions.
Advanced Diploma
Learn to play various musical styles on keyboard
and provide accompaniment to other performers.
Play rock, country, funk, new age, and jazz
accompaniments on keyboard and develop
and extend your harmonic vocabulary and
performance skills.
IMPROVISATION
Learn to adapt to, and engage in, any musical
improvising situation. Explore key ideas of active
listening, leadership and creativity, and develop
these skills by performing in a number of improvised
musical situations. Explore the concept of the solo in
a variety of musical styles.
3. INDUSTRY
MUSIC INDUSTRY
Certicate IV
Explore careers in the music industry and align your
skills, interests and professional aspirations with
micro music business opportunities. Network with
others and learn from professionals as they share
their journey and experiences in the music industry.
Articulate your career goals and aspirations, learn
how to use and respect music industry copyright,
and apply work health and safety practices as a
music industry professional.
FREELANCE SERVICES
Diploma
Develop concepts for freelance work in the
music industry. Undertake business planning and
investigate business structures and regulations.
Participate in a series of masterclasses and
presentations delivered by key industry
stakeholders.
Understand the role of copyright collection societies
in the process of creating, arranging, using, and
performing live and recorded music. Learn to
complete an audio manufacture license from AMCOS,
analyse recording contracts, and investigate music
publishing and income streams.
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY
Diploma
Develop an understanding of risk management
and risk controls relating to live event production.
Understand what goes on behind the scenes
when planning large events, and develop an
appreciation for the risks inherent with live
performance. Learn how to control risk and limit
your exposure to hazardous situations.
MUSIC AND SOCIETY
Advanced Diploma
Explore genres, styles and the important correlations
between art, culture and technology. Develop critical
thinking skills, broaden your stylistic awareness and
understanding, and use self-reection to engage with
cultural values as they relate to your professional
practice. Expand your musical vocabulary and
collaborate to produce a recording that demonstrates
an understanding of style, genre, performance and
production techniques.
CREATIVE BUSINESS PRACTICE
Advanced Diploma
Undertake activities involved in planning, promoting,
monitoring and executing a live event, as well as
participate in case studies and business constructs
that are relevant to you and the music industry.
Investigate the role and management of intellectual
property, music copyright and royalties, marketing
strategies and digital aggregation, and complete your
own industry standard creative business plan.
TEACHING
Advanced Diploma
Gain hands-on experience in providing instrumental
or vocal tuition as a private music teacher.
Learn to prepare, explore and deliver lessons under
the guidance of an experienced and qualied music
educator. Gain the skills to apply for teaching jobs,
set up a home teaching studio, and inspire musicians
of the future.
12 Course Information Booklet Music Industry Performance 13
4. TECHNOLOGY
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Certicate IV
Create music using a digital audio workstation
(DAW), and develop computer skills for using music
production and music publishing software.
Compose, manipulate, edit, save, and back up
musical works, and use effects, loops, multitrack,
MIDI and real instruments to compose and produce
a nal piece. Use Sibelius music notation software
to create a lead sheet for a song, including key and
time signatures, melody, chord symbols and lyrics
using step and real-time entry.
Diploma
Use a digital audio workstation (DAW) and midi
keyboard to create a soundtrack to a short
animation using a combination of software and
audio tracks. Learn to manipulate audio, midi regions
and loops to create a soundtrack that supports and
enhances the lm’s animation. Produce a 3 to 5
minute sound design/composition/song of at least
six tracks that includes recorded audio (vocal or
instrumental) as well as software instruments, midi
regions, loops, effects, and plugins. Bounce, mix, and
master your track to produce a stereo le.
Advanced Diploma
Use ProTools software to edit and mix a pre-
recorded session. Learn to alter the length of the
track, balance levels, create buses to add reverb
or other effects, add a master fader, and apply
processing to create a comprehensive mix. Create
and present a song, sound scape or montage using
Ableton Live, and present it in a live performance
situation. Incorporate the Ableton Push midi
interface into your composition and performance.
ARRANGING
Diploma
Learn to arrange in a number of contemporary
musical styles. Explore phrasing, instrumentation
and a range of rhythms appropriate to contemporary
rock, pop, country, hip-hop, disco, reggae, shufe
and Latin music. Apply conventional and creative
techniques to develop melody, harmony, structure,
and texture appropriate to the arrangement, and
use Sibelius software to produce scores suited to
performance by professional musicians.
Advanced Diploma
Explore arranging techniques used in polyphonic
(many voices) music. Explore classical voice leading
and contemporary jazz techniques to create
interesting and vibrant arrangements. Adopt the
myriad roles of art interpreter, composer, and artist
as you have your nal arrangement performed by
a professional saxophone quartet.
PART-TIME UNITS
Cert IV in Music Industry (Performance)
Evening/Flexible
Subject information for part-time units is available
on the Melbourne Polytechnic website.
For more information, visit
www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/courses/
certicate-iv-in-music-industry-performance-
evening-exible.
Master of Creative
Industries
3 semesters
Bachelor of Music
4 semesters
Advanced Diploma
(Performance)
2 semesters
Diploma (Performance)
2 semesters
Certicate IV
(Performance)
1 semester
Audition and interview
process to determine
most-suitable course
entry point
START HERE
...with course selection
process & pathway
counselling
Music Industry Performance 1514 Course Information Booklet
MUSIC INDUSTRY
PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS
APPLYING FOR
MUSIC COURSES
The audition and
interview process will
help us nd the right
course for you: one best
suited to your skill level,
musical tastes, and
career aspirations.
When applying for music courses, you’ll be asked
to attend an audition and interview. This process
is a chance for you to show us the music you feel
passionate about, and tell us about your aspirations
and career objectives. It will also help us evaluate
your skills and knowledge to nd the course most-
suited to your current level of musicianship.
At the audition, you’ll perform two contrasting
pieces on your principal instrument or voice.
Afterwards, we’ll ask you some questions about your
music goals and aspirations, and assess your current
musicianship skills.
For further information on the audition and
interview process, or to contact Music Performance
staff, see details on page 16.
Music Industry Performance 1716 Course Information Booklet
C
OURSE INFORMATION
CUA40915 Certificate IV in Music Industry (Performance)
www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/courses/certificate-iv-in-music-industry-performance
CUA40915 Certificate IV in Music Industry (Performance) Evening/Flexible
www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/courses/certificate-iv-in-music-industry-performance-evening-flexible
CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry (Performance)
https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/study/diploma/music-industry/performance/
CUA60515 Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Performance)
www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/courses/advanced-diploma-of-music-industry-performance
AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS
Preparing for a music performance audition and interview
www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/performing-arts-booking-information/music
Booking a music performance audition and interview
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18225460&appointmentType=category:Music
FIND OUT MORE ...
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Information sessions for Melbourne Polytechnic Music Industry
Performance courses are held every Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm
during term times.
To register for an information session, visit the website:
www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/information-enrolment-sessions.
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT
Music Performance staff, email [email protected].
Melbourne Polytechnic education and course advisors,
phone 03 9269 8400.
This training may be delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Information correct at May 2019 © MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC
National Provider No. 3075 | CRICOS Provider 00724G |3844|PA|010519|