The Bachelor of Music at Macquarie University is the only one of its kind in Australia, developing students’ theoretical, practical and industry-focused skills, as well as musical training in state-of the-art facilities.
Amy Davidson is in her final year of the Bachelor of Music degree, and is an aspiring singer-songwriter and music producer. She says Macquarie was her first choice due to the practical, hands-on experience and world-class facilities on offer.
“The units offered within the Bachelor of Music degree give me experience in areas of the industry that I have a specific interest in,” she explains.
“These include song writing, music production, performance and music business. The projects I got to be involved in throughout each of these units allowed me to develop a portfolio of work that I can showcase to potential employers.”
The mentorship and support I have received from the Faculty of Arts over the course of my degree has been amazing.
As part of her course, Amy had the opportunity to work with Sydney-based artist Dominic Breen. The singer-songwriter took part in a curriculum enrichment program for third-year music production students, recording his track Under Your Sorrow at the University’s studio. “Being involved in the 2SER band recording project with Dominic Breen was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had throughout my degree,” Amy says.
“As an aspiring audio engineer, gaining practical experience in a professional studio environment prior to graduating has increased my confidence in pursuing a career in this field. Now that I have a better understanding of how to set up and conduct a professional recording session, I feel more prepared for the industry.”
Loud and clear: The Macquarie University studio of 2SER community radio station.
The Bachelor of Music degree course sits within the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature (MCCALL), which is one of the largest and most diverse departments at Macquarie University. More than 15,000 students are currently enrolled in a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Senior Lecturer Dr Jon Burtt says MCCALL offers not only access to world-class facilities and experts from the creative and cultural industries, but the option for students to design a unique study plan that directly relates to their passions.
“Our department is a one-stop shop for studying across media and communications, music, performing arts and entertainment industries, literature and creative writing, and diverse languages and cultures,” Burtt says.
“This flexibility helps students build the relevant skills for their future career in the media and creative industries.”
A step closer with every experience
As part of her degree and with assistance from the University, Amy secured an internship at 2SER, a community radio station that has two studios, one of which is located at the Macquarie campus. She was offered a role as an online content producer, creating written stories for publication on the 2SER website, which has helped her develop her skills as a writer and build a portfolio of published works.
Let the show begin: Through her course, Amy Davidson developed a portfolio of work she can present to employers.
Although Amy’s primary focus is music, she’s also interested in researching and writing about arts and culture, and the flexibility offered to her through her degree course has allowed her to gain experience and pursue opportunities across multiple sectors of the industry.
“The mentorship and support I have received from the Faculty of Arts over the course of my degree has been amazing,” she says.
“The industry-focused approach of my lecturers has equipped me with valuable knowledge about the field of work I am interested in. From guest speakers, to workshops, to industry-relevant creative projects, each experience has made me feel like I am a step closer to achieving my desired career.”
