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Diploma of Music CUA50820
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Overview

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who have a sound depth of theoretical knowledge and use a range of specialised, technical or managerial competencies to plan, carry out and evaluate their own work and/or that of a team, in their chosen field in the music industry. They may work in music performance, music creation and composition, music tuition, sound production, or music business contexts.

Qualification:

 Diploma of Music CUA50820

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 DP-BD72

Campus:

 CIT Reid*


*From Semester 2 2025, the location of this course will transition from CIT Reid to the new CIT Woden campus. CIT will provide support for students who will be making the move to Woden. Learn more.

Duration:

 2 Semesters Full time (20 - 38 hours per week) OR part-time equivalent.

Face-to-Face delivery 14 - 18 hours per week over 3-5 days Additional individual study 6 - 20 hours per week including instrument/studio practice, online activities, research, report writing, teamwork, assessment preparation, etc.

Cost Info:

Further information about fees is available at Course fees and assistance

Indicative Cost:

 Standard $4,550

Likely Job Outcome:

 Music researcher, music/artist manager, music promoter, sound designer, musician, vocalist/singer, composer, music producer, instrumentalist, music publisher, band leader, music tutor, broadcast audio operator, venue sound mixer, assistant sound engineer, sound engineer.

Application Type:

 Portfolio - Standard
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Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a Certificate IV in Music, or equivalent skills, knowledge, and industry experience.
Applicants may be invited to an interview to provide a resume of educational record and work experience as well as portfolio of work example or complete an audition demonstrating skills on chosen instrument or voice.

Skills Recognition

To study any course at CIT (excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 4 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 16 subjects

Core: Complete all 4

  • CUAIND512   Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
    • CIT Code: ARTS397
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain creative arts industry knowledge and monitor and manage own professional practice. This includes applying industry knowledge to research-based work activities, when interacting with others, and when engaging in professional practice in the music industry.The unit applies to those who have advanced research and analysis skills working as practitioners, administrators or managers. They could be working in the public or private sector in a variety of contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAIND412   Provide freelance services
    • CIT Code: MEDA502
      Cost: Standard $140.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry. This includes promoting self to potential clients, negotiating work arrangements, managing financial and business aspects of services, and undertaking strategic planning.The unit applies to those who use a high level of self-motivation and discipline, and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. They are engaged for specific projects and are responsible for promoting themselves to potential clients, negotiating their own contracts and managing their business affairs.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMWB401   Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries
    • CIT Code: MUSC389
      Cost: Standard $155.00
      Description: This unit describes skills and knowledge required to identify, select and use a range of self-care strategies to support sustainability of own practice and actively implement mental wellbeing and self-care in the creative industries. This includes implementing preventative techniques and evaluating their success against an individualised self-care plan.The unit applies to those who may be required to manage personal wellbeing and sustainable professional practice in any creative industry sector or area of expertise. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUACMP511   Manage copyright arrangements
    • CIT Code: ARTS385
      Cost: Standard $115.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, manage and apply individual or collaborative copyright arrangements for original works.It applies to individuals who have responsibility for identifying intellectual property requirements, assigning copyright and licensing rights, and ensuring copyright is protected locally and internationally.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Music Performance -Complete 12

  • CUAMPF411   Rehearse music for group performances
    • CIT Code: MUSC379
      Cost: Standard $495.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rehearse for a group performance to the required standard. This includes collaborating with other members of the group to prepare for rehearsals and discussing elements of performance.The unit applies to those who are musicians and vocalists in all genres and who need to rehearse in a group prior to performances No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMPF511   Develop programs for performances
    • CIT Code: MUSC386
      Cost: Standard $430.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop programs for performances, including planning, analysing and developing the interpretation of program plans. The unit applies to those who are instrumentalists and vocalists and who have well developed repertoire knowledge and organisational skills. They respond to briefs for a particular style of performance at an event and may have responsibility within a company or ensemble for preparing programs. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMLT511   Refine aural perception and memory skills
    • CIT Code: MUSC376
      Cost: Standard $230.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine aural perception skills. This includes setting personal skill development goals and expanding methods and techniques which can be applied to recognising and transcribing music structures.The unit applies to those who are musicians, songwriters, composers, arrangers, conductors, musical directors and others who are required to use aural perception and memory skills. These individuals use well developed aural perception skills and knowledge of music structures and components in a range of contexts, including transcribing live or recorded music and preparing charts and other forms of notated music.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMPF514   Perform improvisation for audiences
    • CIT Code: MUSC387
      Cost: Standard $380.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform improvisation for an audience as part of an ensemble. The unit applies to those who are musicians and who have high level aural and technical skills in a chosen genre or musical tradition. They work collaboratively and creatively with all members of the ensemble group and respond intuitively to musical elements as they seek to improvise spontaneously during performances. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMPF413   Develop repertoire as part of a backup group
    • CIT Code: MUSC381
      Cost: Standard $385.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and rehearse repertoire as part of a backup group.The unit applies to those who are musicians and vocalists and who accompany and support solo artists and contribute to the selection of repertoire. They may perform in any genre.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMCP411   Develop techniques for arranging music
    • CIT Code: MUSC370
      Cost: Standard $400.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rework an existing composition into a different instrumental or vocal grouping to produce a musically distinctive sound, according to an arrangement brief.The unit applies to those who apply well developed skills in aural imagination, aural perception and harmony to arrange music in any genre. They may help structure compositions, write versions of songs for performance, recording and publication, provide charts for rhythm sections, and add original musical elements to final arrangements.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMPF515   Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire
    • CIT Code: MUSC388
      Cost: Standard $540.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine instrumental techniques and expand the range of practical performance repertoire. The unit applies to those who are musicians and who apply high levels of technical and expressive skills to performance preparation, craft skills and musicianship. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • BSBCRT512   Originate and develop concepts
    • CIT Code: BUSN293
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to originate and develop concepts for products, programs, processes or services to an operational level.The unit applies to individuals who develop concepts for any business or community activity or process. This may include marketing and advertising campaigns, staff development programs, information technology and communication systems, radio and television programs and entertainment events. These individuals operate with a high degree of autonomy and also collaborate with others to generate ideas and refine concepts for implementation.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMCP612   Extend techniques for composing music
    • CIT Code: MUSC373
      Cost: Standard $195.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to extend music composition skills in any music genre and refine skills through the setting of professional development goals.The unit applies to those who apply commitment and high-level skills in aural imagination, melodic development, instrumentation and orchestration to extend the range of compositional briefs to which they can competently respond. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMPF416   Perform music as a soloist
    • CIT Code: MUSC384
      Cost: Standard $490.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform live musical pieces, as a soloist for audiences.The unit applies to those who perform as solo instrumentalists or vocalists. They may perform in any musical genre. They apply technical, musicianship and well-developed stagecraft skills to engage audiences.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • BSBPMG531   Manage project time
    • CIT Code: BUSN498
      Cost: Standard $95.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage time during projects. It involves determining and implementing the project schedule and assessing time management outcomes.The unit applies to individuals responsible for managing and leading a project in an organisation, business, or as a consultant.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAIND411   Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
    • CIT Code: ARTS414
      Cost: Standard $190.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to add depth to expertise in a specialist field or technique in the creative industries. It involves researching industry trends and new ideas, developing skills and techniques for a specialist field and evaluating professional development which can be expressed in a practical outcome. The unit applies to those who undertake work with limited guidance and may be responsible for mentoring others on the job in a range of fields. Fields include dance, music, cultural heritage, screen and media, visual arts, craft and design. Depending on the specialist area, guidance from mentors and experienced practitioners may be expected.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Sound Production - Complete 12

  • CUASOU506   Create a final sound balance
    • CIT Code: MUSC206
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create a final sound balance for a production. It applies to individuals who work creatively and collaboratively with sound engineers, sound mixers, sound editors and studio technicians to create a final sound balance for a range of recorded and live productions. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU419   Mix recorded music
    • CIT Code: MUSC394
      Cost: Standard $275.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix music that has been recorded live or in a studio. It involves using sound editing equipment and associated software to balance instruments, vocals, and recorded or imported sounds.The unit applies to those who work with clients and colleagues to mix down existing multi-track recordings to formats ready for mastering.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU513   Develop sound designs
    • CIT Code: MUSC396
      Cost: Standard $540.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop an overall sound design. This involves clarifying a sound design brief and identifying components of sound required, then generating ideas for and developing a sound design to present to required personnel.The unit applies to those who have a good understanding of the physical nature of sound, along with research and creative thinking skills. They collaborate with other creative personnel to develop the overall sound and musical identity of a wide range of productions. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU421   Mix audio for live productions
    • CIT Code: MUSC395
      Cost: Standard $615.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live productions, such as shows and performances, in the music, screen, media, entertainment and events industries. This involves being a part of pre and post production operations, including checking and preparing audio equipment for live mixing, and dissembling equipment post-production.The unit applies to those who take responsibility for the front of house mix and creating quality sound for audiences. They work autonomously in a team environment and may also be responsible for the limited supervising of others.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU504   Produce sound recordings
    • CIT Code: MUSC208
      Cost: Standard $470.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, organise and produce audio recordings. It applies to individuals who work collaboratively and creatively with artists and performers to produce audio recordings for distribution via any media.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU406   Develop and implement sound plans
    • CIT Code: MUSC214
      Cost: Standard $235.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge needed to identify sound requirements, and to develop and implement sound production plans that meet the creative and technical aspects of productions.It applies to individuals working as sound technicians and supervisors on a range of productions and events.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU414   Manage wireless audio operations
    • CIT Code: MUSC392
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to specify, fit and operate radio microphones and in-ear wireless monitors for performers in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries.The unit applies to those who work autonomously in a team environment as they take responsibility for managing frequency spectrum and overseeing the use of a range of wireless audio equipment during productions. They may also be responsible for supervising others.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • BSBCRT512   Originate and develop concepts
    • CIT Code: BUSN293
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to originate and develop concepts for products, programs, processes or services to an operational level.The unit applies to individuals who develop concepts for any business or community activity or process. This may include marketing and advertising campaigns, staff development programs, information technology and communication systems, radio and television programs and entertainment events. These individuals operate with a high degree of autonomy and also collaborate with others to generate ideas and refine concepts for implementation.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU410   Record sound on location
    • CIT Code: MUSC312
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to record dialogue and sound effects on location for a screen production.It applies to individuals who record dialogue and live sound effects in outdoor and indoor locations for a range of screen productions. They must work cooperatively with performers and other production crew members.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU505   Implement sound designs
    • CIT Code: MUSC213
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a design for any productions requiring sound. It applies to individuals with a thorough understanding of a wide range of sound equipment and sound effects, along with the ability to supervise and work creatively and collaboratively with others, including sound mixers, sound editors and other studio technicians. The ability to solve problems that arise in the context of implementing sound designs is essential. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • BSBPMG531   Manage project time
    • CIT Code: BUSN498
      Cost: Standard $95.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage time during projects. It involves determining and implementing the project schedule and assessing time management outcomes.The unit applies to individuals responsible for managing and leading a project in an organisation, business, or as a consultant.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAIND411   Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
    • CIT Code: ARTS414
      Cost: Standard $190.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to add depth to expertise in a specialist field or technique in the creative industries. It involves researching industry trends and new ideas, developing skills and techniques for a specialist field and evaluating professional development which can be expressed in a practical outcome. The unit applies to those who undertake work with limited guidance and may be responsible for mentoring others on the job in a range of fields. Fields include dance, music, cultural heritage, screen and media, visual arts, craft and design. Depending on the specialist area, guidance from mentors and experienced practitioners may be expected.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Music Production -Complete 12

  • CUASOU506   Create a final sound balance
    • CIT Code: MUSC206
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create a final sound balance for a production. It applies to individuals who work creatively and collaboratively with sound engineers, sound mixers, sound editors and studio technicians to create a final sound balance for a range of recorded and live productions. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU419   Mix recorded music
    • CIT Code: MUSC394
      Cost: Standard $275.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix music that has been recorded live or in a studio. It involves using sound editing equipment and associated software to balance instruments, vocals, and recorded or imported sounds.The unit applies to those who work with clients and colleagues to mix down existing multi-track recordings to formats ready for mastering.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMLT511   Refine aural perception and memory skills
    • CIT Code: MUSC376
      Cost: Standard $230.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine aural perception skills. This includes setting personal skill development goals and expanding methods and techniques which can be applied to recognising and transcribing music structures.The unit applies to those who are musicians, songwriters, composers, arrangers, conductors, musical directors and others who are required to use aural perception and memory skills. These individuals use well developed aural perception skills and knowledge of music structures and components in a range of contexts, including transcribing live or recorded music and preparing charts and other forms of notated music.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU410   Record sound on location
    • CIT Code: MUSC312
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to record dialogue and sound effects on location for a screen production.It applies to individuals who record dialogue and live sound effects in outdoor and indoor locations for a range of screen productions. They must work cooperatively with performers and other production crew members.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU504   Produce sound recordings
    • CIT Code: MUSC208
      Cost: Standard $470.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, organise and produce audio recordings. It applies to individuals who work collaboratively and creatively with artists and performers to produce audio recordings for distribution via any media.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMCP411   Develop techniques for arranging music
    • CIT Code: MUSC370
      Cost: Standard $400.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rework an existing composition into a different instrumental or vocal grouping to produce a musically distinctive sound, according to an arrangement brief.The unit applies to those who apply well developed skills in aural imagination, aural perception and harmony to arrange music in any genre. They may help structure compositions, write versions of songs for performance, recording and publication, provide charts for rhythm sections, and add original musical elements to final arrangements.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU513   Develop sound designs
    • CIT Code: MUSC396
      Cost: Standard $540.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop an overall sound design. This involves clarifying a sound design brief and identifying components of sound required, then generating ideas for and developing a sound design to present to required personnel.The unit applies to those who have a good understanding of the physical nature of sound, along with research and creative thinking skills. They collaborate with other creative personnel to develop the overall sound and musical identity of a wide range of productions. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • BSBCRT512   Originate and develop concepts
    • CIT Code: BUSN293
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to originate and develop concepts for products, programs, processes or services to an operational level.The unit applies to individuals who develop concepts for any business or community activity or process. This may include marketing and advertising campaigns, staff development programs, information technology and communication systems, radio and television programs and entertainment events. These individuals operate with a high degree of autonomy and also collaborate with others to generate ideas and refine concepts for implementation.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAMCP612   Extend techniques for composing music
    • CIT Code: MUSC373
      Cost: Standard $195.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to extend music composition skills in any music genre and refine skills through the setting of professional development goals.The unit applies to those who apply commitment and high-level skills in aural imagination, melodic development, instrumentation and orchestration to extend the range of compositional briefs to which they can competently respond. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUASOU505   Implement sound designs
    • CIT Code: MUSC213
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a design for any productions requiring sound. It applies to individuals with a thorough understanding of a wide range of sound equipment and sound effects, along with the ability to supervise and work creatively and collaboratively with others, including sound mixers, sound editors and other studio technicians. The ability to solve problems that arise in the context of implementing sound designs is essential. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • BSBPMG531   Manage project time
    • CIT Code: BUSN498
      Cost: Standard $95.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage time during projects. It involves determining and implementing the project schedule and assessing time management outcomes.The unit applies to individuals responsible for managing and leading a project in an organisation, business, or as a consultant.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAIND411   Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
    • CIT Code: ARTS414
      Cost: Standard $190.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to add depth to expertise in a specialist field or technique in the creative industries. It involves researching industry trends and new ideas, developing skills and techniques for a specialist field and evaluating professional development which can be expressed in a practical outcome. The unit applies to those who undertake work with limited guidance and may be responsible for mentoring others on the job in a range of fields. Fields include dance, music, cultural heritage, screen and media, visual arts, craft and design. Depending on the specialist area, guidance from mentors and experienced practitioners may be expected.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Certificate IV Music CUA40920
Certificate III Music CUA30920
Non-Accredited Training Pro Tools 201
Non-Accredited Training Club DJ Fundamentals
Non-Accredited Training Club DJ Advanced
Non-Accredited Training Pro Tools 101

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au