Bachelor of Music (Contemporary)

The Bachelor of Music (Contemporary) is a three-year degree for musicians who want to write, perform and record their own work rather than follow a classical pathway. It's offered by The Australian Institute of Music, a specialist music institution, and the course is registered on CRICOS (course code 075441K) for international students. You'll spend your time on the things working contemporary musicians actually do: your instrument or voice, songwriting, arranging, performance in front of an audience, studio recording, music technology, and the business side of earning a living from music.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees normally run three years full time, and this one follows that pattern. Study is organised into units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you accumulate those across semesters or trimesters until you meet the requirements for the award. Expect a mix of core units that everyone takes, such as principal study lessons, ensemble work, theory and aural training, plus electives where you can lean into performance, composition, production or the music industry. Most contemporary music degrees finish with a capstone project, often a major recital, a portfolio of original recordings, or a combination of both, that pulls together everything you've learned. Assessment is typically a blend of practical exams, performances, submitted recordings and written work.

Skills you build

You graduate with technical command of your instrument or voice, but that's only part of it. You learn to write and arrange music, run a rehearsal, lead a band, work a recording session, and use the software and hardware that contemporary production relies on. You also pick up the unglamorous skills that keep musicians employed: contracts, copyright, grant applications, marketing your own releases, and managing a project from first idea to finished show. Because so much of the degree is practical, you're constantly performing and recording, which means you build a portfolio and a network at the same time.

Who it suits

This degree suits someone who already plays or sings and wants to make that their career, not just a hobby. You might be a songwriter, a band member, a producer, or a session player looking to sharpen your craft and understand the industry you're entering. It's also a good fit if you want to teach contemporary music privately or in schools, though check the registration requirements in your state if teaching is the goal. International students should note that a Student visa generally allows 48 hours of work per fortnight while your course is in session, which is useful for gigs and casual work. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on the rules at the time. English requirements for international applicants sit around IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate courses like this, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the institute's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. Entry usually involves an audition or portfolio, so confirm the current requirements, fees and intake dates on the official page.

• Performing musician or singer in bands, solo projects and session work
• Songwriter or composer for releases, film, television and advertising
• Music producer or recording engineer in studios and home setups
• Live sound or touring crew for venues, festivals and events
• Music teacher or private instrumental tutor
• Artist manager, booking agent or label staff
• Music marketing, publicity or streaming platform roles
• Community arts and music therapy-adjacent work (further study may be required for clinical roles)

Australian industries that hire graduates include live music venues and festivals, recording studios, screen and advertising production, arts organisations, music retail and distribution, education, and the broader creative and cultural sector. Many graduates combine several of these roles rather than holding one job.