Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre)

The Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre) at The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is a three-year degree that trains you to sing, act and dance at a professional level. You will spend most of your time in studios and rehearsal rooms, not lecture theatres. Expect daily classes in voice technique, acting through song, jazz and tap dance, and ensemble performance. You will also study musicianship, script analysis, and the history of the musical, from operetta to contemporary Australian works. The course is built around performance, so you will be on stage regularly, both in internal showings and public productions.

How the degree is structured

Like most Australian bachelor degrees, this course is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to complete a total credit point value to graduate, usually spread across three years of full-time study. The academic year runs in semesters or trimesters, with breaks between. In your first year you build core skills: voice, movement, acting and music theory. In second year you start applying those skills in scene work and ensemble projects. Your final year typically includes a major production or capstone project, where you take a leading role in a full-scale musical. Some students also complete an industry placement with a theatre company, production house or arts organisation. Assessment is mostly practical: performances, repertoire presentations, and written reflections on your process. There are no large written exams in most performance units.

What you will learn

By the time you finish, you will be able to hold a role in a musical: sing in belt and legit styles, act a scene with truth, and dance a routine without looking like you are counting. You will learn how to interpret a score, work with a director and musical director, and rehearse safely. You will also build the habits that keep a performer working: warming up, managing your voice, auditioning, and networking. The course is practical, but you will also learn to think critically about the stories you tell and the industry you are entering.

Who it suits

This degree is for people who want to perform, not just study performance. You should already have some training in singing, acting or dance, and you should be ready to be in a studio five days a week. It suits school leavers and mature-age students who are prepared to work in a collaborative, feedback-heavy environment. If you are an international student, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after you finish, provided you meet the requirements. While you study, your visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight. English proficiency is required: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and AIM’s own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm current details on the official course page.

• Performer in musical theatre productions, including commercial musicals, touring shows and independent theatre
• Ensemble singer or dancer in professional productions
• Cabaret or concert artist
• Children’s theatre performer or facilitator
• Performer in theme parks, cruise ships and events
• Voice or acting teacher in private studios or community organisations
• Arts administrator or production assistant in Australian theatre companies and festivals
• Content creator or performer for digital media and television

Australian employers include major musical producers, state theatre companies, regional touring circuits, performing arts centres, and event and entertainment companies. Some graduates go on to further study in teaching or arts management.