Popular music

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Transform your passion for popular music into a successful career

Immerse yourself in a creative environment that fosters the musical innovation, business expertise and industry networks required by successful, professional musicians.

The Bachelor of Music will nurture your unique musical style, whether that's in mainstream or underground, or something in between. You won't only perfect your performance and songwriting skills, but you'll also dive into the business of music and set yourself up for life with the skills to perform, produce, write, record, manage, teach and more.

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Applications for 2021

The process for applying to study at Queensland Conservatorium in 2021 has changed. Find out more about the audition requirements and helpful information on how to complete the application process.

Find out more about applying for the Queensland Conservatorium

Study Popular Music at Griffith

At the Queensland Conservatorium, the Bachelor of Music will help you transform your musical passion into a successful and sustainable career. Under the guidance of music industry professionals, business experts and creative specialists, you can hone your musical talents while developing business and arts management expertise.

You will be exposed to a range of genres and undertake ensemble work, collaborative laboratories, industry-led workshops and public performances.

You will get to the heart of the music industry with the opportunity for internships in recording studios, events management companies, music industry publishers and more. As a part of your studies, you could find yourself collaborating with some big names in the musical capital of the world, Nashville.

You will have performance opportunities from your first year, plus 24/7 access to music studios equipped with the latest recording facilities, editing suites, audio-visual and postproduction technology, so your musical innovation can really shine. Whether you choose to specialise in Performance, Music, Sound and Vision, or Music Industry, you'll graduate with the skills and know how to become a 'portfolio' musician — so you can jump head first into a wide range of musical opportunities, from producing and performing to artist and event management.

The Queensland Conservatorium is the perfect launch pad for your music career - a thriving, nurturing and creative environment, set within the cultural heart of Brisbane, the vibrant South Bank.

You may also be interested in the the Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in Commercial Music

Ian Peres

Bachelor of Popular Music

Ian Peres is the bassist and keyboard player for Grammy award-winning rock band Wolfmother. Ian spent the majority of 2016 touring with the band, which sold out theatres, stadiums and festivals around the world, and recently supported rock legends Guns N' Roses on their Australian stadium tour. Ian says the Bachelor of Popular Music degree delivered a wealth of invaluable information that has been vital in his career, both as a studio session player and as a live touring performer. 'It teaches and promotes an all-encompassing skill set. It teaches group collaboration and open-mindedness, with studio and performance insights from both sides of the mixing desk, plus education in legal matters.'

Study options

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Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Music	South Bank
Bachelor of Music (Honours)	South Bank

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It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships for new and continuing students.

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Career outcomes

Industry-focused training delivers professional level skills

A music degree from the Queensland Conservatorium comes with a wealth of contacts, opportunities and chances to really chase your dream. You'll have the skills and expertise to become a 'portfolio' musician, along with the industry exposure and networking opportunities to help you pinpoint your place in the music industry.

Popular music graduates can find their niche as a:

Composer
D.J
Multimedia Designer
Music Agent/Manager
Music Publisher
Music Teacher
Music Director
Musician
Performer
Post-Production Specialist
Recording Engineer
Song Writer
Sound and Music Producer
Sound Designer
Teacher (with additional study)

Popular music graduates have also successfully established their own businesses such as recording studios, teaching studios, music distribution, and artist and repertoire companies.

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News

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10 Aug 2020

Creative arts student unveils epic interactive exhibition at Queensland Museum

29 Jul 2020

Open House takes aspiring performers behind the scenes

Key dates

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Monday 13 July — Saturday 17 October

Trimester 2: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 10 October.

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Monday 21 September — Friday 25 September

Virtual Open House: Mature Student Week

No matter whether you’re returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help you find the right study path.

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Monday 26 October — Friday 30 October

Trimester 3: Orientation

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