Contemporary Music & Performance Courses - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Contemporary Music Performance //

We are the ones that live to create, to change the world one beat at a time

Standing centre stage, crowd roaring, bass pumping, the lights come up… Making it as a musician doesn’t have to be a fantasy – make it your reality...

With connections to APRA and Berklee College of Music, JMC is known to be a launchpad into the entertainment industry for up-and-coming musicians and performers. Contemporary Music Performance at JMC is about more than just nailing your performance. It is about creating an understanding of how to arrange and compose music, mastering the tech you will use in the industry, and promoting yourself to be heard, loud and proud.

This course will give you the skills you need to stand out in this highly competitive space, and the opportunity to put your skills into practice and showcase your talent at multiple performance venues and events throughout your time at JMC.

STUDY TOURS + MUSIC CAMPS //

During your time with us you'll get the opportunities to participate in international masterclasses, study tours, and music and songwriting camps. JMC Music Students can apply for the international Songwriters Camp at Haarlem Conservatory in the Netherlands and the Nandos Music Exchange in London.

STUDIOS, REHEARSAL SPACE + TECH //

Designed for recording high-quality demos and mastering performance, our studios feature ProTools, Logic, Ableton Live and Native Instruments, along with MIDI keyboard controllers and monitors, top of the range microphones and over 30 (national) fully fitted rehearsal studios and performance spaces equipped with digital and baby grand pianos, drumkits and an array of amplifiers.

JMC is a Global partner of the
Berklee College of Music

Learn the art of self-promotion + relevant business
skills for
commercial success

Expand your horizons through
Songwriting opportunities in Europe

Unique 1-on-1
instrumental tuition

course guide //

Bachelor of Music (Contemporary performance)
[CRICOS 081191F]
Diploma of Music (Contemporary Performance)
[CRICOS 058467G]

Evolve your writing, technology and performance skills with a Bachelor degree. Write and perform the music for an app, or the soundtrack to a film, and collaborate with JMC students on industry projects while building a creative network you can rely on throughout your career.

Learn about the business aspects of contemporary music and how to identify professional opportunities. Master multi-platform performance skills, mixing techniques and recording, produce and arrange for ensembles while expanding your repertoire; and undertake a specialist project that will see you performing a major gig to a live audience.

In only 2 years you can graduate with a Bachelor degree thanks to our accelerated full-time course. Part-time study is also available to domestic students. International students many choose to complete the course in 3 years [CRICOS 058463A] rather than the accelerated 2 year option.

curriculum

Music History I

This unit provides an overview of Western Contemporary music since the 1950s. You will investigate major musical styles and periods, and develop the ability to define key characteristics of each. The unit introduces the broad themes of music with an emphasis on musical events, personalities, institutions and publications which contributed to the development of different musical styles.

You will be exposed to the structure of the music industry, developing their understanding of the inter-relationships between the different sectors as well as the professional practice opportunities available.

You will also gain an appreciation of the music tradition within which they will work. The unit provides a context and preparation for the concepts which are explored further in subsequent units, and is essential for future professional practice in the music industry.

Basic essay writing skills will also be covered in this unit.

Music Theory I

This subject provides you with the technical and theoretical understanding of musical principles to allow them to create, analyse and communicate concepts within contemporary music. Skills and understanding achieved in this subject create the foundation of any professional musician, which will be further developed during the duration of the course. This fundamental level of musicianship will eventually allow you to compose successful compositions and help develop their technical musical skills on their chosen instrument. Classes in this unit will be streamed (where possible), determined by previous experience and a basic theory examination.

Music Technology I

This unit introduces you to the capacity of music technology to enhance their potential as musicians, composers, and recording artists. You will investigate the fundamental range and features of music technology available and gain understanding of its potential in the creative process.

You will learn the fundamentals of the technology underlying all stages of music creation and distribution. You will also investigate the operations and parts of a computer; set-up and operation of small music home recording systems; operation of industry standard software programs (Pro Tools); program using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), and understand basic principles behind sound synthesis.

You will acquire (or reinforce) basic musicianship and keyboard skills.

Ear Training I

This subject provides development in your aural musicianship skills. In undertaking this subject, you will gain an understanding of fundamental musical principles and strengthen their aural perception of musical elements. Skills and understanding achieved in this subject create the foundation of any professional musician, which will be further developed during the duration of the course. This fundamental level of musicianship will allow you to better appreciate music and explore sonic textures. Emphasis is given to three main area including rhythmic perception and performance, solomisation, performance and recognition of harmonic and melodic elements. Classes in this unit will be streamed (where possible), determined by previous experience and a basic theory examination.

Ensemble I

This unit is an introduction to musical style, technique and form. You will develop musicianship through a prescribed repertoire. Stage performance is developed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for effective performance presentation. This includes aspects of movement, stage dialogue, microphone technique, musicianship and stage image. The unit emphasis is to explore, rehearse and develop musical skills in a group or ensemble environment.

Style masterclasses will develop understanding of a range of styles and genres. You will develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals.

Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills suitable for performance. The culmination of this unit will be the performance of a set of music to an audience at a professional public venue.

Instrument I

In Instrument I, you will begin to develop your technical expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire.

The unit involves the study of technical work and repertoire. For each subsequent instrument subject, you will be required to demonstrate increased technical proficiency, creativity and the development of their personal playing styles.

Arranging I

Music arranging is an essential skill for many musicians. Without it, bandleaders and producers are limited to the simplest performances that can be created ‘on the fly’. This subject begins to develop your understanding of the process of music arranging. It will cover the creation of specific arrangements for rhythm section (that is, piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, drums) and voice. This will include writing and preparing the score, associated parts and other digital elements often required by professionals.

Music Technology II

This unit provides you with an understanding of audio production techniques within the Pro Tools digital audio workstation software. You will learn to analyse and reproduce common audio production techniques, focussing on areas such as editing, arrangement, and effects and how they impact the outcome of the song.

While Music Technology I focused primarily on the fundamentals of digital technology and MIDI programming, this unit will develop skills to an intermediate level in audio editing and music production. You will also explore virtual instruments to a greater depth, looking at how they can be used for music production across a range of musical styles.

Music Theory III

This unit continues developing your knowledge and understanding of Music Theory, in preparation for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include knowledge of written theory, and extended understanding of notation and harmonic relationships. This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow you to compose or arrange successful compositions and help develop technical musical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the third of four units (Music Theory I-IV) that will build your ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ear Training III

This unit builds on the musical concepts covered in Ear Training I and II, preparing you for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include aural recognition of ascending and descending intervals within and beyond an octave, four-note chords and extensions, modes and complex scales, with sight-reading and vocal reproduction of said intervals chords, and scales. This enhanced level of musicianship will eventually allow you to analyse and compose successfully, and continue to develop and employ intermediate to advanced technical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the third of four units (Ear Training I-IV) that will build your ability and knowledge within practical components of music theory, and increase your overall musical awareness.

Ensemble III

In this unit you will continue to develop the understanding of musical style, improvisation, form and interpretation, and musicianship through a prescribed repertoire. There will be an emphasis on the development of original material and more opportunity will be given for you to develop repertoire of your own choice.

You will form ensembles of your own choice and it is expected that you will be at a standard to make a contribution to the ensemble.

You will work collaboratively with the other departments as part of the Integration project. This could be in the form of a recording, a film clip, music for an animated project and other approved activities.

This is an opportunity to work with the other JMC Academy creative disciplines and develop new understanding and skills.

Instrument III

In Instrument Study III you will continue to develop your understanding of style and repertoire, technical expertise in, and mastery of, your principal instrument. The unit involves the study of technical work and awareness of challenging repertoire. For each subsequent instrument subject, you willbe required to demonstrate increased technical proficiency, creativity, and the development of their personal playing styles furthering development not only as a member of a band but also as an individual player to ensure a future musical career.

Music Technology III

Successful completion of this unit empowers you with the capacity to integrate music technologies using Ableton Live within their live performance. You will investigate contemporary music artists who use Ableton Live in their current live performances.

Assessment tasks aim to enable you to analyse the real-life use of the tools by current artists and then produce a work which can be integrated effectively into a three to five minute performance piece. You will gain an understanding of a context in which music technology is currently used for contemporary music performance, and will gain experience with the technical process which enables the merging of Ableton Live into their own creative work.

While Music Technology II focused primarily on the fundamentals of digital technology and production techniques, this unit will develop skills to realise the use of music technology in live performance.

Music Cultures

Over five trimesters, you will have gained extensive knowledge of the process of composing and arranging contemporary music. In this trimester, you will be encouraged to look beyond Western music conventions and examine a range of music traditions from around the world. You will implement this information, and the skills gained in the Music Technology and Composing and Arranging streams, to write and/or record a “crossover” piece of music utilising one or more non-Western musical traditions. In essence the unit is an introduction to the specialist research field of ethnomusicology whilst giving you a chance to further hone their composition/arranging skills.

Ear Training IV

This unit builds on the musical concepts covered in Ear Training I, II, and III, preparing you for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include advanced aural recognition and sight-singing, including complex chords and extensions, and advanced melodic and rhythmic dictation. This advance level of musicianship will eventually allow you to analyse and compose music to a high standard, and continue to develop and employ intermediate to advanced technical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the last of four units (Ear Training I-IV) that will build your ability and knowledge within practical components of music theory, and increase your overall musical awareness.

Music Theory IV

This unit continues developing the your knowledge and understanding of Music Theory, in preparation for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include advanced knowledge of written theory, and advanced understanding of notation and harmonic relationships. This advanced level of musicianship will eventually allow you to compose or arrange successful compositions, and contribute to their development of professional-level skills on a chosen instrument. This is the last of four units (Music Theory I-IV) that will build your ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ensemble IV

In this unit you will continue to develop your understanding of musical style, improvisation, form, interpretation, and musicianship through performing original material. You will have the opportunity to work with the Film and Television department in preparing a music video collaboration project.

This is an opportunity to work with the other JMC Academy creative disciplines and develop new understanding and skills.

Instrument IV

In Instrument Studies IV you will continue to develop your understanding of style and repertoire, technical expertise in, and mastery of, your principal instrument. The unit involves the study of technical work and repertoire. For each subsequent instrument subject, you will be required to demonstrate increased technical proficiency, creativity, and the development of your personal playing styles furthering development not only as a member of a band but also as an individual player to ensure a future musical career.

Music Business I

The purpose of this unit is to give you an introduction to the music industry enabling a basic understanding of key sectors, roles and structures within it. It will also introduce you to copyright as it applies broadly to musical, literary, dramatic and artistic works and the functions and responsibilities of publishers and publishing companies. All areas relating to the application of copyright and the workings of publishing are considered.

This unit outlines the practical application of the Copyright Act within the entertainment industry from its formative beginnings in the early twentieth century into an increasingly expanding competitive industry in the twenty first century. The course also introduces music publishing contracts, distribution deals, and opportunities that are emerging with the development of digital technology and the practices of independent artists.

This knowledge is essential for any person wishing to work in the entertainment industry and provides you with a solid understanding of these key elements.

Songwriting I

This unit develops your conceptual knowledge and technical skills in Song Writing, focusing on Song Writing technique and practice methods, harmonic and melodic analysis, and the ability to present your songs using industry standard lead sheets. You will also be introduced to the principles of composing lyrics focusing on rhyme, poetic and lyric analysis. You will develop your own writing ability with a view to nurturing your own unique lyrical style, and investigate and analyse seminal lyric works across a number of Contemporary musicals genres and form.

Music Theory II

This unit continues developing your knowledge and understanding of Music Theory, in preparation for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include knowledge of written theory and extended understanding of notation and harmonic relationships. This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow you to compose or arrange successful compositions and help develop technical musical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the second of four units (Music Theory I-IV) that will build your ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ear Training II

This subject builds on the musical concepts covered in Ear Training I. In undertaking this subject, you will build on fundamental musical principles and strengthen their aural perception of musical elements. Skills and understanding achieved in this subject create the foundation of any professional musician, which will be further developed during the duration of the course. This enhanced level of musicianship will eventually allow you to analyse and compose successful compositions and continue to develop and employ technical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the second of four units (Ear Training I-IV) that will build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of music theory, and increase your overall musical awareness.

Ensemble II

This unit will provide further development in the understanding of musical style, improvisation, understanding of form and associated techniques. You will continue to develop musicianship through a prescribed repertoire; however there will be focus on developing original arrangements and your choice in repertoire.

You will develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable targets. Reflection and evaluation will be introduced and developed. Communication and interaction skills suitable for performance will also be a focus.

The culmination of these areas will be the performance of a music set to an audience at a public venue.

You will also be involved in a weekly style masterclass, predominantly in a group with their own instrument. The groups will develop specific understanding of genre and style to provide a broad understanding of contemporary music. You will develop set repertoire and improvisational skills.

Instrument II

Instrument Study II will continue to develop the necessary skills to become eventually become a master of your selected instrument. It will involve the study of technical work and repertoire. It is essential that you constantly develop yourself as not only a member of a band but also as an individual player to ensure your future musical career. For each subsequent instrument subject, you will be required to demonstrate increased technical proficiency, creativity, and the development of their personal playing styles. In Instrument II, you will continue to develop your technical expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire.

Specialist Project

Throughout previous units, you will have developed skills and knowledge across areas of music theory, industry, performance and technology. This unit aims to provide an opportunity to demonstrate this knowledge and employability skills within a focused area of the music industry. You will be able to apply your specialist knowledge and understanding of both current and future practice while reflecting on your own work related performance.

The unit equips you with skills in a specialist area of music that is of interest to them, helping to better prepare you for focused work within the industry. It also enables you to focus on an element of their previous study they find most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to define your own work or knowledge based project or may have a lecturer assign one for you.

Tutoring Techniques

This unit provides you with the opportunity to look at the techniques and challenges associated in private music instruction. The unit includes development of knowledge and understanding of pedagogical techniques, lesson planning, structure and evaluation, practice techniques, student motivation, examination syllabi, physical and digital resources and planning for developing a private teaching enterprise.

Screen Music

Throughout previous units, you will have developed skills and knowledge across areas of music theory, industry, performance and technology. This unit aims to provide an opportunity to demonstrate this knowledge and employability skills within a focused area of the music industry. You are able to apply your specialist knowledge and understanding of both current and future practice while reflecting on their own work related performance.

The unit equips you with skills in a specialist area of music that is of interest to you, helping to better prepare you for focused work within the industry. It also enables you to focus on an element of their previous study they find most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to define your own work or knowledge based project or may have a lecturer assign one for you.

Internship

This unit is a workplace placement where you will be working directly for an employer on their premises as nominated by JMC. The placement is for 12 working days or an equivalent number of contact hours, typically spread over the course of a single JMC trimester (14 weeks). You will enhance your skills and capabilities in a ‘real-world’ situation and apply in practise the knowledge you have gained throughout your Bachelor Course to date.

Improvisation and Rhythm

This unit aims to provide the you with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the concepts involved in improvising across a variety of styles. It will also focus on rhythmic concepts in a concentrated way, enabling greater rhythmic precision and understanding of reading, writing and executing rhythmic elements in theoretical and practical contexts.

The unit will also offer you an opportunity to discover how different cultures have developed and utilized rhythm.

Ensemble V

This unit will continue to develop the understanding of musical style, improvisation, form and interpretation. There will be an emphasis on the development of original material and the development of a range of repertoire. You will demonstrate a higher stylistic understanding and incorporate advanced music concepts.

You will form ensembles of your own choice and it is expected that you will be at a standard to make a contribution to the ensemble.

Instrument V

In Instrument Studies V you will continue to develop your understanding of style and repertoire, technical expertise in, and mastery of, your principal instrument. The unit involves the study of technical work and repertoire. For each subsequent instrument subject, you will be required to demonstrate increased technical proficiency, creativity, and the development of their personal playing styles furthering development not only as a member of a band but also as an individual player to ensure a future musical career.

Arranging II

Music arranging is an essential skill for many musicians. Arranging skills can be utilised for recordings and live performances for a range of art forms.

This unit further develops your understanding of the process of music arranging. Moving on from MUS 209 (Introductory Arranging), you will begin to develop an understanding of writing for non-rhythm instruments. The unit covers arranging for specific brass and reed instruments which are known in contemporary music as the “horn” section.

These instruments differ in arrangement from the rhythm section. Rhythm sections are interpreters and improvisers whereas the horns are generally reading specialists and require a different approach to notation and arranging.

Music History II

The purpose of this unit is to provide you with a historical and cultural overview of Western Art Music. It is important to understand the historical context of the periods and how they influenced musical development. This will enable you to communicate with other musicians and develop a conceptual framework for describing music and its stylistic characteristics.

The different musical movements will be discussed and analysed looking at musical characteristics such as: use of key, harmony, instrumentation, texture, dynamics, melody, phrasing, ornamentation, articulation, form and rhythm. These musical eras will be put into context with the political, social, philosophical and artistic cultures of each period. The unit will cover ancient and medieval music to music of the 20th Century.

Music Business II

The aim of this unit is to examine business principles and concepts for the contemporary music performer with the aim of establishing a sustainable professional practice. It will examine performance environments as well as music industry business models. You will be required to identify ongoing professional development requirements and opportunities.

Ensemble VI

This unit provides you with an opportunity to manage, produce and promote your final recital performance to be performed at an external professional venue.

Instrument VI

At this stage of the study program, you will be required to draw upon your ability to apply conceptual and technical skills in preparing and performing a 40 minute individual showcase recital. For this unit you are required to demonstrate high-level technical proficiency, creativity, ensemble leadership skills, and the development of your personal playing style.

Learn how to stand out in this rapidly expanding space and be taught by experienced and famous musicians at Diploma level. Explore live sound and recording, use industry standard software like Pro Tools, Logic and Sibelius, and perform live at music venues and events throughout your course.

Explore some of the basic concepts and principles of contemporary music, and investigate the processes involved with developing a repertoire for live performance. Masterclasses led by industry professionals and international artists will expose you to a complete range of performance techniques. You’ll also have the chance to perform regularly at iconic live venues.

curriculum

This unit continues developing your knowledge and understanding of Music Theory, in preparation for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include knowledge of written theory and extended understanding of notation and harmonic relationships. This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow you to compose or arrange successful compositions and help develop technical musical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the second of four units (Music Theory I-IV) that will build your ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ear Training II

Ensemble II

Instrument II

Careers in the Industry //

This course provides you with the commercial, production and tech skills you need to understand and succeed in the music industry.

Specific roles may include

Recording Artist
Music Teacher
Music Journalist
Composer
Songwriter
Music Director
Musical Theatre
Conductor
Music Programmer
Music Publisher
Arranger

Music Therapist
Touring Musician
Licensing Agent
Music Academic
Booking Agent
Tour Promoter
Copyright Specialist
Producer
E-Marketing Music Consultant
Resident Musician

Sydney Institute of Music + Sound Research (SIMSR)

In a constantly developing field, it’s important to keep exploring and innovating. That’s why we’ve partnered with the School of Communication at UTS to build The Sydney Institute of Music and Sound Research. SIMSR is dedicated to developing research in various forms of music and sound and exploring the relationship between them and audiovisual media. SIMSR members are active in researching, publishing and presenting on various aspects of music and sound cultures and in supervising postgraduate research, bringing you the latest advances in music + sound.

spotlight //

The way I have been taught music here has changed my life. I try to inspire my own music students in the same way.
Mickey Pye, Bathurst College of Music Principal and Toyota Star Maker winner 2015, Contemporary Music + Performance Alumni

This course was different - very diverse! There was the singing, stage craft and learning how to audio produce. It's helped me tour the world with my music.
Tim Omaji AKA Timomatic , ARIA award nominee, Urban Artist, Singer, Songwriter, Dancer/Choreographer, Contemporary Music + Performance Alumni

JMC Academy has provided me with the ability to recognise good opportunities, to not shy away from the challenging ones and to be adaptable to changes in the industry.
Amara Primero, Film & TV Composer, Contemporary Music + Performance Alumni

JMC will always be there to support you, even after your course is over - I'm still feeling the love 2 years on!
Shelley Davies , Winner of the Elizabeth Cass Award , Contemporary Music + Performance Alumni

The Nando’s Music Exchange was a trip of a lifetime! Such a great opportunity to collaborate and experience new and exciting music with up and coming artists.
Tamara Gavran , Student, Contemporary Music + Performance

At JMC, you involve yourself with many like-minded people and are exposed to a range of ideas, this is where some of the best discoveries are made.
Hayley Brace, Founder of Lucid Music , Contemporary Music & Performance Alumni

Faqs //

I don't play an instrument. Can I still apply for the Contemporary Music & Performance course?

If you are a vocalist, you are not required to play an instrument. However, if you have selected to play an instrument other than voice as part of your studies, your eligibility will be determined during the audition process. All successful applicants will be provided the tuition you need to progress through the course.

I’m not sure whether to apply for the Contemporary Music & Performance course or Songwriting course. How do I choose the best one for me?

This depends where your passion lies. Do you love performing and getting on stage in front of an audience, or do you prefer composing, creating, and telling stories through music? If you get stage fright and the thought of performing in front of a live audience makes you feel weak at the knees, then the songwriting course could be a better option for you. As a songwriter, you’ll still have the opportunity to participate in an ensemble, in order to learn how to develop your musical ideas to be performance ready, but you won’t have to have the spotlight on your own performance.

Do I need to know music theory to be eligible for the Contemporary Music & Performance course?

No. For those with little or no theory background, we'll teach you what you need to know from the ground up. We also offer a program during orientation week which provides a crash course to help you get started if theory isn’t your strong point. Additional support throuhgout your course will be available.

What do I need for my Contemporary Music & Performance audition and how can I ensure it's a success?

This depends on what you’re auditioning with – there are different requirements for vocals vs instruments for example, so check with your student recruitment advisor as to what you will need to bring to your audition.

To make the best of the audition - practice! Play something that you’re comfortable with and know well. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Don’t base your audition song on what you think we want to hear – we want to see who you are as an artist, so choose a song that you love playing and shows your own unique style. Make sure you’ve brought everything you need. Don’t stress. We want you to do well and will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

My singing voice needs work, can I still apply for the Contemporary Music & Performance course?

Definitely. As part of the application process we conduct auditions which will help determine your level. Vocal ability is subjective and everyone is their own worst critic, so we encourage you to come along and show us what you’ve got...keeping in mind that we don’t expect you to be an accomplished performer or finished artist. It's our job however to get you there!

What software programs will I use in the Contemporary Music & Performance course?

You will work with three main types of software - Sibelius, ProTools and Ableton.

Make it.Contemporary Music Performance