Associate Degree of Music
Do you see yourself on stage in front of thousands?Producing beats and EDM hits?
Working in a studio producing records? Building and designing your own live events?
Then studying Music as SAE is where you need to be.
Available at
Adelaide,
Brisbane,
Byron Bay,
Melbourne,
Perth,
Sydney
Fees
Associate Degree of Music
Domestic Fees
Units x Costs ($AUD)
12 x $2,999
4 x $3,236
Indicative Annual Course Fee*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$24,940 AUD Year 1
$23,992 AUD Year 2
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Annual Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Associate Degree of Music
International Fees
Units x Costs ($AUD)
12 x $3,495
4 x $3,773
Indicative Annual Course Fee*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$29,072 AUD Year 1
$27,960 AUD Year 2
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Annual Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Duration(s)
4 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
Complete your course faster by studying units over 15 months (4 trimesters).
Associate Degree of Music
Course Durations
4 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
Complete your course faster by studying units over 15 months (4 trimesters).
6 Trimesters Full Time
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the units over two years (6 trimesters).
Part-time option available
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
We understand that things can change, so you'll have the flexibility to change your study load throughout your course if you need to.
Start Date(s)
May 2025
Associate Degree of Music
Start Dates
Adelaide
May 2025
September 2025
February 2026
Brisbane
May 2025
September 2025
February 2026
Byron Bay
May 2025
September 2025
February 2026
Melbourne
May 2025
September 2025
February 2026
Perth
May 2025
September 2025
February 2026
Sydney
May 2025
September 2025
February 2026
Entry Requirements
Associate Degree of Music
Domestic Entry Requirements
Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (QCE, WACE, HSC, SACE, etc.), like your Year 12 certificate or equivalent; OR
Completion of a Diploma-level qualification issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF); OR
Associate Degree of Music
International Entry Requirements
International Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
An applicant must satisfy one of the following minimum academic entry criteria:
An Australian bachelor's degree in any discipline or an equivalent qualification; OR
A substantial portfolio of work evidencing at least 3 years relevant industry experience.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): IELTS minimum overall band of 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 completed in the last two years (or equivalent), OR
Completion of Year 12 English in an Australian secondary school or college or equivalent with a minimum result of “Satisfactory” or equivalent.
SAE Course Code
MU6V5
Your creative career starts with SAE
Course Structure
The Associate Degree of Music has two stages that provide foundational learning and applied skill.
Core Units
Stage 1: Foundational skills development
In Stage I, students will undertake a number of foundational modules which will give students the essential technical skills and knowledge not only relevant to the chosen discipline area but also a second area of interest. Alongside this, students develop an understanding of the creative process, project design and management, core communication practices in academic and industry contexts, ownership, distribution, and copyright in the creative industries. Students will also undertake deliberate practice and weekly rituals including reflective journaling that will assist students in identifying the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to develop their creative media practice throughout their studies.
Credit points: 10
Thinking about Audio will introduce you to creative and scholarly thinking in your discipline. By examining leading thinkers and movements in your discipline, you will develop an understanding of key practical and transferable skills that will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the learning process, research, and the nature of creativity and scholarship. This forms an essential foundation for your studies and your future career by fostering your skill as an independent learner and reflective practitioner.
Thinking about Audio will introduce you to creative and scholarly thinking in your discipline. By examining leading thinkers and movements in your discipline, you will develop an understanding of key practical and transferable skills that will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the learning process, research, and the nature of creativity and scholarship. This forms an essential foundation for your studies and your future career by fostering your skill as an independent learner and reflective practitioner.
Credit points: 10
This unit will help you develop foundational skills for composing music and lyrics effectively, and effectively and communicating musical concepts in different forms. You will learn to identify, employ and communicate music theory concepts including rhythm, harmony, melody, notation, structure, form, texture and genre, for application in your own creative work. Through iteration, peer review and mentor feedback, students will develop their songwriting skills through the development of several projects culminating in several pieces of music that form the beginnings of a portfolio of works.
This unit will help you develop foundational skills for composing music and lyrics effectively, and effectively and communicating musical concepts in different forms. You will learn to identify, employ and communicate music theory concepts including rhythm, harmony, melody, notation, structure, form, texture and genre, for application in your own creative work. Through iteration, peer review and mentor feedback, students will develop their songwriting skills through the development of several projects culminating in several pieces of music that form the beginnings of a portfolio of works.
Credit points: 10
This unit introduces you to core skills and concepts of electronic music production. You will work on a range of music projects to develop skills in recording, sampling, sequencing and synthesis. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using a combination of MIDI and audio manipulation. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
This unit introduces you to core skills and concepts of electronic music production. You will work on a range of music projects to develop skills in recording, sampling, sequencing and synthesis. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using a combination of MIDI and audio manipulation. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
Credit points: 10
This unit introduces you to core skills and concepts of studio and analogue music production. Across a range of projects, you will develop skills around microphone techniques, analogue signal flow and engineering techniques, recording and mixing. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using studio production techniques. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
This unit introduces you to core skills and concepts of studio and analogue music production. Across a range of projects, you will develop skills around microphone techniques, analogue signal flow and engineering techniques, recording and mixing. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using studio production techniques. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
Credit points: 10
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
Credit points: 10
This unit introduces you to the concepts of stagecraft, live music performance and musicianship, production design and the technology used in live-sound production. Musical artists often play a leading role in designing and executing live performances of their music. Live music is both a major source of an artists income as well as a branding and marketing event. Additionally, live sound experience, skills and knowledge can open up regular, well-paid work within the music industry.
Designing and producing a live music performance plays an important role in engaging audiences and creating entertaining experiences. Visuals, costumes, props, lighting and stage design can all contribute to successful music performances and developing these skills in addition to technical audio skills will provide you with a broader range of professional skills. Repertoire, musical arrangements and genre conventions are some of the skills employed by musicians in developing their musical works.
In this unit you will be given opportunities through the project design to collaborate with students from other disciplines and through analysis and planning the unit will culminate in a live event of your own design.
This unit introduces you to the concepts of stagecraft, live music performance and musicianship, production design and the technology used in live-sound production. Musical artists often play a leading role in designing and executing live performances of their music. Live music is both a major source of an artists income as well as a branding and marketing event. Additionally, live sound experience, skills and knowledge can open up regular, well-paid work within the music industry.
Designing and producing a live music performance plays an important role in engaging audiences and creating entertaining experiences. Visuals, costumes, props, lighting and stage design can all contribute to successful music performances and developing these skills in addition to technical audio skills will provide you with a broader range of professional skills. Repertoire, musical arrangements and genre conventions are some of the skills employed by musicians in developing their musical works.
In this unit you will be given opportunities through the project design to collaborate with students from other disciplines and through analysis and planning the unit will culminate in a live event of your own design.
Credit points: 10
Understanding musical genres is a core skill for successful songwriters and music producers. This module builds on your knowledge of music with a focus on musical genres and styles, genre structure, texture, melody, harmony, and rhythm, as well as aspects of history and social connections.
Knowledge of musical genres is developed through a broad range of activities and projects incorporating analytical listening, transcription, group performance and composition within the specific genres.
Understanding musical genres is a core skill for successful songwriters and music producers. This module builds on your knowledge of music with a focus on musical genres and styles, genre structure, texture, melody, harmony, and rhythm, as well as aspects of history and social connections.
Knowledge of musical genres is developed through a broad range of activities and projects incorporating analytical listening, transcription, group performance and composition within the specific genres.
Credit points: 10
In Music Studio 1 you will learn the professional application of a range of songwriting and music production techniques. This includes working with other producers, writers, performers and external musicians to produce a recording, contributing to a sample library, remixing an existing track and working to a commercial client brief. These activities will require you to be adaptive, respond to challenges, solve problems, be self-directed and successfully communicate with others. Through working in these applied contexts, you will deepen your knowledge of songwriting and music production, so that you can respond creatively to a fast-turnaround brief.
In Music Studio 1 you will learn the professional application of a range of songwriting and music production techniques. This includes working with other producers, writers, performers and external musicians to produce a recording, contributing to a sample library, remixing an existing track and working to a commercial client brief. These activities will require you to be adaptive, respond to challenges, solve problems, be self-directed and successfully communicate with others. Through working in these applied contexts, you will deepen your knowledge of songwriting and music production, so that you can respond creatively to a fast-turnaround brief.
Stage 2: Interdisciplinary projects, media and cultural studies
In Stage II we show students how their work contributes to and interacts with broader culture and media practice through common modules and studio modules. This knowledge will enable students to work with a variety of other disciplines and artists and expand their potential on the global stage. Within Stage II, students will work closely with facilitators to identify key learning outcomes needed to complete modules. Deliberate and reflective practice assist students through their studio modules, playing an active reflection role throughout the learning journey. Student projects within Stage II are reflective of real-world scenarios, containing real-world dilemmas - societal issues that require solutions; authentic audiences -simulating professional practice and constraints- understanding how a range of constraints can impact projects within professional practice. Students complete a number of real-world projects with students in their chosen major discipline, the Creative Industries student group, and wider disciplines at SAE. At the end of each studio module, facilitators will arrange exhibitions either internal or public-facing for students to showcase work. Stage II includes options for students to take 2 discipline specific studio units, or 1 discipline studio unit and a Creative Industries studio, focused on industry led interdisciplinary practice.
Credit points: 10
In CIM210 you will be working on interdisciplinary projects that relate to some of the most important concepts in contemporary media production. You will learn practical and analytical skills in order to help you develop your creative powers and meet briefs that take you out of your comfort zone. You will need to bring all of the skills you have learned so far: technical skills, research skills, communication skills and a growth mindset, and be prepared to encounter new concepts and new ways of working.
In CIM210 you will be working on interdisciplinary projects that relate to some of the most important concepts in contemporary media production. You will learn practical and analytical skills in order to help you develop your creative powers and meet briefs that take you out of your comfort zone. You will need to bring all of the skills you have learned so far: technical skills, research skills, communication skills and a growth mindset, and be prepared to encounter new concepts and new ways of working.
Credit points: 10
Media and culture are not simply entertainment, but something that affects the “real world”, our everyday lives, and our worldviews. As such, we will not ask whether media accurately reflect the real world but instead ask how media shape, reinforce, and challenge power structures that influence our understanding of the world and ourselves. This unit takes a ‘critical theory’ approach to analyze media and culture. In this unit, you will explore media texts, contexts and meaning, society and subjectivity, pop culture aesthetics, and critical cultural discourses that inform creative media practices.
Drawing on a range of creative content and analytical frameworks, you will be encouraged to develop ways of thinking about media and culture that demonstrate a broad awareness of aesthetic principles and stylistic trends; subjectivity, agency, ethics, and relations of power; contexts, disciplines and discursive formations. In support of this exploration, you will produce a range of media artifacts that explore and contextualize the relationship of media to culture through individual analysis, collaborative and interdisciplinary creative practice, and critical reflection.
Media and culture are not simply entertainment, but something that affects the “real world”, our everyday lives, and our worldviews. As such, we will not ask whether media accurately reflect the real world but instead ask how media shape, reinforce, and challenge power structures that influence our understanding of the world and ourselves. This unit takes a ‘critical theory’ approach to analyze media and culture. In this unit, you will explore media texts, contexts and meaning, society and subjectivity, pop culture aesthetics, and critical cultural discourses that inform creative media practices.
Drawing on a range of creative content and analytical frameworks, you will be encouraged to develop ways of thinking about media and culture that demonstrate a broad awareness of aesthetic principles and stylistic trends; subjectivity, agency, ethics, and relations of power; contexts, disciplines and discursive formations. In support of this exploration, you will produce a range of media artifacts that explore and contextualize the relationship of media to culture through individual analysis, collaborative and interdisciplinary creative practice, and critical reflection.
Credit points: 10
Using social media and digital content effectively is crucial for creative media professionals. In this unit you will develop an understanding of what constitutes social media, the activities that it consists of and how creators and audiences connect, collaborate, create, and share content. You will link this understanding with concepts of digital marketing, formulating strategies for social campaigns with a range of content across platforms. These skills will assist you to determine how social media can be utilised in your professional practice
Using social media and digital content effectively is crucial for creative media professionals. In this unit you will develop an understanding of what constitutes social media, the activities that it consists of and how creators and audiences connect, collaborate, create, and share content. You will link this understanding with concepts of digital marketing, formulating strategies for social campaigns with a range of content across platforms. These skills will assist you to determine how social media can be utilised in your professional practice
Credit points: 10
With your facilitator acting as your project manager, mentor and colleague, this studio module will further develop your songwriting and music production skills through a variety of creative projects. Topic areas will include writing for visual and multimedia, music for advertising, writing to a brief, mixing and delivery, critical listening and aural and music skills. You will apply your new skills in a variety of contexts in projects that may include writing music for screen media, topline writing, remixing and reharmonising existing works, music for advertisements and sonic branding.
Responding to briefs in collaboration with your peers, you will work towards established project milestones in your songwriting and music production projects. You will adhere to a planned schedule and demonstrate professional practice throughout the trimester. This process includes focus on the creative, technical and managerial aspects required for a completed music project. You will also have the opportunity to contribute your songwriting and music production skills to an interdisciplinary project, collaborating with students from another discipline. Your finished work will be exhibited in an authentic context.
With your facilitator acting as your project manager, mentor and colleague, this studio module will further develop your songwriting and music production skills through a variety of creative projects. Topic areas will include writing for visual and multimedia, music for advertising, writing to a brief, mixing and delivery, critical listening and aural and music skills. You will apply your new skills in a variety of contexts in projects that may include writing music for screen media, topline writing, remixing and reharmonising existing works, music for advertisements and sonic branding.
Responding to briefs in collaboration with your peers, you will work towards established project milestones in your songwriting and music production projects. You will adhere to a planned schedule and demonstrate professional practice throughout the trimester. This process includes focus on the creative, technical and managerial aspects required for a completed music project. You will also have the opportunity to contribute your songwriting and music production skills to an interdisciplinary project, collaborating with students from another discipline. Your finished work will be exhibited in an authentic context.
Credit points: 10
Musicians engage with their communities in a variety of ways. Often engaging with the community in a holistic, 360-degree fashion is essential to carving out a niche within the industry and developing a long and successful career. Musicians themselves exist within a community including audiences, business partners and other stakeholders, and the community as a whole.
This unit builds on previous studio units in developing your awareness and understanding of the practicing musicians place in, and effect on, the larger community.
Musicians engage with their communities in a variety of ways. Often engaging with the community in a holistic, 360-degree fashion is essential to carving out a niche within the industry and developing a long and successful career. Musicians themselves exist within a community including audiences, business partners and other stakeholders, and the community as a whole.
This unit builds on previous studio units in developing your awareness and understanding of the practicing musicians place in, and effect on, the larger community.
Your Choice of Elective 1
Your Choice of Elective 2
Your Choice of Elective 3
Electives
Credit points: 10
Developing new creative skills and improving upon existing skills is an essential part of the creative media practitioner’s professional development. Identifying industry-relevant skills, making an action plan for improvement, and building in a reflective process for future development assists creative practitioners to continually build their skills portfolio.
In this unit you will undertake a skills self-reflection process where you will identify an area you wish to improve upon. Through a study of goal setting and deliberate practice processes, you will plan and implement a personal creative media project to develop these skills under the tutelage of a mentor. Peer and facilitator feedback sessions will help you to tune the projects and examples of great goal setting from industry professionals will be used to guide this personal exploration. Through the completion of this unit, you will develop a practice that can be taken with you and aid your personal and professional life.
Developing new creative skills and improving upon existing skills is an essential part of the creative media practitioner’s professional development. Identifying industry-relevant skills, making an action plan for improvement, and building in a reflective process for future development assists creative practitioners to continually build their skills portfolio.
In this unit you will undertake a skills self-reflection process where you will identify an area you wish to improve upon. Through a study of goal setting and deliberate practice processes, you will plan and implement a personal creative media project to develop these skills under the tutelage of a mentor. Peer and facilitator feedback sessions will help you to tune the projects and examples of great goal setting from industry professionals will be used to guide this personal exploration. Through the completion of this unit, you will develop a practice that can be taken with you and aid your personal and professional life.
Credit points: 10
In this audio unit, you'll enhance critical listening and technical abilities by comparing and contrasting environments, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and workflows. You will chronologically explore the art of mixing through a variety of styles and gain insights into its contemporary role in music consumption. The course addresses environmental impact on mixes and offers optimisation strategies, allowing you to expand and refine your workflows to service a variety of musical styles and listening environments.
In this audio unit, you'll enhance critical listening and technical abilities by comparing and contrasting environments, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and workflows. You will chronologically explore the art of mixing through a variety of styles and gain insights into its contemporary role in music consumption. The course addresses environmental impact on mixes and offers optimisation strategies, allowing you to expand and refine your workflows to service a variety of musical styles and listening environments.
Credit points: 10
This dynamic and engaging course explores the complex and ever-evolving concept of how musical artists shape their unique visions and identities in the ever-evolving music industry. The music industry is a complex and multifaceted collection of artists and creatives, an understanding of how an artist's vision and theming outside of the music connects with themselves as a creative, along with the organisational media assets is essential for budding artists to be able to forge a successful career and become the professional artists they aspire to be.
Students will develop a package of their own artist identity and the systems to create and evolve as musical artists in the public eye within their own creative work. They will explore the trends within the genres that interest them and the media that impacts how they project their self-image as a musician. They will plan for their future career by identifying career aspirations, targeting goals, and will develop a professional development plan for achieving the vision of themselves as an artist. This unit is designed to explore the creative and personal management aspects of music artists and how they shape their unique identities in the music industry.
This dynamic and engaging course explores the complex and ever-evolving concept of how musical artists shape their unique visions and identities in the ever-evolving music industry. The music industry is a complex and multifaceted collection of artists and creatives, an understanding of how an artist's vision and theming outside of the music connects with themselves as a creative, along with the organisational media assets is essential for budding artists to be able to forge a successful career and become the professional artists they aspire to be.
Students will develop a package of their own artist identity and the systems to create and evolve as musical artists in the public eye within their own creative work. They will explore the trends within the genres that interest them and the media that impacts how they project their self-image as a musician. They will plan for their future career by identifying career aspirations, targeting goals, and will develop a professional development plan for achieving the vision of themselves as an artist. This unit is designed to explore the creative and personal management aspects of music artists and how they shape their unique identities in the music industry.
Credit points: 10
The music industry is a complex and multifaceted creative marketplace. An understanding of the fundamental operations of the legal and business side of the music industry is essential for budding artists, managers or entrepreneurs to be able to forge a successful career. Understanding the legal frameworks relevant to monetising music is essential as is building a solid foundation of the common business principles and cultures.
In this unit you will study legal frameworks common within the music industry and the business dealings that form the backbone of the marketplace. You will develop a series of documents you can apply to your real-world practice and gain a basic understanding of the financial management of small businesses.
The music industry is a complex and multifaceted creative marketplace. An understanding of the fundamental operations of the legal and business side of the music industry is essential for budding artists, managers or entrepreneurs to be able to forge a successful career. Understanding the legal frameworks relevant to monetising music is essential as is building a solid foundation of the common business principles and cultures.
In this unit you will study legal frameworks common within the music industry and the business dealings that form the backbone of the marketplace. You will develop a series of documents you can apply to your real-world practice and gain a basic understanding of the financial management of small businesses.
Credit points: 10
Music composers and songwriters work across various mediums and collaborate with producers of different media backgrounds. Visual and screen media include feature films, short films, advertisements, social media content and web video amongst many others. Writing to develop and reinforce the content of screen media is a valuable skill set for the working songwriter, composer and music producer.
This unit explores the history and development of screen media composition. Through the study of a variety of works, students will better understand the role of the composer and producer in developing music for screen and visual media. Students will work with interdisciplinary collaborators and write and produce music for a variety of media outcomes.
Music composers and songwriters work across various mediums and collaborate with producers of different media backgrounds. Visual and screen media include feature films, short films, advertisements, social media content and web video amongst many others. Writing to develop and reinforce the content of screen media is a valuable skill set for the working songwriter, composer and music producer.
This unit explores the history and development of screen media composition. Through the study of a variety of works, students will better understand the role of the composer and producer in developing music for screen and visual media. Students will work with interdisciplinary collaborators and write and produce music for a variety of media outcomes.
Credit points: 10
Composing music for games not only involves music composition and production, but also knowledge of game audio workflows. Additionally, composing and producing music for games differs from composing for other screen media like film and TV. Music in games is driven by interactions and the music and audio in a game responds game respond to the player and interactions. This unit will introduce fundamental techniques and processes to compose music for games from conceptualising, iteration, and implementation. Game engines will be introduced in this unit for you to gain an understanding how music and audio is integrated into games and to consider the technical aspects of music for games.
Composing music for games not only involves music composition and production, but also knowledge of game audio workflows. Additionally, composing and producing music for games differs from composing for other screen media like film and TV. Music in games is driven by interactions and the music and audio in a game responds game respond to the player and interactions. This unit will introduce fundamental techniques and processes to compose music for games from conceptualising, iteration, and implementation. Game engines will be introduced in this unit for you to gain an understanding how music and audio is integrated into games and to consider the technical aspects of music for games.
Credit points: 10
In this unit you will further build on the foundations of songwriting developed in previous units through a deeper study of lyrics and their connection to harmony, rhythm and melody. You will explore historical works and the development of the craft of lyric writing with a focus on developing your own unique approach to the craft.
Songwriters employ a range of tools and techniques to tell their story and lyrics are often the most direct form of communicating meaning. Through carefully constructed lyrical and musical choices, involving rhythm, harmony and melody songwriters can affect intentional audience responses.
In this unit you will further build on the foundations of songwriting developed in previous units through a deeper study of lyrics and their connection to harmony, rhythm and melody. You will explore historical works and the development of the craft of lyric writing with a focus on developing your own unique approach to the craft.
Songwriters employ a range of tools and techniques to tell their story and lyrics are often the most direct form of communicating meaning. Through carefully constructed lyrical and musical choices, involving rhythm, harmony and melody songwriters can affect intentional audience responses.
Credit points: 10
Using electronic tools and workflows to produce music is common practice amongst music producers. Music listeners are also better informed and discerning when it comes to consuming music and engage with music via digital and electronic means. As a music producer, your understanding of music technology and electronic music production methods will be vital in order to stand out from the ever-increasing crowd of music artists. A keen understanding of the history of electronic music and genre is also highly valued in today’s marketplace.
You will gain a practical and theoretical understanding of how music is produced in terms of technology and techniques. Additionally, you will learn to analyse songs in order to understand the genre and subgenre of the music to be able to break it down into elements of music and sound design to then produce music of that genre or subgenre.
Using electronic tools and workflows to produce music is common practice amongst music producers. Music listeners are also better informed and discerning when it comes to consuming music and engage with music via digital and electronic means. As a music producer, your understanding of music technology and electronic music production methods will be vital in order to stand out from the ever-increasing crowd of music artists. A keen understanding of the history of electronic music and genre is also highly valued in today’s marketplace.
You will gain a practical and theoretical understanding of how music is produced in terms of technology and techniques. Additionally, you will learn to analyse songs in order to understand the genre and subgenre of the music to be able to break it down into elements of music and sound design to then produce music of that genre or subgenre.
Credit points: 10
Performing live enhances the skills of electronic musicians by providing opportunities to engage with audiences, refine improvisational abilities, and experiment with real-time sound manipulation, thus fostering creativity and expanding their artistic horizons.
In this unit, you will analyse live music performances to grasp the diverse roles of technology onstage, applying this knowledge to composition, sound design, and arrangement. You will design and implement a technology-focused live set, exploring the use of Ableton Live's non-linear sequencer and performance-oriented tools and techniques along with hardware devices and MIDI controllers.
Using techniques of sound manipulation and musical expression you will craft a dynamic and innovative performance. The unit also examines the integration of visual elements to design immersive, multi-sensory experiences for your music venue, club, festival audience, or live-streaming event.
Performing live enhances the skills of electronic musicians by providing opportunities to engage with audiences, refine improvisational abilities, and experiment with real-time sound manipulation, thus fostering creativity and expanding their artistic horizons.
In this unit, you will analyse live music performances to grasp the diverse roles of technology onstage, applying this knowledge to composition, sound design, and arrangement. You will design and implement a technology-focused live set, exploring the use of Ableton Live's non-linear sequencer and performance-oriented tools and techniques along with hardware devices and MIDI controllers.
Using techniques of sound manipulation and musical expression you will craft a dynamic and innovative performance. The unit also examines the integration of visual elements to design immersive, multi-sensory experiences for your music venue, club, festival audience, or live-streaming event.
Credit points: 10
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is one of the dominant music genres in today’s marketplace. EDM encompasses an entire industry based around music composition, music production, live performance, multimedia and other business ventures.
EDM is a common production request of external collaborators and an understanding of the genres and the various techniques used to create the music is essential to a modern electronic music producer and composer.
In this unit students will engage with a deep dive into the history and development of electronic dance music, and study contemporary EDM music genres and conventions. Through this analysis students will discover the production tools and techniques that are unique to EDM genre production. Advanced techniques in sampling, synthesis, sound design and sonic manipulation will be developed.
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is one of the dominant music genres in today’s marketplace. EDM encompasses an entire industry based around music composition, music production, live performance, multimedia and other business ventures.
EDM is a common production request of external collaborators and an understanding of the genres and the various techniques used to create the music is essential to a modern electronic music producer and composer.
In this unit students will engage with a deep dive into the history and development of electronic dance music, and study contemporary EDM music genres and conventions. Through this analysis students will discover the production tools and techniques that are unique to EDM genre production. Advanced techniques in sampling, synthesis, sound design and sonic manipulation will be developed.
CRICOS Course Codes
113150B (6 TRIMESTERS)
Australian Qualification Framework
AQF LEVEL: 6
SELF ACCREDITED BY SAE
Learn using Industry Tools & Software
ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF MUSIC
The Associate Degree of Music, nested within the Bachelor of Music, builds the essential skills for creating a successful career in today’s modern music industry. You’ll learn and apply theoretical knowledge and best practices while accessing studios with cutting-edge equipment.
You’ll gain proficiencies in songwriting, composition, music business and industry, stagecraft, recording techniques and electronic music production and studio music production.
Building on the core skills of a working music professional, the Associate Degree of Music at SAE allows you a unique opportunity to dive deeper into your chosen area of interest by studying three specialisation electives in one of the following four different pathways.
Songwriting and Music Production
For emerging songwriters, music producers and composers. These elective units focus on songwriting and composition for screen media (films/television/online content) and video games, develop scoring, notation and arrangement skills and learn advanced studio production techniques, including mixing and mastering.
Electronic Music
These electives are perfect if you’re interested in refining your electronic music production skills. From various EDM genres, to Hip Hop and Electronic Pop music, gain a deeper understanding of digital mixing, mastering and sound design, sampling, synthesis, beat programming and various contexts for live electronic music creation.
Music Industry
From artist and event management, to digital music strategies, music exports, industry frameworks, marketing and entrepreneurship concepts. In these electives you will develop a deeper understanding of the dynamic and ever-changing music industry helping drive the success and sustainability of your creative practice in the local and global music industry.
Creative Musicianship
The scope of your creative practice as a contemporary musician is wide, and these electives cover a blend of technology, industry and performance elements. Investigate branding, creative identity and marketing to complement your creative folio. Build performance skills incorporating technology and foster the development of new skills through a self-directed project with mentor guidance. These electives approach creative music making from a future-focused perspective, enabling diverse outcomes and creative work.
Your growth and development as a creative practitioner will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects. As your skills develop and you work on more dynamic projects, you’ll apply your capabilities to cross-discipline projects in audio, film, games and animation.
We consult closely with industry professionals so you can expect a course that’s highly relevant and equips you with sought-after skills. Some of our partners include:
Career Outcomes
What jobs will this course lead me into?
- Music Technician
- Artist and Repertoire Scout
- Music and Sound Designer
- Live Music Performer
- Studio Musician
- Songwriter
- Commercial Music Composer/Producer
- Music Technician
- Music Supervisor
- Composer for film, games and other media'
What our students say about SAE
“I’ve always had a passion for music production, and being in a wheelchair and living with cerebral palsy hasn’t stopped me. SAE has provided me with the opportunities to learn and grow, through supportive staff and new friends who believe in my abilities. Having visited a couple of higher education providers, I felt SAE [Melbourne] could offer me more support with my education and accessibility. I’ve really enjoyed the practical elements my course – as creatives we don’t like doing the academic parts so much!”
Samson Hailu
Bachelor of Music student
“Studying at SAE provided me with a structure, and connected a lot of the dots, so when I went out into the industry and an engineer started talking about live sound, I was able to understand that because of the rounded education I got from my time at SAE.”
Bill Day
SAE Alumni | Current Job: DJ Bill Day AKA Mr Bill
"There’s so much to enjoy about studying at SAE, like the expert advice you get from the lecturers every day. The studios are incredible, and it’s an exciting place where everyone’s got a creative mindset. They’re following their passions and their dreams, so it’s got a really nice vibe to it."
Michael Weir
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Professional MusicianSAE Associate Degree of Music offers:
Develop your craft in the music styles you love - write and record your songs/compositions and explore music productions in small and large studio environments.
Get in-depth knowledge of the music industry with practical, collaborative, industry standard mentoring and develop business acumen/entrepreneurial ideas.
Realise your artistic vision and identity as a musical artist through experimentation and exploration of stagecraft, various music making contexts and current and emerging technologies.
Get a range of approaches to learning and teaching - virtual and on-campus that provides flexibility, real-world application and support for students.
Learn in world class studio environments
Advanced-techniques and strategies to use software adopted by the industry - like Ableton, Pro Tools, and Logic.
Practical, immersive training
Learn as you collaborate on real-world projects and briefs. Build a portfolio to share with an employer or first client.
Creative collaboration
Create music for games film/screen and for live performances by collaborating with SAE students from other creative areas.
Pathway to a Bachelor qualification
Completing two of the three stages of the Bachelor of Music, this course provides an excellent pathway for continued study.
YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC BEGINS NOW
What you'll learn
Songwriting strategies
Performance and recording technique
Music industry and business practices
Acoustic and electronic music
Music production practice
Principles of sound, music and audio technology
All SAE courses have a focus on practical, hands-on delivery. The amount of practical time you experience during your studies does vary, depending on your course. You will also have opportunities to access campus resources and facilities outside of class time, during campus opening hours.
We carefully design and deliver all our units to help you develop the knowledge you need to be successful in your chosen field of study. Courses and course units at SAE follow best practice teaching and learning.
Easy transition into the Bachelor of Music
SAE Diploma, Associate and Bachelor Degrees are structured in an integrated course framework.
This means that when you complete an SAE Associate Degree of Music you will be awarded the maximum credit points available, providing you with the opportunity to seamlessly transition into the higher level Bachelor degree qualification if you choose to do so.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
