Don't let the quiet exterior fool you; Owen Van Larkins is driven and determined. Most importantly, he's an incredibly talented young musician, according to Sunshine Coast TAFE music teacher Robert Brock, who is helping to deliver CQUniversity's new Bachelor of Music programs at Noosa.

"I asked guitar legend and TAFE Masterclass teacher Phil Emmanuel what do you do with a man as brilliant as Owen?" Mr Brock said.

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Bachelor of Music student and talented guitarist Owen Van Larkins with Charlie Macneil (right) and Robert Brock

"Phil said the only thing you can do is send him to America to work with one of the most respected guitarists in the world, his brother Tommy Emmanuel."

And Owen is definitely on his way. Having already signed with an American recording label, he is now planning his trip to play at the Acoustic Masters Series to be held in Hamilton, New Zealand later this month.

"I will be opening all three shows for the Masters Series and hopefully playing with some of the other musicians as well," Owen said.

"After that I will be staying there to do the pre-production on my first solo album with internationally-renowned guitarist Andrew White."

Owen has completed two music diplomas through Sunshine Coast TAFE while continuing to work (surprisingly enough) in the horticulture industry.

"I have always lived in or near the bush, and have been heavily involved in bush regeneration. My music is definitely grounded, balanced and earthy. It is a modern fusion of traditional styles and very progressive."

Owen's music has transitioned from Metallica to finger-style acoustic guitar, playing transpositions of 400-year-old harp songs.

He also attributes his strong work ethic and the quality of his TAFE studies to getting him as far as he now is.

"TAFE teaches you to follow your dreams; it's great for creative people. You need to be hands-on in this industry and get amongst it and TAFE teaches you to both tune your guitar and play the chords. It's very practical, but also recognises the importance of the theory behind it all."

Music teacher Charlie Macneil said that he is really excited about Owen applying for the new Bachelor of Music (Creative Music Technologies) degree that Sunshine Coast TAFE will be delivering in partnership with CQUniversity.

"Owen represents what this degree is all about; it provides the perfect learning opportunity for creative and talented people to express and explore their musical ambitions," Mr Macneil said.

Students undertaking this degree will have the opportunity to undertake music production projects at Heliport Studios' state-of-the-art facilities in Buderim and at various locations throughout the Sunshine Coast, including The ‘J'.

Mr Macneil said the TAFE has worked very hard to establish the partnership with CQUniversity and the teachers are very proud that the University has recognised the quality of their teaching.

"This program is only open to Sunshine Coast TAFE Diploma of Music graduates and they have direct entry into the second year of CQUniversity's music program."

The program commences in late February and the classes are already near capacity.