Robert Sanders of Cairns has just finished his degree at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay and over the last 3 years has had plenty of exposure to life as a professional musician.

"Thanks to the unique situations like studying on Hamilton Island which we do 4 times a year, I've been exposed to the professional industry in a really practical way.   I no longer feel like a student but rather well prepared for working in the real world of music," he said.

"We have done hundreds of performances and concerts over the past 3 years and this is what has made my time here so enjoyable and so practical.  I came here to learn the art of a professional musician and that's what I have become."

Conservatorium lecturers Derrin Kerr and Glen Hodges will host auditions for the next batch of CQCM students in Cairns on Wednesday November 7 at Bentley Park College.  As a part of the auditions they will also hold a demonstration concert and information session on Tuesday November 6 at Bentley college 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.