Skillsone visited the Nirimba campus of the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE to see what students thought of the music course at the Contemporary Music Centre (CMC). We talk to current technical production student Oliver Hills and performance graduate Rosalind Chia about their experiences studying at Nirimba.

The TAFE offer courses in:

contemporary music: which cover subjects such as music performance, music industry studies, sound recording, music literacy, artistic development, MIDI music performance, songwriting, instrument technique, promotion, composing for screen and more.

performing arts: introduces performance skills and etiquette used by today's working professionals. This full time course is offered over one year. Through an intense structured practical program each student will develop skills in a variety of areas. These include Acting, Singing, Dancing, Movement, Voice, Music Theatre Performance, Music Theatre Business, Music Theatre Industry Studies, Music Theory and Audition Techniques. CMC's Music Theatre students gain hands on experience by performing in a series of productions throughout the year, including a middle year musical review, short plays and an end of year major production. This course is for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who seek the specialist training needed to make it in the industry today. Students who train with CMC gain skills, experience and attributes that prepare them professionally for employment in the highly competitive and challenging Entertainment Industry.

The TAFE offers courses in:

technical production: performance and recording technology has changed dramatically during the passed decade. The Technical Production courses introduce and develop the skills required to work as a sound engineer in today's entertainment industry. You will undertake recording and sound reinforcement in a wide variety of situations ranging from technical support for musical theatre, live performance sound and recording. CMC has an international standard recording studio on site giving students unique access to recording technology, allowing them to build valuable equipment operation and session management skills. The courses are practically integrated and students will interact on a social and professional level with their peers who are developing skills in musical theatre performance, contemporary music and music business. The Contemporary Music Centre offers full entertainment industry vocational training in a challenging environment.

music business: do you have business talents and enjoy working in a challenging, creative industry? Skilled business people keep the entertainment industry running - from the broadcast industries to artist management every good performer relies on the skills and savvy of their manager. CMC's Music Business programs give students the skills to promote, market and manage artists.