Bachelor of Music (13O)

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

Commonwealth Supported places available

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years
Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

Music is your passion. It pushes you, inspires you and owns you. With the Bachelor of Music, expect to develop your creative and technical ability beyond your imagination.

The information on this page is indicative of our course offerings for 2022. Information about our 2022 offerings will be updated in August 2021.
When you think about a world without music, the silence is deafening. As old as humanity itself, music is indispensable for communication, entertainment, wellbeing and imagination.

Music is the soundtrack to our lives, whether streaming content, playing video games, or living through societal upheaval and cultural change, and continues to take on exciting new forms. Studying music from our island campus of Tasmania teaches you to embrace diversity, connections and ingenuity, leading to a rewarding future in music.

Your degree is built around a Music Practice major, in which you develop your individual skills in a specialisation of your choice:

  • Classical Performance
  • Jazz and Popular Music Performance
  • Composition
  • Commercial Music Creation
  • Music Technology
  • Songwriter

You also have the unique option to combine two specialisations, or two different instruments within a single specialisation, with the Dual Practice major.

Tasmania provides a unique backdrop for exploring both current and historical cultural contexts of music. Discover how place, spectacle, politics and the future borrow from and influence music, letting your interests drive the creation of new works and projects. To help you realise ideas and prepare you for the ever-changing musical landscape, you will pick up essential skills in recording, digital production, arranging, project management and an awareness of the music industry.

It all happens from the new home of music here in Hobart at the Hedberg. Leverage the building’s groundbreaking technical capability and generous studio spaces to improve the scale and complexity of your work. Sit in on a professional multi-room recording session, discover how variable acoustics are used as a compositional tool, or explore the production workflow of a visiting producer in a masterclass

Students develop a broad body of knowledge about music through three suites of units. In the Music Practice suite (FCA111 Music Practice 1; FCA112 Music Practice 2; FCA211 Music Practice 3; FCA212 Music Practice 4; FCA311 Music Practice 5; FCA312 Music Practice 6) students develop specialist music knowledge and skills in relation to their individual practice, and contextualise this in relation to music and cultural histories and technological and industry changes. There is a clear progression in conceptual and technical skill building within this suite, where strict pre-requisites ensure that students are at an appropriate level to succeed as they move through the sequence of units. Students engage in performance/production assessment tasks that mirror disciplinary/industry practices.

In the Tools and Techniques suite (FCA1XX Tools, Techniques and Sound; FCA1XX Tools, Techniques and Digital Audio; FCA2XX Arranging and Music Creation) students develop and apply theoretical knowledge and digital literacies. Making these units core ensures that all students have the digital literacies required within the discipline as well as generally to progress in their studies and apply in industry settings.

In the Music and suite (FCx1xx Music and Place, FCx1xx Music and Spectacle, FCx2xx Music and Politics, FCx2xx Music and the Future) students develop and apply contextual and conceptual knowledge of music through the thematic frames specified in the unit titles. Students develop a tool kit of communication skills, where scaffolded tasks build confidence with writing and oral presentations and familiarity with the conventions of academic writing as well as writing for other specialist and non-specialist audiences.

In FCI303 Music Capstone Project, students integrate skills and knowledge from across the suites, in a self-directed project that sets a foundation for future and lifelong learning. In the Creative Curriculum units, students draw on their disciplinary knowledge to apply it to interdisciplinary and industry-based settings and assessments.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music will be able to:

  • Apply and adapt specialist music skills and contextual knowledge to creative and scholarly practice
  • Define and resolve complex musical problems applying core theoretical, analytic and practical skills to contextual inquiry and creative outcomes
  • Collaborate through performance and/or project work and interdisciplinary engagement to generate outcomes for public circulation
  • Apply digital literacy, project management skills, and creative inquiry to produce distinctive creative music practice and/or music-related scholarship
  • Exercise self-reflection, judgement and responsibility in developing artistic practice and individual learning, in response to diverse professional, social and/or cultural contexts.

From year one, you will take part in a vibrant public concert program across the Hedberg’s incredible venues and spaces — and outside in Tasmania’s thriving arts scene. From the Conservatorium Orchestra and Big Band, to the Experimental Music Ensemble and ARIA-award nominated Southern Gospel Choir, you can perform in a range of ensembles which celebrate the diversity of music.

Through access to exclusive creative collaborations with Fine Arts, Media, and Theatre and Performance students you will build close creative networks, test working relationships, and leverage your accomplishments to generate future opportunities. Find yourself working with Tasmania’s left-field festivals, creating scores for diverse creative projects, or soaking up inspiration together on a field trip overseas.

One-on-one tuition

Music students experience one-on-one tuition in many streams and build strong working relationships with staff, students and industry. Be a part of Tasmanian’s intimate and internationally recognised creative community. From 2020, music students will be based in the University of Tasmania's newest building, the Hedberg, this will give students access to some of the worlds most cutting edge spaces and technology, attracting international talent and expertise to the space.

Learn beyond the classroom

Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.

UPDATE (MARCH) 2021: Please note, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Face-to-Face Study Abroad & Exchange programs have been postponed until 2022.

Alternative Virtual Exchange Opportunities can be found on our Virtual Overseas Experiences tab. For more information please contact Global.Mobility@utas.edu.au

Find out more about Student Exchange.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Work with festival and industry leaders

Students have the opportunity to take part in internationally acclaimed festivals such as Mona Foma and Festival of Voices. Students, hear from and work with professional musicians through partnerships with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists. Many staff still play active roles in the music industry, giving students unique access to our thriving Tasmanian music scene.

Career outcomes

It (the University of Tasmania) was a very supportive environment, but there was also this healthy competition that drove you to be better. It was incredible to be part of that.

Joshua Dunn

The Bachelor of Music gives you the tools to create your own future confidently, immersed in creativity and innovation. These are some of the top industries and careers projected to grow in the next five years.

  • 11.9% Creative and  Performing Arts
  • 9.0% Entertainers
  • 8.0% Sound Recording and Music Publishing

ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.

Postgraduate study

If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Music, requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:

  • 100 credit points of Core units
  • a 100 credit point major in Music Practice and;
  • 100 credit points of Elective units

A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?

You may complete any unit from across the University as an Elective, including additional units in music and the creative arts.

To search for possible Elective units, use the Unit Search tool to search by the discipline that you are interested in. You can complete any units marked as "Student Electives" which you meet the pre-requisites for.

Complete 25 credit points of Introductory units.

If you are completing the Music Technology or Commercial Music Creation streams, and are commencing your course in Semester 2, you should complete FCA111 in Semester 1 of the following year, and FCA112 in Semester 2 of the following year..

 

This unit focuses on your major area of musical expression and practice and accommodates a diversity of specialisations. Music Practice is central and crucial to developing the core technical and artistic skills necessary for the creation and realisation of musical…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Building on your initial introduction to the core elements of your music practice, this unit enables you to consolidate the core technical and artistic skills necessary for the creation and realisation of musical works through practical and productive engagement and…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Complete 25 credit points of Intermediate units.

 

This unit will challenge you to extend your music practice. From the foundation of core technical and artistic skills you have previously developed, you will explore elements of musicianship, making informed and reflective decisions about how to apply these skills…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Expanding your musicianship skills and enabling the development of the aesthetic judgement is a central focus of this unit. This is crucial for the creation and realisation of maturing musical work which you will demonstrate by focusing on communication with…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Complete 50 credit points of Advanced units, including 12.5 credit points from the Creative Curriculum.You may complete additional Creative Curriculum units in your Elective space.

 

Continuing to extend the musicianship skills and aesthetic judgement that you are beginning to embody in this unit you will explore and innovate in the context of your developing individual artistic voice. Throughout this unit you will be required to…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

In this unit you will experiment in your creative work with boldness and originality and broaden and deepen your individual artistic voice while exhibiting applied contextual knowledge and self-reflection. Throughout this unit you will be required to utilise critical thinking…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

In this capstone unit you will develop and undertake your own self-directed project in any field of musical activity. Negotiated with and overseen by teaching staff, your tailored experience provides an exciting opportunity to bring together everything you have learned…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

 
Creative Curriculum
 

This work-integrated learning unit will provide you with an opportunity to be guided and supported in undertaking a public creative work. As a member of a team, you will be provided with a brief. Your team’s response will be guided…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartWinter school

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Responding innovatively to a client-initiated briefs is a critical part of working in the creative and cultural industries. This unit fosters collaborative, responsive interaction with internal and external partners and your peers. Introducing a range of interdisciplinary frameworks, this unit…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Note: Entry to the unit is competitive, and is subject to approval by the unit coordinator. To apply for entry into the unit and relevant grant consideration where appropriate, please email the unit coordinator.This unit offers you the opportunity to…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

You will be assigned to a work placement in a government, private, or not-for-profit organisation approved by the University. As part of your internship you will, where opportunity allows, contribute to the production, publication and presentation of creative content, while…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2
HobartWinter school
LauncestonSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 2
LauncestonWinter school

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

 

You will complete 100 credit points of core units consisting of 50 credit points at Introductory level and 50 credit points at Intermediate level. You should complete the Introductory level units before the Intermediate level units.

This unit introduces you to the ways in which music and music-making can be shaped by environment. It encourages you to reflect upon the impact of place on musical practices around the world. You will have the opportunity to explore…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Music festivals, films and genres such as stadium rock and contemporary circus exemplify how music and the visual combine for spectacular effect. In this unit, through the exploration of a diverse range of contemporary and historical musical works, concepts and…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This is the second of three units designed to develop key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative musician. You will engage in a variety of learning environments and activities aimed at developing…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This is the first of three units designed to establish key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative musician. You will establish essential literacies through integrated music theory and musicianship training using relevant…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This is the third unit designed to consolidate key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative practitioner. You will further develop essential literacies through integrated music theory and musicianship training and apply them…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit focusses on the interrelationship between music and politics by exploring aspects such as musical activism, propaganda, censorship and the underground. You will investigate the creation, reception and transmission of music from diverse styles, cultures, periods and global perspectives…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

What will it mean to be a musician in the future? How might music continue to evolve and adapt to change? How will audiences of the future access their preferred genre? Who will fund music production and consumption? Will live…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Collaborative work is integral to working in and with the creative and cultural industries. This unit encourages you to take supported creative risks and introduces you to work-integrated learning methods and practices. Students and staff will propose creative projects that…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

You will complete 100 credit points of Elective units in the Bachelor of Music.

Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from across the University in areas such as Health, Business, Science and the Creative Arts. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional units in the same discipline as your major or related fields.

You can also use this space to complete an optional second major which may be  from another course in the University such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business.

Please contact UConnect if you need more information or if you want to add a second major to your study plan.

To search for possible Elective units, use the Unit Search tool to search by the discipline that you are interested in. You can complete any units marked as "Student Electives" which you meet the pre-requisites for.

*Some exclusions apply. Not all majors can be taken by students in different courses.

We want your study experience with us to be as smooth as possible and we know that choosing from lists and lists of electives can sometimes be overwhelming.

The guides and links below are presented to help you navigate all of these options and find the electives that are best for you.

However, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at UConnect if you need any help.

Find the answer to your question - ASK US

What are electives?

How can I find an elective?

Are there enrolment help / information sessions that I can attend?

I am new to UTAS, how do I enrol?

Other help and guides

eStudent Enrolment Guide [PDF]

First steps for new students

Student Portal

Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

Domestic applicants

This course does not use ATAR as part of the assessment process.

To be eligible for an offer, domestic applicants from all educational backgrounds must:

  • Meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience; and
  • If applying from within Tasmania, successfully complete an audition and interview in person on-campus in Hobart; or
  • If applying from interstate, successfully complete an audition by submitting a private internet link, USB, CD or DVD of your audition repertoire in lieu of a live audition in Hobart, and interview over the phone/internet.

Learn more about the audition process in the Audition Information Guide (PDF 1.6 MB) or call 1300 363 864 or enquire online.

We recommend pre-tertiary TASC subjects in music at the senior secondary level or equivalent, but this is not a prerequisite for admission. AMEB qualification of Grade 7 (performance) and Grade 5 (theory) may be advantageous in some specialisations, but not a prerequisite for admission.

Special consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

International applicants

Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.

You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you:

  • Have successfully completed relevant units through the University Connections Program (UCP).
  • Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from TAFE or another institution;
  • Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
  • Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.

Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning, or talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Bachelor of Music:

Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your alternative entry pathway.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

International students

2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $102,350 AUD*.

Course cost based on a rate of $32,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

International students

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Scholarships

Domestic Students

Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards including scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability. Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

Find out more about Scholarships & Prizes available.

International Students

There are a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania.

Find out more about International Scholarships available.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic
1300 363 864
International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

Next steps