A small but interested crowd attended the Noosa launch for CQU's new Start Uni Now (SUN) program recently.

Guidance officers, parents and prospective students were among those gathered for the October 18 event.

Stephen Smith from Bundaberg has finished his second year at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay and he's looking forward to a final year of performing before tying to make it in a band he hopes to get together.

"Since I've been at CQCM I've really learnt how to play at a professional level and have had loads of gigs putting it into practice," he said.

Katie Dowd of Ipswich has just finished her first year of study at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay and is looking forward to another 2 years of professional-standard performing as part of her program.

"We work in groups or bands if you like, and it's a great learning environment.

CQU Rockhampton PhD student Kartik Venkatraman has gained more praise for his research into phytocapping technology to cap landfills and will have a chance to present his findings at a national event.

Kartik, a Queensland Government Smart State funding recipient, this week presented at an Environmental Student Project Awards Evening in Brisbane and gained recognition for the 'best project' and the 'sustainability prize'.

Peter Reed of Brisbane has just finished his formal studies at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay and thanks to the experience he received, has expanded his aspirations.

Peter wasn't too interested in the performing side of music 3 years ago but now finds himself joining his love of music teaching with a busy diary of gigs and performances.

Jessica Sharp from Noosa is a bubbly girl who makes the most of all opportunities in life and studying at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay is one that she is grasping with both hands.

"Since I've been at CQCM I have performed more than ever.