Simon Ward credits his jazz degree with helping him reach a professional performance level, because it has taken him way beyond classroom exercises.

The former Bundaberg student has been at Mackay's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) studying a Bachelor of Jazz Studies, since finishing high school in 2004.

Simon Ward in performance mode

"Because of this degree I have had the opportunity to meet, play and receive tuition with some of the finest active musicians, locally and internationally, including Vince Jones, Michael Davison and Rick Holland to name a few," he said.

"This degree allows me to take practical performance to the professional level instead of being limited to a classroom.

"I have  had opportunities to play at Hamilton Island, tours through Queensland cities, and recording and performing in a number of popular styles of music.

"My study with this degree finishes at the end of 2007 ... upon completion I will be moving onto a graduate diploma in teaching. My goal is to be fully qualified in both teaching and practical areas of music, focusing my time performing, composing and teaching the styles of music I love".

Conservatorium lecturers Kim Kirkman and Mark Gasser will host auditions for the next batch of CQCM students in Bundaberg on  Wednesday November 7.

Details of the 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 lead to school teaching careers with the addition of a one-year intensive Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching qualification.