CASM Award Programs

The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) offers an integrated suite of unique and exciting programs of music study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians:

Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music and 
Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal Studies in Music

The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) also offers the CASM Foundation Year which is the normal entry point for most students commencing music studies at CASM.

Learning takes place in a supported academic environment, in which students are encouraged to:

• develop their music, knowledge and skills to a high level
• develop creative talents through performance, composition and arranging, in individual and group work
• develop tertiary level academic, communication and research skills
• develop skills and capacities in areas of individual interest
• pursue pathways to professional engagement, employment, and/or further study 

Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music

Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music

The Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music and Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music programs provide intensive and broadly-based programs in performance, practical, theoretical, industry, style, cultural and research studies.

CASM programs aim to prepare graduates to participate in professional life, including:

• as performers, composers and arrangers
• in education
• in research
• in sound engineering and production
• in community development activities - particularly those involving music making
• in the broader music and performing arts industries
• in arts curation, managment and administration
• through further studies

Students study a range of musical styles from traditional to contemporary.  These include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and dance, as well as blues, rock, country, reggae, jazz, classical, hiphop/rap, soul, and metal.

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

Admission to the Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal Studies in Music normally depends upon satisfactory completion of all courses in the Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music.

CASM reserves the right to permit admission to the 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 and relevant experience.

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

Program Structure

Course areas for the Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs include:

• Performance
• Instrumental/Vocal Studies
• Songwriting, Composition and Arranging 
• Theory of Music and Notation
• Aural Skills
• Academic and Research Skills
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
• Style Studies
• Sound Engineering and Production
• Computers and Music
• Industry Skills
• Career Management
• Electives

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

Instruments taught may include:

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

 Note: Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music

Students who satisfactorily complete all courses at the Diploma level, and who do not wish to proceed to Advanced Diploma level, may upon application, receive the Diploma in Aboriginal Studies in Music.

Details of the CASM programs are available from the University Calendar.