Delivery Models

Students study with QCM in different ways. Some students attend the College, some high school students study in their school using QCM resources and some students are distance music education students.

 

Option 1.

A student can attend the College for up to 20 hours a week for four, nine week terms.

RPL can be negotiated but is not available for High School students.

Option 2.

A senior high school student studying music at school can attend the College for one day a week for four, nine week terms.

RPL is not available for High School students.

Option 3.

A senior high school student can be in a school music class where the school has an agreement with QCM to deliver training on its behalf. QCM provides all learning materials and assessment items to the supervising teacher. All work is assessed to determine competency by QCM staff.

RPL is not available for High School students.

Option 4.

A student can apply to study with QCM as a distance music education student

QCM provides all learning materials and assessment items to the student. All work is assessed to determine competency by QCM staff. Students will be required to forward videos of performances and evidence of instrumental instruction, practice and rehearsal.

RPL can be negotiated.

Queensland College of Music – Delivery Model Options

High School Students – On Campus One Day a Week

Senior high school students can study a nationally recognised qualification in music while completing their QCE. Students attend the Queensland College of Music campus one full day per week (Wednesdays, 9am–3pm) or two afternoons per week (Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4pm–7pm) over four nine-week terms.

In addition to on-campus study, students complete four hours of private practice, rehearsal, and performance each week, and participate in the end-of-year concert.

This option provides a practical and inspiring way to gain real-world music skills, connect with like-minded peers, and earn QCE credits.

Available qualifications:

  • CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

  • CUA30920 Certificate III in Music

  • CUA40920 Certificate IV in Music

Exceptional students may be offered a place in CUA50825 Diploma in Music

Studying one day a week at QCM allows senior school students to get a head start in the music industry while earning credits toward their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and contributing to their ATAR.

Benefits include:

  • Complete a Certificate II, III, or IV in Music while still at school

  • Opportunity to progress to the Diploma of Music if entry requirements are met

  • Gain valuable QCE points (up to 8 points, depending on the qualification)

  • Use Certificate III or higher toward your ATAR calculation

  • Learn in a professional music environment alongside other musicians

  • Receive specialist instruction from industry professionals

  • Build confidence and stage experience through regular performances

  • Fast-track your transition into the music industry or higher study

ATAR and QCE Information:

  • Certificate II: Up to 4 QCE points – not ATAR eligible

  • Certificate III: Up to 6 QCE points – ATAR score approximately 67*

  • Certificate IV: Up to 8 QCE points – ATAR score approximately 73*
    (*ATAR may vary depending on university or course requirements.)

 

Adults – On Campus

Designed for adults who have a passion for music — from beginners to advanced musicians — QCM’s on-campus study option provides professional training in performance, theory, and music business in a supportive, creative environment.

Students attend campus one to four days a week depending on the qualification, over two semesters (four nine-week terms).

Each program includes practical lessons, ensemble performance, theory and business subjects, and participation in concerts and events.

Available qualifications:

  • CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

  • CUA30920 Certificate III in Music

  • CUA40920 Certificate IV in Music

  • CUA50825 Diploma in Music

  • CUA60625 Advanced Diploma of Music

This option suits adult learners seeking a new creative challenge, professional development, or a pathway to university or self-employment in the music industry.

QCM’s on-campus programs for adults are designed to accommodate all levels — from beginners rediscovering their love of music to advanced players seeking professional development. Study from one to four days a week in a vibrant, supportive learning environment located in Brisbane City.

Benefits include:

  • Choose from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma qualifications

  • Gain nationally recognised credentials in performance, composition, and music business

  • Learn from working musicians and industry specialists

  • Build professional networks and performance experience

  • Pathway to university study or self-employment as a music teacher, performer, or business operator

Distance Study

QCM’s distance study option allows both school students and adults to complete their music qualification from anywhere in Australia.

Courses are delivered online through a mix of one-on-one lessons, virtual workshops, digital resources, and guided independent study. Students stay connected with QCM teachers via online communication, video submissions, and feedback on performance tasks.

Distance study offers flexibility without compromising quality and is ideal for regional, remote, or busy learners balancing other commitments.

Available qualifications:

  • CUA20620 Certificate II in Music

  • CUA30920 Certificate III in Music

  • CUA40920 Certificate IV in Music

  • CUA50825 Diploma in Music

  • CUA60625 Advanced Diploma of Music

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer are also available for eligible students, allowing experienced musicians to gain recognition for prior study or industry experience.

Students anywhere in Australia can apply to study with QCM as a distance music education student.

All learning materials and assessment items are provided, and student progress is monitored by a designated distance coordinator. QCM staff assess all work and performance evidence to ensure competency and quality outcomes.

Benefits include:

  • Study anywhere in Australia with online support

  • Flexible delivery suited to regional, remote, or busy learners

  • Receive all materials, resources, and assessment items directly from QCM

  • Submit video performances and practice evidence for personalised feedback

  • Supported by a distance coordinator and assessed by QCM’s qualified staff

  • Ideal for both adults and school students wanting to balance study and performance

School Partnerships

Queensland College of Music partners with schools throughout Queensland and across Australia to deliver vocational music qualifications as part of the senior curriculum.

Through these partnerships, students can complete Certificate II, III, or IV in Music within their regular school timetable, with delivery and assessment overseen by QCM’s qualified trainers and assessors.
This collaborative model supports schools in providing high-quality, nationally recognised music training that connects directly to real industry pathways.

QCM partners with schools across Queensland to deliver accredited music qualifications as part of the school curriculum.
Students study within their regular timetable, with QCM providing assessment, learning materials, and compliance support.

Benefits include:

  • Students complete Certificate II, III, or IV in Music as part of their senior studies

  • Receive nationally recognised qualifications without leaving school

  • Access QCM’s industry-based trainers and assessors

  • Strengthen school music programs with structured, high-quality training

  • Gain QCE credits and ATAR points

  • Provide students with direct pathways to further study and employment

  • Schools benefit from reduced administrative workload and enhanced program credibility

Students in Schools Without a Partnership

Students whose schools do not have a current partnership with QCM can still study with us directly.

They may enrol as distance students or attend campus one day a week.
This allows motivated students to access the same nationally accredited training and support as partnership schools, no matter where they live or study.

QCM ensures every learner — regardless of location or school arrangement — has the opportunity to gain valuable music qualifications and industry-ready skills.

If your school doesn’t have a partnership with QCM, you can still study directly with us.

Benefits include:

  • Access to the same qualifications and support as partnership schools

  • Choose between on-campus or distance learning

  • Earn QCE points and ATAR recognition while completing senior studies

  • Study flexibly to fit around your school commitments

  • Connect with QCM’s professional teaching team and music community

  • Affordable study options, with substantially reduced fees for senior school students