Diploma of Music Sound Production
Overview
1 year full time / 2 years part time
1 year
February, July
February, July
Make some serious noise
Enrol in Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Sound Production) and learn specialist skills for sound production. A qualification and real industry experience will help you stand out of the crowd in the competitive music industry. Australia’s songwriting industry is worth almost $400 million a year. Melbourne, with its dynamic and exciting music scene, is the perfect place to turn your passion for sound into a harmonious and fulfilling career.
Industry-level experience before you graduate
Students of our Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Sound Production) will analyse the works of other musicians and explore writing and producing their own music and sound designs. Acquire skills in sound synthesis, composition and arrangement, along with recording, mixing and live sound. You will work in state-of-the-art recording and live-performance facilities that use both analogue and digital technologies. Melbourne Polytechnic’s sound studios are equipped with Pro Tools and Ableton Live. This industry-standard software will allow you to produce electronic music and sounds for commercial release, live performance, theatre, film and television. Melbourne Polytechnic is an Avid Training Provider, giving you the opportunity to become a Pro Tools Certified Operator
Get on track in the audio industry
Graduates of Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Sound Production) will have developed an excellent understanding of compositional techniques using electronic media and an understanding of recording, editing and mixing. You may find work as a music producer, electronic music artist, sound designer, music composer and arranger, music and sound editor, DJ, audio engineer or live recording engineer.
Upcoming info sessions
Have a chat with our highly experienced course advisors who can help you navigate your many career options.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Music - Sound Production CUA50820 take me?
- Audio Engineer
- Music Producer
- Music Composer
- Sound Designer
- Electronic Music Artist
- Music Arranger
Study Pathways
When you successfully complete the Diploma of Music CUA50820 you will be able to enrol in our Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Sound Production).
Sound Production at Melbourne Polytechnic
Sound Production Course Information Booklet
For detailed information download our course information booklet
Download
Sound Production student Ash Ravens
From corporate life to centre-stage with student Ash Ravens
Meet Ash
Sound Production Student Luana Moreno
Luana hits our shores for a career in sound
Meet Luana
Sound Production student Diego Depane
From the Amazon to Australia, an audio adventure with student Diego Depane
Meet DiegoCourse Details
Delivery methods
- Performance venues
- Studio
- Electronic music lab
- Skills development activities in simulated work environments
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Assessment Methods
Assessment includes: observation of students' performance, oral questioning, written activities, and projects/portfolios of student work.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| CUACMP511 | Manage copyright arrangements | Core | 20 |
| CUAIND412 | Provide freelance services | Core | 40 |
| CUAIND512 | Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge | Core | 60 |
| CUAMCP411 | Develop techniques for arranging music | Elective | 45 |
| CUAMCP412 | Compose musical pieces | Elective | 35 |
| CUAMCP511 | Compose music using music technology | Elective | 60 |
| CUAMLT511 | Refine aural perception and memory skills | Elective | 60 |
| CUAMPF418 | Develop performance techniques on a second instrument | Elective | 40 |
| CUAMPF512 | Use interactive technology in performances | Elective | 60 |
| CUAMWB401 | Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries | Core | 50 |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work | Elective | 80 |
| CUAPPR616 | Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level | Elective | 120 |
| CUASOU417 | Edit sound | Elective | 65 |
| CUASOU419 | Mix recorded music | Elective | 50 |
| CUASOU421 | Mix audio for live productions | Elective | 140 |
| CUASOU504 | Produce sound recordings | Elective | 100 |
Book an interview
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $10400 | $13300 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $10650 | $13550 |
| Per year | $18600 |
| Per semester | $9300 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
It is helpful to own a computer with sound production software to be able to work from home. There are no materials fees.
Other Sound Production courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
- No prerequisite study requirements
- Apply through VTAC or directly to Melbourne Polytechnic
- attend an interview and complete a short questionnaire. Interviews are conducted either remotely via Zoom or phone, or in-person at the Fairfield Campus, and are open to all applicants (local, interstate, overseas). For further information email performingarts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
- Attend an Information Session. Note: this is not a compulsory requirement
- Academic: Australian Year 11 equivalency.
- English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
- Other: Attend an audition/interview. Auditions are conducted either remotely via Zoom, or in-person at the Fairfield Campus, and are open to all applicants (local, interstate, overseas). For further information email performingarts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Next Steps
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.
Complete the application form on the application form webpage.
You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
We’ll ask you to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Music news at Melbourne Polytechnic
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.