This nationally recognised qualification is the first year of a two year vocational contemporary music program at WAAPA. The course is designed for musicians wishing to develop their songwriting, instrumental (including vocal), ensemble and musicianship skills. Students attend classes in song writing, stagecraft skills, technology, history, theory, aural and second study. On completion, a successful Music Artist would be expected to gain national industry recognition. This course would be ideally suited for the musician/singer/songwriter aiming to develop their music knowledge for a career in the Music Industry. On competition, successful students can apply to articulate into the second year of the program, the Advanced Diploma of Music.

Applications are submitted directly to WAAPA. Admission is based on audition and interview.

This qualification is from the Music Training Package CUS09. Unit selection and delivery are designed to reflect and meet the needs of the music industry.

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