Sunshine Coast music lovers were recently treated to some amazing sounds of retro rock with local cover band Natural Street Freaks, thanks to a musical fusion between CQUniversity and Sunshine Coast TAFE.

CQUniversity Noosa music lecturer Robert Brock said the band's recent gigs at Villa Noosa Resort, Buderim Tavern and King's Beach Tavern were the first in a series to be played by University music students.

Natural Street Freaks in action

"Our students will play gigs around the coast, nationally and hopefully internationally by 2012," he said.

Natural Street Freaks is a conglomerate of music graduates from the Sunshine Coast TAFE Diploma of Music. The band performs new arrangements of traditional rock music of the 60s, 70s and 80s featuring greats such as the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and Van Morrison.

"The fantastic thing about these gigs is that students run the show," said Mr Brock.

"The students are part of the new Bachelor of Music Degree that Sunshine Coast TAFE delivers in partnership with CQUniversity.

"This degree has two streams, creative music technologies and contemporary music performance, so our students are doing both the sound engineering and performances for these gigs.

"We were blown away by the professionalism exhibited by the students during these gigs and are looking forward to their performances in Rockhampton and Mackay later in the year."

Natural Street Freaks in action

The partnership between Sunshine Coast TAFE and CQUniversity Noosa gives students access to a university degree after successful completion of just one year of TAFE study.

Students commence their second year of study at a university level and within two years graduate with a degree.

"A standard degree program of study is usually three years," Mr Brock said.

"Sunshine Coast TAFE Diploma of Music graduates can now complete the degree in two years through an articulation agreement established with CQUniversity.

"Students are also financially ahead because they can save on the cost of university fees by first completing the diploma.

"The valuable practical experience TAFE is renowned for coupled with the core theoretical skills learnt at University ensures that students graduate work ready and are in demand by prospective employers."

The next Diploma of Music program will commence in July and, based on the success of the first group of students, demand for the course should be high. For further information on programs available through Sunshine Coast TAFE please call 5457 1000 or visit www.sunshinecoast.tafe.qld.gov.au .