The music industry is riding a digital wave of change. These are exciting times for anyone who wants to strike out in new directions. And QUT’s music degree helps you to prepare for these evolving opportunities. This course offers an innovative learning environment that will help you develop your individual artistic identity and acquire the creative skills to realise your vision in the contemporary music scene.

A key element of the course is a series of regular workshops that address principles of performance, writing and arranging, production and the music industry. Experienced industry practitioners conduct many of these workshops.

You will experience both live and recording studio environments, and hone your skills in a professional setting. Our Skyline Studios are state-of-the-art. You will also learn how to use technology to create music, record and distribute your works, and market your talent.  You will be inspired by collaborating with like-minded people on various projects while finding new ways to develop your own artistic vision.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and creative styles via an audition.

Real-world learning

You will experience both live and recording studio environments, whether your focus is as a performer or producer. You will learn how to use technology to create and record music, distribute your works, and market your talent. 

You will be mentored by internationally renowned industry professionals in production and performance applications. Your teaching staff are high-level creative practitioners with national and international industry links with Q Music, the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, APRA/ AMCOS, Arts Queensland, Creative Media Warehouse, ITC Software Development, MGM Distribution, Island Music,
Sony, Music Sales and many more.

You will have the opportunity to participate in music projects that focus on artist development and music-related research, and launch your career through public performances in Brisbane’s live music venues such as The Zoo, The Foundry, Brisbane Powerhouse, The Old Museum and QPAC, as well as at Brisbane Festival.

This course can lead you into music industry professions such as performing, management or promotion, and social engagement. Graduates work in an eclectic range of live, recording and multimedia environments as performers, producers, composers, developers of music software and games, DJs and private instrumental music teachers.

Many find national and international success, including Ball Park Music, Cub Sport, The Belligerents, drummers Grant Collins and Pete Skelton, and film composer Michael Edwards.

You can also pursue a career as a qualified school music teacher (with completion of a double degree with secondary education or a Master of Teaching course).

Possible careers

• Band Leader
• Composer
• Conductor
• D.J
• Digital Composer
• Educator
• Film Composer
• Media Industry Specialist
• Multimedia Designer
• Music Agent/Manager
• Music Publisher
• Music Sampler
• Music Teacher
• Music Technologist
• Musical Director
• Musician
• Post-production specialist
• Recording Engineer
• Song Writer
• Sound Designer
• Sound and Music Producer
• Sound/Audio Engineer