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JMC Academy

Diploma of Music with major in Contemporary Performance

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

  • Level

    Diploma

  • Duration

    0.8F/EqP

  • Campus

    Sydney (NSW)

  • Intl. Tuition

    Fee not confirmed

  • Intake

    2027-02-09

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Course Overview

Diploma of Music with major in Contemporary Performance at JMC Academy in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia is a diploma programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Music performance graduates pursue careers as professional performers, session musicians, recording artists, music educators and arts project managers. A portfolio career combining live performance, teaching, recording and community music is typical, particularly for conservatoire graduates.

Student life (indicative)

Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a world leader in café culture, food diversity, live music and the arts. Students consistently rate it as one of the best cities in the world to live and study.

The University at a Glance

Staff Ratio

18.0:1

Career Prospects

Avg Starting Salary

£33,970

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Diploma of Music with major in Contemporary Performance
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Entry Requirements

Subjects

  • Audition: All applicants must showcase their talents at an audition to demonstrate their style and musicianship.
  • Two contrasting pieces of music of your own choice must be performed – either with a live accompanist or backing track – and should not exceed 10 minutes in total.
  • All students will receive feedback on their performance on the day.
  • Applicants with recent secondary education Completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent).
  • No ATAR required.
  • Minimum age 17.
  • All applicants Interview: Once we've received your application, we'll give you a call and organise for you to come in for a consultation with one of our student recruitment advisers.
  • During this appointment they'll be able to confirm your application details, assess the best course study options for you.
  • Refer to JMC Academy's general admission criteria . | Audition: All applicants must showcase their talents at an audition to demonstrate their style and musicianship.
  • Two contrasting pieces of music of your own choice must be performed – either with a live accompanist or backing track – and should not exceed 10 minutes in total.
  • All students will receive feedback on their performance on the day.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Staff Ratio

18:1

Students per staff

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Four seasons

Safety Index (indicative)

8.0/10

Transport

Good (close to station or regional airport)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a world leader in café culture, food diversity, live music and the arts. Students consistently rate it as one of the best cities in the world to live and study.

  • Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a world leader in café culture, food diversity, live music and the arts.
  • Students consistently rate it as one of the best cities in the world to live and study.

What Students Love

  • Rich arts & cultural scene
  • Great café culture
  • Diverse international food scene
  • Active music scene

University Stats

Student-to-Staff Ratio18:1
Safety Index (indicative)8.0/10

Career & Outcomes

Avg Starting Salary

£33,970

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Music performance graduates pursue careers as professional performers, session musicians, recording artists, music educators and arts project managers. A portfolio career combining live performance, teaching, recording and community music is typical, particularly for conservatoire graduates.

  • Music performance graduates pursue careers as professional performers, session musicians, recording artists, music educators and arts project managers.
  • A portfolio career combining live performance, teaching, recording and community music is typical, particularly for conservatoire graduates.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Education

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

Fee not confirmed

Check the university's official fee page

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£1,082/mo
Food & Groceries£375/mo
Transport£110/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,781
Annual living costs£21,377/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

Like most major Australian cities, Melbourne carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $2,255/month (housing $1,370, food $475, transport $140). Melbourne's cultural scene, café culture and liveability rankings justify the cost for most students.

  • Like most major Australian cities, Melbourne carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $2,255/month (housing $1,370, food $475, transport $140).
  • Melbourne's cultural scene, café culture and liveability rankings justify the cost for most students.