Associate Degree in Music (ADMU) - AssocDegMus

This program is offered only to continuing students. No new admissions will be accepted. Students who are interested in this study area should contact us.

Contact us

Current students

Telephone 1800 007 252 (within Australia freecall), +61 7 4631 2285 (from outside Australia), email usqassist@usq.edu.au or submit a question via USQAssist.

Program focus

This program aims to produce musicians with a comprehensive range of musical skills in the areas of solo and ensemble performance, musicianship, music history and instrumental or vocal teaching. It is a primary means for intending music teachers to obtain qualifications that include practical studies, pedagogy studies, written and aural skills, music history and communication skills.

Career opportunities

Studio teacher, Secondary School teacher

Program aims

The aims of the program are:

• to produce musicians who are developing a high standard of expertise in a particular aspect of practical music

• to assist students in developing a wider basis of musical knowledge, understanding and experience through study of the literature of music and participation in group musical performance activities

• to help develop in students an awareness of the role which music can play in human expression through the study of music at different times in history

• to provide an opportunity for students to develop their particular vocational interests through specialised study in pedagogy

• to provide a program of study that will enable students to develop expressive skills, perceptual awareness and independence of imagination.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the program, the student will:

• demonstrate a good standard of musical performance as a soloist and in ensemble(s)

• possess a good understanding of the musical repertoire relevant to their chosen practical study and to the level of their practical development

• demonstrate an intermediate standard in music writing techniques and aural development

• possess a good understanding of the historical development of music and its place in societies

• have developed expertise in teaching instrumental or vocal students from beginner to lower advanced levels

• demonstrate skills and understanding in oral, aural and written communication.

Admission requirements

• Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent, or mature age entry.

• Successful audition in the chosen instrument of study (approximately Grade 7 AMEB standard or higher).

• At least Grade 5 Theory or Musicianship (AMEB) or equivalent.

• English level IELTS 6 for international students.

• Entry is by audition, interview and music skills test.

Applicants should normally have completed at least 5th Grade Theory or Musicianship (AMEB) or equivalent, gained at least HA for BSSSS Music for Years 11 and 12, and be or approximately Grade 7 standard (AMEB), depending on instrument. Entry is by audition, interview and music skills test. English level IELTS 6 for international students.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

The Associate Degree extends the Diploma program by including Performance and Music History courses, and Communication and Scholarship. The program consists of a balanced development of Performance, Music Craft, Music History and Pedagogy. This degree provides the sound basis for eventual completion of the Bachelor of Music degree once further Performance, Music Craft and Music Project courses and two additional core courses, have been studied.

The inclusion of the Performance courses in the Associate Degree necessitates an audition (or re-audition, if admission to the Diploma was by audition) before entry can be accepted.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete this program.

Recommended enrolment pattern