CASM Programs

The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) offers a unique and exciting program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians, leading to the

Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music or the
Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Studies in Music

Learning takes place in a supportive 'community' environment. Students are encouraged to

• develop their music, knowledge and skills to a high level,
  
• develop their creative talents through individual and group work,
  
• develop their individual music interests.

Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music

The Associate Diploma program provides an intensive and broadly-based program of practical and theoretical studies.

It aims to prepare graduates to participate in contemporary multicultural Australia in their chosen professions:

• as musicians, composers and music arrangers,
  
• in education,
  
• in research,
  
• in community development activities, particularly those involving music making,
  
• in the broader music industry.

Students learn a broad range of musical styles from "traditional" to contemporary.

The program consists of two streams:

• The Music Studies (MS) stream is an intensive and broadly based program which aims to develop student's academic and musical skills to a level such that they may consider applying for further study at tertiary level. Literacy based learning and assessment applies in this stream.
• The Community Musician (CM) stream is an intensive and broadly based program designed to develop student's musical skills to a high level and to enable students to participate effectively in community development activities involving music. This stream has a practical focus with fewer literacy based requirements.

Both streams emphasise the realisation of musical and academic potential as a source of expression of individual and community strength and identity.

Entry Requirements
Admission to the Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music depends upon satisfactory completion of all courses in the CASM Foundation Year.

CASM reserves the right to permit admission to the Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music to students who have not completed the CASM Foundation Year, but who provide evidence of appropriate, equivalent skills and/or prior study in all areas covered within the CASM Foundation Year. This would normally be through formal study.

Program Structure

Course areas for the program include:

• music and dance performance
  
• practical studies
  
• "traditional" studies
  
• aural development
  
• communication & study skills
  
• music theory
  
• community and cultural studies
  
• research studies
  
• the study of musical styles
  
• music industry skills and sound production

Electives may include:

• choir
  
• "traditional" dance
  
• yidaki (didgeridoo)
  
• studio techniques and sound production
  
• song writing, composition and music arranging
  
• radio production
  
• computing for musicians

Instruments taught may include:

• guitar
  
• voice
  
• bass
  
• drums and percussion
  
• keyboard
  
• saxophone
  
• flute
  
• yidaki (didgeridoo) and other instruments as negotiated

Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Studies in Music

Students who satisfactorily complete all courses at Level I of the Associate Diploma, and who do not wish to proceed to Level 2, may upon written application, receive the Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Studies in Music (New).

Details of the CASM program are available from the University Calendar