The Industry

Australia’s recognition of the opportunity, value and potential for the export of contemporary music talent is stronger than ever. With an increase in superb music talent comes a corresponding increase in the competitiveness of prospective artists.

It is for this reason that the JMC Academy has structured its courses with an emphasis on the integration of performance technique, ensuring graduates become not only great musicians, but also commercially successful artists.

Studying at the JMC Academy

The JMC Academy’s Popular Music and Performance courses provide a structured approach towards enhancing the creative, technical, theoretical and business skills of its students to ensure they are able to pursue a commercially viable career within the areas of performance, production and music business.

Students are encouraged to explore their creative talents through song writing, musical arrangement, improvisation and performance for stage, screen and studio. Students also receive extensive training in their chosen instrument and benefit from a practical mixture of band sessions, performance training sessions and movement classes.

The JMC Academy’s Popular Music and Performance courses include modules in multimedia, communication studies and the application of the internet for the music industry.

Musicians work professionally in an ensemble fashion, developing communication skills essential for a successful career in the industry. They are able to apply their skills practically and extensively through a variety of projects and assessments including participation at live performance evenings and at the JMC Academy’s annual awards showcase.

Throughout their studies, students are also required to interact directly with the Entertainment Business Management, Audio Engineering, Animation and Digital Television students for the development of a formal recording and an accompanying video clip that forms part of the student’s or band’s portfolio upon graduation.

Why is this Course Unique?

Whilst many other institutions provide more classically oriented programmes that train students to be great musicians, the JMC Academy also provides them with the commercial skills necessary to succeed in the music industry in the long term.

JMC Academy students are taught an expansive range of musical styles, and recording and production techniques. Students come away with an appreciation for contemporary music as well as a respect and understanding of the classical roots upon which it is based.

Furthermore, the JMC Academy teaches music students the fundamentals of the industry and associated business principles, critical in ensuring that graduates are prepared for a long standing and successful career path.

The JMC Academy is also one of very few institutions to incorporate screen music throughout the undergraduate programme. This opens up additional opportunities for JMC Academy graduates in this industry.

Careers in the Industry

A career in music today requires artistic skill, the ability to adapt to new musical opportunities and an ongoing familiarity with the latest in computer technologies and music software. With the revolution of digital music distribution and delivery, there are unlimited opportunities available in all aspects of the music industry, from teaching through to musical performance. Musicians today need to have a thorough understanding of business, marketing and the Internet.

Specific roles in the industry:

Music is involved in nearly all areas of the Creative Industries. A career may be established in music theatre, music production, commercial television and radio, bands, music programming and producing, internet, mobile phone ring tones, MP3 delivery of music, CD production, background music, publishing, composing, retail and rental, and education.

Courses Available

• Diploma of Popular Music and Performance
• Associate Degree of Popular Music and Performance
• Bachelor of Entertainment (Popular Music and Performance)

Course Structure

All units of study for the Diploma, Associate Degree and Degree programmes are delivered on JMC Academy premises and are attainable at the following levels:

Diploma
Based on full time status, students complete the programme in 2 semesters or 1 Academic Year (36 weeks).

Associate Degree
Based on full time status, students complete the programme in 4 semesters or 2 Academic Years (72 weeks).

Bachelor Degree
Based on full time status, students complete the programme in 6 semesters or 3 Academic Years (104 weeks).