CERTIFICATE IV & DIPLOMA IN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC (VETAB)

The study of contemporary music is concerned with understanding and interpreting the musical styles and forms of blues, jazz, rock, pop, world (or ethnic) music, contemporary Western Art music and related idioms. It is the aim of the contemporary music course to offer, teach and support the largest possible spectrum of improvisation-based musical styles and activities.  Accredited and Austudy approved.
The course is designed to cater for a wide range of musical experience. It offers an opportunity for the students to balance technical facility on their chosen instrument, with the theoretical understandings required to meet the challenges in contemporary music. The Certificate course leads to the Diploma of Music course, which deals with Latin American and world music styles, and studies jazz styles in more depth. Students specializing in jazz (either jazz singing or instrumental) are also encouraged to apply.
The staff have all been nationally or internationally trained. They are all practicing musicians with years of professional experience. This course is regarded by the Music Department at Southern Cross University as being “an excellent bridging program between secondary school and entry to the Bachelor of Contemporary Music program”. However, people not aiming at tertiary education may wish to extend their experience and knowledge in the general music field, and enjoy themselves in the process. We endeavour to create some bursaries and scholarships for needy and gifted students to allow completion of the diploma course.

AIMS OF THE COURSE


The Course is designed to enable students to :-

  • 1. Develop a theoretical basis for their work as contemporary music performers or songwriters.

  • 2. Develop music literary skills to facilitate the development of music chart reading and writing skills.

  • 3.Develop a sense of the history of contemporary music through the analysis of its styles and structures.

  • 4.Develop a creative approach to music making.

  • 5. Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of music technology applications.

  • 6. Develop an understanding of the history of the music industry through class discussion and research.

  • 7. Develop communication and self management skills relevant to the music industry.

  • 8. Develop movement skills, stage awareness skills and injury and stress avoidance strategies.

  • 9. Develop instrumental or vocal techniques relevant to contemporary music performance practice.

  • 10. Co-operate with other musicians in group performances.

  • 11. Perform as a soloist.

  • 12. Develop and apply a set of criteria for the critical assessment of performance.

    • The course will entail both practical and theoretical work. The Certificate will be spread over one year and the Diploma course will be a two year program. There are approximately 18-24 hours of class-work per week. 85% attendance record is recommended in order to fulfill assessment requirements for the certificate/diploma courses.  Austudy recipients have attendance requirements as fulltime students.
    Consult your Austudy handbook.

    SEMESTER DATES 2009


    SEMESTER 1   BRIDGING COURSE - 23rd FEB 2009  
      week 1 2nd march - 6th march  
      week 2 9th march - 13th march  
      week 3 16th march - 20th march  
      week 4 23rd march - 27th march  
      week 5 30th march - 3rd april  
      week 6 6th april - 9th april  
        easter fri. 10th April - easter mon. 13th April  
         
      week 7 MID SEMESTER BREAK:  10th april - 17th april school hols. 10/4/08 - 27/4/08
         
      week 8 20th april - 24th april ANZAC DAY  sat 25th april
      week 9 27th april - 1st may  
      week 10 4th may - 8th may  
      week 11 11th may - 15th may  
      week 12 18th may - 22nd may  
      week 13 25th may - 29th may  
      week 14 1st june - 5th june  
      week 15 STUDY WEEK:  8th june - 12th june QUEEN'S B'DAY mon 8th June
      week 16 15th june - 19th june  
      week 17 exam week 22nd june - 26th june  
         
        SEMESTER BREAK:  29th june - 24th july school hols. 13/7/08 - 24/7/08
         
    SEMESTER 2 week 1 27th july - 31st july  
      week 2 3rd august - 7th august  
      week 3 10th august - 14th august  
      week 4 17th august - 21st august  
      week 5 24th august - 28th august  
      week 6 31st august - 4th september  
      week 7 7th september - 11th september  
      week 8 14th september - 18th september  
      week 9 21st september - 25th september  
         
      weeks 10 & 11 MID SEMESTER BREAK:  28th sept. - 9th october school hols. 5/10/08 - 16/10/08
        LABOUR DAY mon 5th Oct
      week 12 12th october - 16th october  
      week 13 19th october - 23rd october  
      week 14 26th october - 30th october  
      week 15 2nd november - 6th november  
      week 16 9th november - 13th november  
      week 17 STUDY & PERFORMANCE WEEK:  16th nov. - 20th nov.  
      week 18 exam week 23rd november - 27th november  
           

    The Northern Rivers Conservatorium is a Registered Training Organisation that runs full and part time courses in Music, Dance, Technical Production and Drama. These courses are accredited through VETAB and are AUSTUDY approved.

    For further information regarding these courses or a fees brochure,
    please contact us by phone (02) 6621 2266 or email.

     

    --> Full information and complete course details are available HERE

     

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