Bachelor of Music Melbourne - Study Music Degree

STUDY MUSIC PERFORMANCE

If you dream of a career as a Songwriter, Recording Artist, Session Musician, or if you want to work as a Music Director, Composer, Music Teacher or Music Arranger, this course is for you.

The Music Performance degree balances creative, technical and industry-related skills, with a focus on contemporary music performance and songwriting.

Working closely with our ARIA award-winning teaching staff plus a wide range of industry professionals, you will extensively develop your ability in solo and collaborative music performance, music analysis, songwriting and technical musicianship.

Music Performance students choose one area of specialisation: vocal, instrumental or songwriting. All students are mentored in this specialisation by industry experts and also receive a one-on-one weekly lesson in their main instrument. You will also work alongside students from other courses to gain a well-rounded understanding of processes involved in the music industry.

Collarts offers students a variety of real-life industry experiences so that they are career-ready when they graduate. Through our industry partnerships, students have opportunities to partake in a variety of real-world business experiences, gaining access to industry connections.

Students will graduate with a well-rounded understanding of music performance and songwriting, both in Australia and overseas.

OPPORTUNITIES & EXPERIENCES

→ Gain an in-depth understanding of music performance, analysis, and songwriting

→ Craft and produce original songs

→ Understand and develop performance at a professional level

→ Work on industry-focused projects

→ Get real life experience through regular performances and recordings

→ Develop analytical skills in relation to music and music performance

→ Learn from industry experts and collaborate with students from other creative courses

→ Record your own music in our studios

→ Record an EP or take part in Industry Placement

→ Study on-campus, online, or blended, with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities

→ No ATAR requirement and no individual subject or score requirements

→ Complete your bachelor degree in two years instead of the standard three

→ FEE-HELP available to eligible students (no upfront fees)

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MUSIC PERFORMANCE

RILEY CATHERALL HAS FOUND HIS HOME IN AUSSIE-AMERICANA

Singer-songwriter Riley Catherall is a crooning, velvet voice in Melbourne's exciting alt-country scene, bringing visions of bush, grass, and roads to the bustling inner-city. But the groundwork of his career was first laid in the studios and classrooms of a Collarts campus in the Music Performance course.

Learn More

HOW DAMIELOU FOUND HER COMMUNITY

When Damielou Shavelle began creating YouTube videos in her bedroom, she never anticipated the joy it would bring people. From performing on The Voice Australia with Jessie J to going viral on TikTok, here's how Collarts empowered Damielou to pursue her passion for music and performance.

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THE HONEST MOMENTUM OF SKŸE

When was the last time you had an honest conversation with yourself? For Music Performance student Nicolas Duquemin, it was self-reflection that sparked a decision to follow his intuition and focus on becoming the artist he always wanted to be.

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HOW SELF-DISCOVERY FEELS AT POPAKADEMIE SONGWRITING WEEK

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to collaborate with artists, producers and experts at an international level and pitch your music? For Music Performance students Nicolas Duquemin and Madelyn Petch, along with Music Production students Annabel Kilpatrick and Arvan Mohtaji, their recent exchange was a whirlwind of new experiences that had them thinking global.

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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

"I've found that the best thing about studying music is being surrounded by a group of people who are all incredibly passionate about music and are all eager to learn and improve their skills. It’s been wonderfully beneficial."

GABRIELLE PARKER

Music Performance Graduate

"I think that being surrounded by creatives and people that are passionate about what they do, it reinforces your passion and also momentum."

NICOLAS DUQUEMIN

Music Performance Graduate

Head of Music, Jesse Hooper, helping out a student mix

"Collarts has given me so many opportunities. Studying here let me meet all the people in my band and showed me so many techniques I can apply to my own style."

JOHNNY COSTIN

Music Performance Student

"Collarts has helped me put my professional musicianship into further practice. Now that I'm doing a lot of session work in the industry, I'm grateful for my Collarts experience."

RILEY CATHERALL

Music Performance Graduate

"Collarts gave me that sense of community that I was missing. It filled that hole in my chest and since then, I’ve made real connections with people. They’re now my friends in my band and the people I live with."

DAMIELOU SHAVILLE

Music Performance Graduate

BACHELOR

BACHELOR OF ARTS (MUSIC)

The Bachelor of Arts (Music) balances creative, technical and industry-related skills, with a focus on contemporary music performance and songwriting.

The Bachelor degree can be completed in six trimesters (2 years) of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

THROUGHOUT THE DEGREE, YOU WILL

→ Gain an in-depth understanding of music performance, analysis, and songwriting

→ Craft and produce original songs

→ Understand and develop performance at a professional level

→ Work on industry-focused projects

→ Get real life experience through regular performances and recordings

→ Develop analytical skills in relation to music and music performance

→ Learn from industry experts and collaborate with students from other creative courses

→ Record your own music in our studios

→ Record an EP or take part in Industry Placement

→ Study on-campus, online, or blended, with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities

→ No ATAR requirement and no individual subject or score requirements

→ Complete your bachelor degree in two years instead of the standard three

→ FEE-HELP available to eligible students (no upfront fees), to learn more click here

The Bachelor, Diploma, and Double Degree of Arts (Music) are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, accredited through CRICOS; CRICOS Code: 084558M,088017G & 096472G.

Course Admission Criteria

DIPLOMA

DIPLOMA OF ARTS (MUSIC)

The Diploma of Arts (Music) balances creative, technical and industry-related skills, with a focus on contemporary music performance and songwriting.

The diploma can be completed in two trimesters (8 months) of full-time study or part-time equivalent, where you will have the opportunity to progress into the Bachelor Degree or Double Degree (subject to academic performance).

THROUGHOUT THE DIPLOMA, YOU WILL

→ Gain a fundamental understanding of music performance, analysis, and songwriting

→ Craft and produce original songs

→ Understand and develop performance at a professional level

→ Work on industry-focused projects

→ Get real life experience through regular performances and recordings

→ Develop fundamental analytical skills in relation to music and music performance

→ Learn from industry experts and collaborate with students from other creative courses

→ Record your own music in our studios

→ Study on-campus, online, or blended, with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities

→ No ATAR requirement and no individual subject or score requirements

→ Complete your bachelor degree in two years instead of the standard three

→ FEE-HELP available to eligible students (no upfront fees), to learn more click here

The Bachelor, Diploma, and Double Degree of Arts (Music) are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, accredited through CRICOS; CRICOS Code: 084558M,088017G & 096472G.

COURSE ADMISSION CRITERIA

DOUBLE DEGREE

DOUBLE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF ARTS (MUSIC) & BACHELOR OF APPLIED BUSINESS (ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT)

If you dream of a career as a Songwriter, Recording Artist, Music Director, Artist Manager, Tour Manager, Event Manager, Festival Organiser, Booker or Venue Manager, this course is for you.

The Double Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Music) & Bachelor of Applied Business (Entertainment Management) course is perfect for people who want to develop their ability in solo and collaborative music performance, music analysis, songwriting, technical musicianship, whilst also learning about the recording, business, and management side of the music industry.

The Double degree can be completed in three years full-time study or part-time equivalent.

THROUGHOUT THE DOUBLE DEGREE, YOU WILL

→ Gain an in-depth understanding of music performance, analysis, and songwriting

→ Craft and produce original songs

→ Understand and develop performance at a professional level

→ Work on industry-focused projects

→ Get real life experience through regular performances and recordings

→ Develop analytical skills in relation to music and music performance

→ Learn from industry experts and collaborate with students from other creative courses

→ Record your own music in our studios

→ Record an EP or take part in Industry Placement

→ Manage, promote and produce live events

→ Gain knowledge and experience in artist and tour management

→ Develop an in-depth understanding of publicity, marketing and the media

→ Collaborate on industry projects with students from other courses

→ Get valuable insight into the entertainment industry from experienced teachers, and access career pathways through our industry partnerships, events and placements

→ Study on-campus, online, or blended, with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities

→ No ATAR requirement and no individual subject or score requirements

→ Complete your two bachelor degrees in three years full-time or part-time equivalent

→ FEE-HELP available to eligible students (no upfront fees), to learn more click here

TAILOR YOUR DOUBLE DEGREE & INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Your first and second year of study will follow the Music Performance course matrix. In your third year, you will have the opportunity to select and tailor the following Entertainment Management study streams: Management, Marketing, or Applied Entrepreneurship. Click here to view the Entertainment Management course matrix.

The Bachelor, Diploma, and Double Degree of Arts (Music) are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, accredited through CRICOS; CRICOS Code: 084558M,088017G & 096472G.

Course Admission Criteria

ELIGIBILITY & ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

→ Applicants will need to audition with two contrasting, contemporary pieces or 2 original songs

→ Applicants will need to take part in a written music theory evaluation

→ Applicants will need to attend an admissions interview. You will be asked questions about your experience, background, and interest in the course and/or industry

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

DIPLOMA APPLICANTS

→ Applicants are required to successfully complete VCAL, VCE, IB, or state/international Year 12 equivalent. If students have not completed the year 12 requirements, they must be at least 20 years of age

→ The Diploma can be used as a pathway into the Bachelor degree

→ There are no ATAR minimum or subject requirements

BACHELOR APPLICANTS

→ Applicants are required to successfully complete VCE, IB, or state/international Year 12 equivalent

→ VCAL students are not eligible for the Bachelor until they have successfully completed the diploma

→ If students have not completed the year 12 requirements, they must be at least 20 years of age

→ There are no ATAR minimum or subject requirements

WORK & LIFE EXPERIENCE APPLICANTS

→ If none of the above qualifications have successfully been completed, applicants must be 20 years of age or older with 2 years of work experience to apply

HOW TO APPLY

→ Non-Year 12 applicants may apply directly on the website, and a Future Student Advisor will be in touch to arrange an interview

→ Year 12 applicants must apply through VTAC. VTAC opens in August each year. Place the appropriate Collarts course into one of your preferences and a Future Student Advisor will be in touch to arrange an interview

KEY INFORMATION

Start Dates

February, May, and September

Number of Units

8 in Diploma

24 in Bachelor

Duration

Diploma 8 Months

Bachelor 2 Years

Or Part-Time Equivalent

Study Mode

On-Campus, Online, or Blended

Student Support

Free Access to Wellbeing & Academic Support

Industry Experience

Record an EP or Take Part in Industry Placement

FEE-HELP

Available

Transparent Fees

$2,430 per unit

International Fees

Available

Course structure

Delivery Mode - On-Campus, Online, Blended

FIRST YEAR	TECHNIQUES & STYLES	ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE	MUSIC HISTORY & ANALYSIS	HARMONY & AURAL STUDIES	INDUSTRY AWARENESS
Trimester 1	Introduction to Music Technology*	Foundations 1	The Materials of Music	Chart Writing	Critical Thinking
Trimester 2	Songwriting Skills*	Foundations 2	Western Music	Harmony	Critical Survey
Trimester 3	Improvisation*	Music Direction 1	Popular Music 1850 - 1950	Counterpoint	Industry Practices + Elective 1
SECOND YEAR	TECHNIQUES & STYLES	ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE	MUSIC HISTORY & ANALYSIS	HARMONY & AURAL STUDIES	INDUSTRY AWARENESS
Trimester 1	Music Styles*	Music Direction 2	Contemporary Music 1950 - Present	Arranging for Ensembles	Production Concepts + Elective 2
Trimester 2	Pre-Production*	Professional Presentation 1	Global Music	Studio Arranging	Group Project + Elective 3
Trimester 3	Self Directed Project*	Professional Presentation 2	Australian Music	Writing for the Screen	Professional EP or Industry Placement