Great productions are now typically a beautiful blend of rulebased music and experimental sounds. You can compose and produce using any sound source, any technology in any location for any musical style that you choose. If you can imagine it, there are processes and tools to achieve it...
DAVID PAGE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR BRISBANE
Is music the beat of your heart? It’s time to unleash your creative potential in a creative environment that gives flight to your imagination and talent. Turn dreams into reality where your career is your passion - unleashing the language of your heart into music that moves you and into the heart of others..
Our leading specialists in the music industry are here to get you started on a good rhythm where your classrooms are studios or stages, and your only ‘exams’ are project-based. Dream big, work hard, and soar - let’s get started on the soundtrack of your life.
Whether you’re in a car, bus, train, or boat - almost all of us jam to the beat of our favourite tunes every single day. We have no choice, music is all around us. It plays an integral role in the cultural makeup of society. The symphony of sounds becomes the identity of a community that evokes a powerful emotional response. That’s why once you choose to work in this industry, not only are you engaging with your creativity, you’re also embedding yourself into the everyday lives of others.
You’re not pursuing qualifications in music just to be a recording artist or perform on stage with a live band. Music is about telling stories and connecting with others in roles you probably never knew existed.
There’s the emotive side of music where you can create music that people react to in their souls. Composing orchestrations and developing a strong skill in songwriting can dictate a song’s impact and success. We see this in film and TV - think of Han Zimmer and his score for The Lion King, or cue the opening theme music from Game of Thrones and you feel a rush of excitement and anticipation.
And then there’s the technical side of the music industry that relies on production. The musical world not only needs creative minds and sharp listening ears but also requires technological savviness. In this modern age, the digital world needs music makers to have a strong grasp of technical equipment to shape its framework.
So, as a music graduate, you could be a choir director, recording artist, composer, DJ, music therapist, producer, performer, teacher, radio producer, master
lyricist, sound engineer, or a sound designer - fulfilling these roles working for TV, movies, radio, corporate organisations, video gaming company, private schools, orchestras, churches, theatre companies, record labels - the opportunities are endless and varied! Because the exciting truth is, your career could see you performing several of these roles in your career lifetime or even at the same time. It’s a career of passion and free from monotony!
Working in music is an enriching experience. You get to be playful and use your imagination to connect with others by combining melodies with stories. There’s power in this as you determine the audience’s experience. Where you may make them cry, you can also bring them joy. This is the beauty of being an artist.
We set the beat, you bring it with the melody, together we hit play on your successful career in music.
It’s a truly inspired feeling when your job is something you love doing - even more so when you’re crushing it. But getting qualifications in Music will give you an edge that will separate you from those that go it alone.
The internet may be jam-packed with information, but a YouTube degree or TikTok diploma can only get you so far - there are techniques you won’t even know to search, and teaching yourself can get overwhelming.
Start off on the right foot by learning the fundamental scales of the industry through our courses at SAE. With interactive classes that will have you working on industrybased projects, collaborating with varied artists, and opportunities for work placements within the music industry for a smooth ride from class to career-ready in no time.
Small classes with our industry professionals at your side providing active feedback and guidance - setting you on the right path of your musical destiny.
Discover the sound of tomorrow, and learn what it takes to mould your works of art into a fulfilling career. SAE is the space where you transform from being someone with raw talent into a pro, high calibre musician with the range, confidence and experience to make moves in the industry.
The focus is empowering you with award-winning skills in musical composition, production, and performance.
With the latest industry-standard tech at your fingertips and expert mentors by your side, we’ll shape your abilities to a point where singing, playing your instrument, composing, songwriting and producing become second nature.
From diplomas to postgraduate studies, SAE will have you creating music at a higher level and gaining the all-important real-world insights. You’ll be taught and mentored in the fundamentals of music, songwriting and audio production and expand your idea of what you can do within the industry.
More than that, music is a business - and we will arm you with all artillery you need to make boss moves in an industry that can feel like a battle field. Learn the ins and outs of copyrighting, licensing and all the in-betweens to protect yourself from being taken advantage of. Own your creative journey and steer it in the direction that is right for YOU.
Understanding the different equipment and what is involved in audio production and stage management on such a large scale, and learning how to listen to explicit instructions was really valuable. I will certainly take those skills forward with me in my career.
EMILY TURNER
SAE BACHELOR OF MUSIC PRODUCTION
BYRON BAY
Immerse yourself in a creative environment where you can collaborate with students of different musical backgrounds, instruments or other creative areas, and build a killer portfolio before you even graduate. Whether it’s publishing an EP or composing music for the next game the world will be addicted to, it all starts here. Think of how full bodied your portfolio will be with the addition of creative talents as opposed to on your own.
Pursuing a qualification in music will not only help you fine-tune your talentfor the working world but help you connect with the right people of the same frequency, and in this industry, CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING.
So, set the tone of your confidence levels up high with the technical skills and entrepreneurial know-how to back up your game.
We’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 critical know-hows for a career in music.
The rate of change never stops, and neither should you - the ability to adapt will make or break your path in music. Learn to separate or even better, merge what you love with, a) what’s current and b) what others want. Remaining open to new ideas will only improve the music you perform or produce, the lyrics that resonate, and establish an engagement process with clients that are fulfilling for all involved.
Your ability to master the multilayer functionality of any good console is key to powering hits that resonate. Manipulating the DNA of sound to create a masterpiece takes time and practice, practice, and more practice. Don’t just get wrapped up in the technicalities of each function - truly listen to what each knob, button, and slider sounds like.
Quality sound keeps you tuned-in in any live music scenario where picture quality or visual is not up to scratch. You don’t need binoculars for the cheap seats up the back when you’re immersed in songs that gets you vibing out like you’re right there on stage with your favourite performer. High-quality, uninterrupted, in-synch music during any live stream or performance is a next-level challenge you’ll need to perfect.
Australia surpassed the US as the biggest podcastlistening nation on the planet at 40%
If a world pandemic taught modern civilisation anything, it was how to do more, remotely. Creative collaboration without borders has globalised our workforce and our reach.
The fluidity of a workflow remains possible through the convenience of software such as Soundtrap, Soundjack, Splice Studio or Trackd. Knowing how to navigate these platforms is essential for successful remote collaboration with the potential to secure gigs across the globe from your own studio.
Success can’t be achieved with skills that are mono. Your future in this industry relies on your ability to amplify your skills, make them relevant to other industries and know how to flex them to your advantage.
A career in music is not limited to creating mainstream songsmillions of people lose track of time playing video games, learn life lessons from podcasts, get emotional in movies, and fall in love with animations, all with the help of music magic on the daily.
So, be ahead of the game by understanding the basics in other disciplines within the creative industries - dabble in a bit of coding or elevate your cinematic camera knowledge. This makes for an effortless team collaboration of creative endeavours to places that haven’t even been conceived yet, where opportunities are endless.
64% of media agencies intend to use programmatic for audio advertising over the next 12 months, up from 59% in 2021.
The future of work within any industry in the last century has primarily been about collaborating effectively with the constant evolution of technology.
With the right mix of skills, talent and determination, you could be a pioneer within this age of technological singularity. Be the leading force of creative change and impact how we experience music tethered to our emotions.
Sound engineers and musicians are no longer restricted to producing mixes that are linearnew technologies allow for audio experiences that take listeners to another dimension with 360 reality and Spatial audio technology.
Immerse yourself in a dynamic soundscape that calibrates sound in a way that captures distance, direction and the sound reflection of instruments, vocals, and even an audience, to make you feel like you’re at the centre of it all.
Creating sound within this circular environment allows your brain to process what you’re hearing like it would in direct face-to-face reality. Sound is processed differently when multiple people are speaking simultaneously, whispering, or in different areas of a room.
Today, we can recreate all these nuances with new software and deliver it on advanced technology for that next-level music experience.
Managing a successful career means lifting your game in some key areas. Here’s our round-up.
The music industry is massively collaborative. You’ll be working one-on-one with clients, as a team, or with a whole creative department.
One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face after graduating is getting your foot in the door. Studying at a University College carved out specifically for creatives will keep you connected with a legion of like-minded people and industry experts. Use your people skills to make those connections - the more people you know in your chosen field, the greater the opportunities.
Like many fields in the arts, a career in music is about networking - nurture your creative relationships because you never
know what the future holds. A good impression will last you a lifetime in this industry.
As you start your career in music, chances are, you’ll be juggling several different gigs, clients, or jobs in general so, keeping your time-management skills tight is a game changer. Stick to a plan, prioritise your tasks, set reminders and keep your work organised. Staying on track will boost productivity and even the quality of your work and performance.
Mastering your skill set through highly specialised courses at SAE is the best way to start your journey - building a strong foundation of knowledge,
gaining practical experience, and mentorship from established creatives already in the industry.
Obtaining qualifications in your field will give you a leg up in terms of your range, creativity, technical dexterity, experience and capacity for continuous learning in an everchanging world.
Music is a universal form of storytelling. It’s important to think about what kind of narrative you want to tell, how you will sell it to a client, and how the audience will experience your story of sound.
This is an artistic field. One that’s full of ups and downs and fueled by emotion and subjectivity, so
be prepared for differences in opinion and change. A career in music should be where you can let your imagination run wild as a storyteller through sound. Stand out, be original, and don’t be afraid to go all in. It’s all good if you mess it up the first time; creativity gives you the freedom to try again (and again!).
Once you nail how to communicate your ideas in ways that can open the minds of others, it’ll be the tipping point of your career.
We’re all well versed in the powers of social media. So get onto it now if you’re not already. Choose your platforms wisely and stay consistent because consistency is key. Starting out with low views and engagement may be
The key to turning your love of creating music into a long, fulfilling career lies in finding the perfect harmony of passion, talent, and skills mixed with a whole lot of persistence.
disheartening but the main thing you’ll hear from people is you’ve got to be in it for the long game. Keep posting, ignore the haters and don’t spread yourself too thin - focus on a few that are manageable. And know when to jump ship because social media is fast-paced and fickle - RIP Vine and MySpace.
Writers block? Playing the same melody? It happens to us all. But pushing through it is part of the adventure of writing the next chart topping song with lyrics that hits us in the feels, or composing the next score that transforms a movie into a masterpiece.
Also, music is competitive. It isn’t as mainstream as most jobs, and it won’t be easy to reach that
level of success most dream of. You need to be willing to work hard, put yourself out there and push through the tough times. Persevering is what will keep you alive in this industry. It’ll show (and prove) that you really care about your work, and have a passion for what you’re doing.
Problems will creep up in every project you take on, and no, you can’t ghost them. Although this may be daunting, you’ve got to take it in your stride and think creatively. There’s always a solution - take your time to crush every problem into bite-sized steps and tackle them one at a time. Win over producers and hiring managers by handling issues quickly and accurately.
Dive into our courses that could lead you to your dream role, or even set you up for studying your next qualification like our Master of Creative Industries.
Unlock all levels for the ultimate career win
Stage 1 / Foundations
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other creative media students and professionals.
· Thinking about Audio
· Foundations of Songwriting
· Introduction to Electronic Music Production
· Studio Production Methods
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Stagecraft and Live Music
· Foundations of Songwriting 2: Genre Composition
· Music Studio 1: Collaborative Musicianship
ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF MUSIC
13 CORE UNITS
3 ELECTIVES
Stage 2 / Refine & Expand
Broaden your scope to work on complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry-standard practices.
· Thinking about Audio
· Foundations of Songwriting
· Introduction to Electronic Music Production
· Studio Production Methods
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Stagecraft and Live Music
· Foundations of Songwriting 2: Genre Composition
· Music Studio 1: Collaborative Musicianship
· Media Studies
· Music Artist Portfolio
· Digital Mixing and Mastering Methods
· Music Studio 2: Music for Clients
· Cultural Perspectives
· Composing for Games
· Social Media Marketing and Content Creation
· Music Studio 3: Music for Community
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
19 CORE UNITS
4 ELECTIVES
Stage 3 / Showcase
Execute a project of your own design which is of a high quality and externally published, with the knowledge to commercialise if you choose. You’ll also apply your skills through industry work-placement.
· Thinking about Audio
· Foundations of Songwriting
· Introduction to Electronic Music Production
· Studio Production Methods
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Stagecraft and Live Music
· Foundations of Songwriting 2: Genre Composition
· Music Studio 1: Collaborative Musicianship
· Media Studies
· Music Artist Portfolio
· Digital Mixing and Mastering Methods
· Music Studio 2: Music for Clients
· Cultural Perspectives
· Composing for Games
· Social Media Marketing and Content Creation
· Music Studio 3: Music for Community
· Major Project Development and Mentorship
· Production Design and Live Sound
· Emerging Creative Technologies
· Immersive Audio Visual Experiences
· Major Project Production
· Creative Business Development and Marketing
· Work Integrated Learning
MASTER OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
9 CORE UNITS
7 ELECTIVES
Stage 1 / Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries
The graduate certificate provides a foundation for learning and a pathway to the master’s program.
· Graduate Studio 1 - CIM400
· Creative Practice Research - CIM417
· Leadership and Collaboration in Creative Industries - CIM418
· Discipline - Elective 1
Stage 2 / Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
Choose to deepen your knowledge and skills within your existing discipline or complement this experience with cross-discipline electives.
· Discipline- Elective 2
· Discipline- Elective 3
· Graduate Studio 2- CIM401
· Critical Inquiry- CIM402
Stage 3 / Master of Creative Industries
Produce your planned capstone project and showcase your knowledge with applied learning.
· Discipline - Elective 4
· Research Design and Methods - CIM515
· Creative Industries Perspectives - CIM503
· Capstone Project - CIM516
Our musical pathway takes you on a journey of practical exploration and self-discovery. At SAE, we’re determined to give you the practical experience we’re renowned for and help amp up your skills as you begin to make your mark in the industry.
When it comes to the creative world, understanding how the industry works, networking with fellow professionals, mastering your skills, and gaining hands-on experience is what will set you up for long-term success.
Diving into a career in music may feel daunting as there’s so much to learn, but don’t let that deter you. With our digital expertise, long-standing industry connections, and expert mentors, SAE is here to ride along with you. We see you, we hear you, and we know how to support you.
Take your first step into our world of music and we’ll help you open doors that will change your life.
Want to start your studies in music now? Sweet - here are your options.
There are NO ATAR MINIMUMS HERE. Our entry requirements are your determination and creative potential - we’ve got you covered for the rest.
All you need to show us to start your Diploma, Associate or Bachelor degree is one of the following requirements:
1. Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (your Year 12 certificate) or equivalent; OR
2. Completion of an Australian Diploma level qualification (for example a TAFE Diploma) or higher; OR
3. Experience-Based Entry – for applicants who do not meet the requirements of entry criteria 1 or 2 above.
There’s also study pathways, including credit transfers or recognition of prior learning.
So if you’re down to make your mark and master your creativity, your future starts here –ENROL NOW
Great productions are now typically a beautiful blend of rule-based music and experimental sounds.... One needs training to understand the foundational elements to get started, but then imagination will guide you to elevate your Production to another level.
GARETH PARTON SENIOR LECTURER MELBOURNE
ANIMATION / AUDIO / COMPUTER SCIENCE / CREATIVE INDUSTRIES / DESIGN / FILM / GAMES / MUSIC / VFX & VIRTUAL PRODUCTION / Start your music career here SAE.EDU.AU/APPLY