Certificate IV in Music Sound Production
Overview
16 weeks full time / 32 weeks part time
6 months
March, July
February, July
Get a head start in the world of sound
Melbourne is the music capital of Australia and one of the greatest music cities in the world, with more live music venues per person than New York, Paris, Berlin or Tokyo. The music industry generates $25 million per year in Melbourne alone and there’s no better place to learn the ins and outs of the music production industry. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Music CUA40920 (Sound Production) will help you develop fundamental sound production skills in both studio and live production environments, with a focus on music production.
Purpose Built Facilities and Industry Connected Trainers
The Certificate IV in Music CUA40920 (Sound Production) is designed as a hands-on course and students will learn at an industry standard. Train in Melbourne Polytechnic’s purpose-built, fully-equipped sound studios and real Melbourne performance venues. You’ll work with analogue studio equipment and digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton and Pro Tools to prepare a professional portfolio of work to support your entry into the music industry. This course focuses on collaboration and entrepreneurship, with creative integrated projects fostering connections between students and networking for your future career. All of your teachers are active musicians with years of musical experience to help you amplify your musical skill set. Melbourne Polytechnic’s musical alumni include the founding members of ARIA-award winning band Augie March, Stonefield and rock and roll DJ icon Stan Rofe.
A Variety of Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, you’ll have developed an understanding of principles and techniques in recording, live sound, and electronic music production to further develop your own sound production interests. You might find work as a music producer, or work in post-production for radio, television, film and digital media. Other career opportunities include positions as a front of house operator, a monitor operator, a sound editor, or a studio engineer.
Upcoming info sessions
Have a chat with our highly experienced course advisors who can help you navigate your many career options.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate IV in Music - Sound Production CUA40920 take me?
At the conclusion of the course, you’ll have developed an understanding of principles and techniques in recording, live sound, and electronic music production to further develop your own sound production interests.
- Monitor Operator
- Post-Production Television Sound Engineer
- Front of House Operator
- Post-Production Engineer for Digital Media
- Sound Editor
- Post-Production Film Engineer
- Studio Engineer
Study Pathways
Successful completion of Certificate IV in Music CUA40920 (Sound Production) will enable you to enrol in our Diploma of Music CUA50820 or Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Sound Production).
Sound Production at Melbourne Polytechnic
Sound Production student Ash Ravens
From corporate life to centre-stage with student Ash Ravens
meet Ash
Sound Production Student Luana Moreno
Luana hits our shores for a career in sound
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Sound Production student Diego Depane
From the Amazon to Australia, an audio adventure with student Diego Depane
meet DiegoCourse Details
Delivery methods
- Performance venues
- Studio
- Electronic music lab
- Skills development activities in simulated work environments
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
Full time: 16 weeks 1 semester
Part time: 32 weeks 2 semesters part time
Assessment Methods
Assessment includes: observation of students' performance, oral questioning, written activities, and projects/portfolios of student work.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| BSBESB301 | Investigate business opportunities | Core | 25 |
| CUACMP311 | Implement copyright arrangements | Core | 20 |
| CUAIND411 | Extend expertise in specialist creative fields | Core | 45 |
| CUAMCP313 | Create simple musical pieces using music technology | Elective | 35 |
| CUAMWB402 | Manage feedback on creative practice | Core | 40 |
| CUAPPM513 | Incorporate creative and technical needs into management processes | Elective | 150 |
| CUAPPR411 | Realise a creative project | Elective | 90 |
| CUASOU212 | Perform basic sound editing | Elective | 30 |
| CUASOU306 | Operate sound reinforcement systems | Elective | 40 |
| CUASOU312 | Develop and apply knowledge of audio theory | Elective | 60 |
| CUASOU317 | Record and mix basic music demos | Elective | 40 |
| CUASOU321 | Mix music in studio environments | Elective | 60 |
| CUASOU331 | Undertake live audio operations | Elective | 100 |
| CUASOU415 | Record sound | Elective | 60 |
Book an interview
Fees & Costs
| Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $890 | $4450 | $9550 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $1065 | $4700 | $9800 |
| Per year | $9800 |
| Per semester | $9800 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Other Sound Production courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
- No prerequisite studies.
- attend an interview and complete a short questionnaire. Interviews are conducted either remotely via Zoom or phone, or in-person at the Fairfield Campus, and are open to all applicants (local, interstate, overseas). For further information email performingarts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
- attend an Information Session. Note: this is not a compulsory requirement
- Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency.
- English: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
- Other: Attend an audition/interview. Auditions are conducted either remotely via Zoom, or in-person at the Fairfield Campus, and are open to all applicants (local, interstate, overseas). For further information email performingarts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Next Steps
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.
Complete the application form on the application form webpage.
You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
We’ll ask you to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.