CQU Experience Puts Chloe in the Spotlight.
Mackay vocalist Chloe Pitt always knew she wanted to make music, but studying with CQUniversity has helped the passionate performer hit the right notes to grow her career.
Chloe Pitt has been singing with her Torres Strait Islander family since she was seven years old, but it was only at the end of high school that she considered a career in music.
“I was living with my mum in Dysart (In regional Qld) and thinking I’d have to move to the city if I wanted to study music, then I realised I could do a Bachelor of Music with CQUniversity in Mackay,” she said.
“That made getting professional training and experience feel more possible.”
Moving to Mackay to study in 2018, Chloe has fit her education around employment, performing, and spending time with family.
“CQU was really supportive, and I was able to defer a couple of times to go back to Dysart to live and work, and then come back and keep going when I could,” she explained.
She said the Bachelor of Music has helped her gain invaluable experience collaborating with other musicians and performers.
“The best thing I’ve learned at uni is how to communicate with different types of musicians, especially when we’re all on stage and there’s no chance to talk, it’s so important to know what a nod or a hand signal means!” she said.
“Plus, the course gives you so many opportunities to perform.
The people are amazing and the staff are very supportive. I’ve had access to equipment that I could have only dreamed about.”
CQUniversity Music head of course Peter McKenzie said the Bachelor of Music proudly nurtured emerging talent.
“Within the first year all students are assigned a tutor in their area of focus, so vocalists, instrumentalists, singer songwriters, composers, all have tutors to work with one each week on technical aspects of their discipline,” he said.
“We are fortunate to have some of the finest musicians and educators in the country, and with the use of innovative technology, all of our students have an incredible experience with these teachers, even if they live in Geraldton in Western Australia, and the teacher is in Melbourne.
“Our students are connected with industry, through all these experts.” Peter said.
Last year, Chloe took centre stage with other CQU musicians for Mackay's annual Jazz in the Park.
Recently, she’s teamed up with her uncle to form Lilting, with the duo set to headline local NAIDOC Week celebrations in July 2022 – and she’s sharing her progress via her Instagram @chloegracepittmusic.
“’Lilting’ is characterised by a rhythmical swing or cadence, and that’s really fitting for our music,” she explained.
“I sing and my uncle plays guitar with a loop pedal and makes the beat and bass with his guitar. It all comes together in beautiful harmony.”
“In Torres Strait Islander culture, music is a big family thing, it’s a big cultural thing, so I’m proud to be building my life around it,” she said.
CQUniversity offers a range of options in Creative, Performing and Visual Arts, preparing students with skills to be industry-ready entertainment professionals. Students across the disciplines get opportunities to perform together for a range of big events at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and via digital platforms.
To learn more about CQU’s Creative Performing and Visual Arts courses, visit https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses/creative-performing-visual-arts
