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  4. Diploma of Music (Sound Production)
QUALIFICATION

Diploma of Music (Sound Production)


 National Code: CUA50820
 TAFE SA Code: TP01213


2025 start

Description

If you’re keen to establish your career in the music industry, this is the diploma for you. Develop the skills you need to work as a music producer, electronic music artist, sound designer, composer and arranger, music/sound editor or audio engineer for Live and Studio.
Learn how to operate the latest in sound equipment for streaming, web distribution, TV, radio, film, video productions and live performance. You will develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills as you learn in our industry-standard facilities. You’ll get hands-on experience, so you graduate ready to work in the music and sound production industries. Learn from experienced music and sound professionals and undertake industry work experience as you study. Stand out from the crowd in this competitive and exciting industry when you study with TAFE SA.

Award Course
Duration
Example Career Profile
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12 months 

Full Time

Sound Engineer / Sound Technician
Sound Engineer / Sound Technician
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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Adelaide College of the Arts

804320

On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Full Time Full Time
Day Only
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On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • Certificate IV in Music Industry (Sound Production)
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Entry Recommendations
Recommended for those interested in working in sound production.

Attendance Requirements (subject to change)
Up to 5 days a week with a combination of on-campus and online learning.

Industry Conditions and Skills
You will need:

  • intermediate computer skills
  • good communication, collaboration and teamwork skills
  • to be interested in working with people
  • to have a reasonable level of fitness for manual handling.

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs
$180.00 (approximately) subscription to AVID Learning Central.

Fees

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 12 month course
Subsidised
$2,906
$5,812
Concession
$2,167
$4,334
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised Training Eligibility
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).
What is the CSPA?
Full Fee
$8,521
$17,041

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    VET Student Loan

    This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    This qualification reflects the role of individuals who possess a sound theoretical knowledge base and use a range of specialised, technical or managerial competencies to plan, carry out and evaluate own work and/or that of a team. Job roles include Assistant Sound Engineer and Sound Designer.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Diploma of Music (Sound Production) (CUA50820)
    This course delivers a comprehensive knowledge of studio and live sound technology and operations as well as practical studio and venue operational skills for those wanting to gain professional competency in studio recording, live sound and digital software such as Pro Tools, as well as planning and design, installation and operation of live sound production equipment. Access to optional real-world work experience opportunities in industry also exist. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 4 core units and 12 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries 50
    Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge 60
    Manage copyright arrangements 20
    Provide freelance services 40

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Create a final sound balance 85
    Develop and apply knowledge of audio theory 60
    Develop sound designs 50
    Develop techniques for arranging music 45
    Implement sound designs 50
    Install and test vision systems 55
    Manage operation of stage monitor systems 70
    Manage wireless audio operations 50
    Mix audio for live productions 140
    Mix recorded music 50
    Produce sound recordings 100
    Record sound 60

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Diploma of Music (Sound Production)
TP01213
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