Certificate III in Music (Perf.)

In 2005 Suncoast Christian College, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, commenced a new course for students in Years 11 and 12. Students undertaking this course at Suncoast will be regarded as TAFE students and all assessment and monitoring are considered in the same manner.

This course is for people who want to enter the music industry with a range of underpinning skills and knowledge in music performance. Students will develop skills in songwriting, performance, accompaniment, improvisation, critical listening and career planning.

Students will also develop a working knowledge in the music industry, acquire practical knowledge of copyright and royalties, and follow health, safety and security practices important to music performance. These are compulsory units in the course.

Different Learning Styles

The Certificate III in Music has particular appeal to students who learn music by listening to a CD or someone else play, and then imitating the sound they hear. Aural and kinetic learning are dominant learning styles used by students in this course. A student may not be able to read music at all, but plays or sings with confidence and proficiency. The course is quite hands-on and practical, utilises teamwork skills and gives a great learning opportunity to creative people.

Course Duration and Hours

At Suncoast, the Cert III Music course is delivered over the two years of 11 and 12. Six competencies are studied each year and include the three compulsory units for the certificate. The course is integrated into the Senior School timetable as one of the six senior subjects. Each unit has a minimum required number of hours that varies from 12-40 hours, and to accommodate this into the school year, full days of music are given to the course during the year.

Career Opportunities

The music industry is vast and includes songwriting, performance, music management, music promotions and career planning.
Articulation
When students finish this course they can continue on to further related studies such as Music Certificate IV with TAFE, or even university study in some cases. Completion of this course will not contribute to an OP score as this is a VET subject.

Student Selection

Students will be accepted into this course after successful audition and interview. The application will be assessed using the following criteria:

• Has an ability to play a musical instrument or sing with confidence and musicianship
• Displays musical expression and stylistic interpretation
• Shows evidence of technical proficiency.

Student selection into this course will be based on the information provided on the Audition Form. Students will be expected to perform two contrasting musical pieces using instrument and/or voice. This will be done in audition with specialist music staff. A successful interview with the teacher is the other criterion for selection.

Units studied in the Certificate III Music Course at Suncoast are

• Compose a simple song or tune
• Create a simple accompaniment for a song or tune
• Address copyright requirements
• Develop and update music industry knowledge
• Prepare self for performance
• Develop and promote image
• Follow health, safety and security procedures in the music industry
• Contribute to backup accompaniment for a performance
• Plan a career in music
• Use MIDI devices and/or software to perform music
• Use Information Technology
• Maintain and expand music knowledge and critical listening skills

Musical styles used in the course

Most students is the course favour popular and contemporary styles of music. Students are often playing and performing in "rock bands" in order to complete units in the course. This work gives valuable teamwork and ensemble experience, as musicians must learn to listen to and play with each other. Students are not taught any particular style, but rather are encouraged to follow their own musical preferences and then develop the skills that will help them become successful in the music industry.

RTO

Students undertaking CUS30101 – Certificate III in Music at Suncoast Christian College will be enrolled as TAFE students and their qualifications or statements of attainment will be issued by the Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE as the registered training organisation (RTO).