Associate Degree of Music

The Associate Degree of Music, nested within the Bachelor of Music, builds the essential skills for creating a successful career in today’s modern music industry. You’ll learn and apply theoretical knowledge and best practices while accessing studios with cutting-edge equipment.

You’ll gain proficiencies in songwriting, composition, music business and industry, stagecraft, recording techniques and electronic music production and studio music production.

Building on the core skills of a working music professional, the Associate Degree of Music at SAE allows you a unique opportunity to dive deeper into your chosen area of interest by studying three specialization electives in one of the following four different pathways.

Songwriting and Music Production
For emerging songwriters, music producers and composers. Students will further specialize in songwriting and composition for screen media (films or television) and video games, develop scoring and notation skills and learn advanced studio production techniques, including mixing and mastering.

Electronic Music Production
Interested in refining your electronic music production skills- From various EDM genres, to Hip Hop and Electronic Pop music, gain a deeper understanding of digital mixing, mastering and sound design, sampling, synthesis and programming and various contexts for music making including live applications.

Music Industry and Business
This one is for students interested in the business side of the industry. From artist and event management, to music exports, legal frameworks and entrepreneurship. Develop a deeper understanding of the dynamic and ever-changing music industry and drive the success of your own business ideas along with key creative collaborators.

Creative Musicianship
Dream of being a working musician - This specialization is for students interested in pursuing performance as a career. Defining your creative identity and brand, developing stagecraft and further exploring collaborative music making through innovation and improvisation. You’ll also get to explore current and emerging modes of music making through various instruments and technologies.

6 Trimesters Full Time
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the units over two years. (6 trimesters)

Minimum age requirements
International students seeking admission to SAE must be 18 years of age OR must be turning 18 during their first trimester of studies at SAE
Academic requirements
Successful completion of secondary school studies assessed as an equivalent of Australian Year 12 secondary studies Minimum overall pass is required
English language requirements
International English Language Testing Sydney IELTS An overall score of 6.0 or higher with no individual band lower than 5.5 only the Academic Test is accepted OR
Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL 73 overall internetbased test OR

Completion of Year 12 English in an Australian secondary school or college or equivalent with a minimum result of Satisfactory or equivalent