This is a vocational program aimed at producing performers and writers for the commercial music industry. On completion of this award, it is expected that students will find employment as musicians in performing groups, the recording industry, television, radio, film/video and commercial theatre. Successful students may audition for other courses within the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

The Units of Competence from the nationally accredited Music Training Package CUS09 are clustered within the course delivery units. These delivery units form training in the industry areas of: Ensemble, Principal Study, Songwriting-Arranging, Studio Skills, Professional Management, Concert Practice, Electronic Music, Media Performance, Aural, Copyright, History, OH&S, Second Study Piano, and Theory/Rhythm/Improvisation. Details of the specific delivery arrangement for each Unit of Competence are available from the relevant course coordinator or the Program Director of Music. The course includes all the Music Training Package requirements for the award of both a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Music (Contemporary) on the successful completion of two years full-time study.

This VET course is offered by ECU as a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Quality Training Framework and is accredited through the Training Accreditation Council.

NOTE: Designated units must be successfully completed for progress into year two.

All delivery units are full year units studied full time at Mount Lawley campus over two years.

The Advanced Diploma in Music (Contemporary) course at WAAPA provides students with a total of 28 units from the Music Package. Students commence the program at AQF level 5 Diploma and graduate at AQF level 6 Advanced Diploma. Successful students graduate with both a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Music after two years full time study.

In Year One of the program, students complete 15 units of pre-requisite knowledge from the AQF level 5 Diploma. In Year Two, students complete an additional 13 units to qualify for the Advanced Diploma of Music. Comprehensive information regarding these two programs is available in the CUS09 Music Training Package.

These VET Units of Competence are clustered within the WAAPA course delivery units using the industry terms: Ensemble, Principal Study, Songwriting-Arranging, Studio Skills, Professional Management, Concert Practice, Electronic Music, Media Performance, Aural, Copyright, History, OH&S, Second Study Piano, and Theory/Rhythm/Improvisation.