Contemporary Music application

Check requirements
A music student is sitting in front of a piano on a stool she is smiling at the camera and has long hair
Kate Stroud at Dusty Attic Music Lounge

Important application information for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music

Students can apply for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music can apply directly to Southern Cross, or through the NSW University Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). If you are an Early Offer applicant, please apply directly to the University through the Early Offer Program.

Interviews and Auditions

In addition to applying, applicants for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music need to attend an interview and submit a video audition or link to your online portfolio based on your specialist area.

Please note, if you wish to apply for more than one specialist area (e.g., songwriting and guitar) you will need to book separate interviews and submit a video audition/portfolio for each area.

To book a video interview for your specialist area please contact the Faculty of Business Law and Arts via [email protected] or call Client Services 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357.

Schedule and Key Dates

Interviews for the 2024 intake will be held during September/October 2023, with further dates to be advised. If you have any questions about the audition, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]

Place Day and Time
Coomera Wednesday, 6th December, 2023
Lismore Wednesday, 22nd November or Friday, 24th November

Audition and interview requirements

Candidates will be selected on the basis of:

  • The quality of their performance or songwriting/composition or sound production skills
  • Their potential for development
  • Their level of commitment
  • Their communication skills.

Specialist areas

You can apply for one or more of the following specialist areas:

  • Songwriting/Composition
  • Production
  • Performance (instruments: guitar, vocals, drums, bass, keyboards/piano, saxophone or other instrument considered on a case by case basis).

See specific requirements and submissions instructions for each specialist area below. 

Requirements:

Applications will be accepted on the following instruments: Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards/piano and drums and saxophone. Other instruments will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Course Coordinator Barry Hill if you wish to audition on another instrument.

For the video audition, you will need to perform two or three pieces with a backing track or band or solo (up to 10 minutes in length total), in contrasting styles. In the interview, you will need to have your instrument on hand as you may be asked to play additional materials (e.g., chords, scales, exercises) to simply illustrate your current skill and knowledge. In the interview you will also be asked questions related to your musical background and achievements to date and your career aspirations.

Submission instructions:
  • Videos should be an mp4 file, maximum 10 minutes in length
  • Ensure the sound and image quality are suitable so your performance can be clearly seen and heard. A mobile phone video recording should be adequate.
  • You can perform solo or with a backing track or with a live band/accompanist
  • Ensure you name your video file like this: SPECIALISTAREA_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME.mp4, for example: GUITAR_HILL_MATT.mp4
Notification of results:

Applicants will be notified about the result of their audition/interview within 3 weeks of their audition.

Applicants who have not been contacted in this time should call the University on 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357.

Requirements:

You are required to present a link to a portfolio of two or three tracks (up to 10 minutes in length total) that represent your level of achievement as a songwriter/composer or producer/engineer to date. Note the portfolio may include music created for film or other media. During the interview, you will be asked to discuss the works in your portfolio submission as well as your musical background, achievements to date and your career aspirations.

Submission instructions:
Notification of results:
Applicants will be notified about the result of their audition/interview within 3 weeks of their audition.

Applicants who have not been contacted at this time should call the University on 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357.

Further enquiries

[email protected] 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357