Why Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) Foundation Year?
Are you a musical Aboriginal Australian ready to start creating your own original music?
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) Foundation Year is a dedicated one-year entry program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians seeking university study. With a strong emphasis on music performance, composition and recording activities, it's aimed at fostering your creativity. This program is your first step into a university degree at Adelaide University.
Graduates of the CASM have gone on to lead successful careers in composition, performance and recording – winning international recognition and awards for their music. Today they are employed across a wide range of professions across the education, health, government, community development, media and arts sectors.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) provides fee-free specialised tertiary-level music programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians. CASM is the only devoted university-based centre for studies in Australian Indigenous music.
The CASM Foundation Year delivers an innovative program designed to meet your learning needs and aspirations, featuring advanced learning and sound recording facilities. You’ll be studying with other music students in Adelaide University’s dedicated and established Elder Conservatorium of Music. Students at CASM actively engage in diverse music activities including performance, composition, and recording. Much of this work takes place in the CASM studios, which feature cutting-edge facilities for rehearsing, music recording, and audio-visual production.
Notable alumni from the CASM program include Zaachariaha Fielding of the band Electric Fields, Ellie Lovegrove and Simi Vuata. CASM students have also formed ground-breaking bands such as No Fixed Address, Us Mob, Coloured Stone and Kuckles. Our program’s broad impact and the diverse pathways for First Nations musicians means you’ll be empowered to celebrate your cultural identity within the music industry and beyond.
Key features
Record your own music in state-of-the-art recording studios. - Refine your music performance, composition and recording skills.
- Experience university life and develop essential skills for future academic success.
- Open to all people over 17 who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
- Prepare for future studies with our fee-free pathway program.
- Graduate in one year of full-time study.
What you'll learn
In one year of full-time study, you’ll complete eight core music-focused courses, preparing you for future university studies. You’ll build important music performance and composition skills, while creating and rehearsing original music in our state-of-the-art facilities.
You’ll study the following music-focused and core writing courses:
- Performance A
- Practical Music Study A
- Music Theory and Aural A
- Community and Culture
- Performance B
- Practical Music Study B
- Music Theory and Aural B
- Introduction to Academic Literacy.
Build essential knowledge of music literacy while also developing aural listening skills – you’ll learn to read and write music notation and transcribe pitch and rhythm. You’ll also develop basic skills using music notation software.
In your performance courses, you’ll get a chance to work in an ensemble with other like-minded musicians. We’ll foster necessary skills that you’ll need to deliver performances at community and industry events. You’ll also focus on song-writing techniques and processes, diving into the fundamentals of song structures, modulations and the basics of harmony, melody and studio production.
Literacy courses will help you transition into university and academic life, while also focusing on Indigenous community, culture and life in Adelaide. You’ll build important essay writing and assessment skills needed in future studies and careers.
Once complete, you might find yourself pursuing your passion for jazz or classical music in a Bachelor of Music. Perhaps you’ll shine under the lights and hit the stage with a Bachelor of Music Theatre. You might even inspire others with your love for music and major in Music Education.
Degree Structure: Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) Foundation Year
Program code: FCASM
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for Core courses
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for Core courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Academic Writing
|
Course code
COMM1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Community and Culture
|
Course code
MUSI1043
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Theory and Aural A
|
Course code
MUSI1044
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Theory and Aural B
|
Course code
MUSI1045
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance A
|
Course code
MUSI1046
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance B
|
Course code
MUSI1047
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Practical Music Study A
|
Course code
MUSI1048
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Practical Music Study B
|
Course code
MUSI1049
|
Units
6
|
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Dr Dylan Crismani
Program Director
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
