Atherton musician Josh Marshall has found his jazz classroom can be quite a liberating experience, thanks to the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music's relationship with Hamilton Island.

Recently completing his first year at the CQCM in Mackay, Josh has had the opportunity to study under some jazz greats at the island, where students study and play in various entertainment venues up to 4 times a year.

"It's been great to have the chance to do what I love and there's nothing else I'd rather be doing," he said.

"The variety of gigs we have to play as part of our assessment has built my confidence in performing as well as advanced my skills more than I thought it would," said Josh.

Conservatorium lecturers Derrin Kerr and Glen Hodges will host auditions for the next batch of CQCM students in Atherton on Friday November 9 at Atherton High School, from 2pm - 5pm.  An information session and demonstration concert will be held on Thursday November 8 at the same venue, from 7.30pm.

It's not too late to apply and further details of auditions are available via Kim MacKenzie on 4940 7801 or k.mackenzie@cqu.edu.au.

Central Queensland University's (CQU) new Bachelor of Music (Specialisation) degree contains specializations in jazz and popular music, music theatre, and classical music. The new Bachelor of Performing Arts (Specialisation) is a flexible program with a number of specialisation options, preparing graduates who are competent to work in a variety of setting within the Arts industry.

For more information go to www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm

Students completing programs at CQCM can do an additional year in the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching to qualify as a school teacher.