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. We have pretty small classes which is good; I've really gotten to know my lecturers and fellow classmates well which helps when we are performing together," said Katie.

In her first year, Katie has already spent 4 weeks of the year learning with some national and international jazz greats on Hamilton Island -  one of Queensland's premier entertainment venues.

"The Hamilton Island experience really gives you a good feel for what it's like to be a professional musician, so I know we are getting great experience," said Katie.

Conservatorium lecturers Judith Brown and Garrick Jones will host auditions for the next batch of CQCM students in Brisbane on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 6-7, at 4MBS Studios, Coorparoo.

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 .

CQU's new Bachelor of Music (Specialisation) degree is designed to provide specialist training in jazz and popular music, classical music and music theatre. 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 settings within the Arts industry.

Both of these degrees can also lead to school teaching careers with the addition of a one-year intensive Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching qualification.

For more information go to http://www.cqu.edu.au/