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 international study connections, and connections to APRA AMCOS, 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 becoming a skilled and accomplished musician – it’s about creating your own unique career pathway, promoting yourself to stand out in this rapidly expanding and evolving industry, and to discover avenues for commercial success in this age of immediacy.

This course will give you the skills you need to be distinct 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, Nandos Music Exchange in London or the JPop study tour in Japan.

*Study Abroad programs will resume once international travel restrictions ease

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.

Regular Live Performance
Opportunities in Real Venues

Learn the art of self-promotion + relevant business
skills for a sustainable career in the music industry

Become a more employable
musician with improved knowledge of music language and performance technique

Unique 1-on-1
instrumental tuition

course guide //

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

Become a complete performing musical package with a JMC Bachelor degree. Evolve your music writing, music technology and live performance skills under the tutelage of some of the best teachers and performers in the music industry. You will continue to receive weekly one-on-one private lessons on your major instrument to improve your technical facility, musicality, and performance skills, and at the end of the major this will culminate into a large-scale major project, which could contain elements of recorded performance as well as a live recital.

Write and perform the music for an app, a game, or the soundtrack to a film - and collaborate with JMC students in other fields on industry projects while building a creative network you can rely on throughout your career. Learn about how to navigate the music business, and how to identify professional opportunities. Master multi-platform performance skills, mixing techniques and recording, produce and arrange for ensembles while expanding your knowledge of repertoire; and undertake your own 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 may choose to complete the course in 3 years [CRICOS 058463A] rather than the accelerated 2 year option.

curriculum

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 1 and 2, preparing the student 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 of rhythms and melodies as well as vocal reproduction of said intervals chords, and scales. This is the third of four units (Ear Training 1–4) that will build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of music theory and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ensemble III

In Ensemble 3, students will continue to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). The sequence of Ensemble subjects are designed so students can incrementally develop their technical proficiency, creativity and the development of their personal playing styles. Stage performance technique also continues to be refined, including movement, stage dialogue, microphone technique, musicianship and stage image. At this point in their development, students will be required to write their own original material for performance, as well as develop repertoire of their choice. To assist this process, students can form ensembles of their own choice as it is expected they will be at an instrumental performance standard to make a significant contribution to the ensemble. Students will also work collaboratively with the other departments as part of a recording integration project. This is an opportunity to work with the other JMC Academy creative disciplines and develop new understanding and skills.

Music Cultures (Elective)

In this unit, students will be encouraged to look beyond Western music conventions and examine a range of music traditions from around the world. Students will implement this information, and the skills gained in the music technology and Composing/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 students a chance to further hone their composition/arranging skills.

Ear Training IV

This unit builds on the musical concepts covered in Ear Training 1-3, preparing the student for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding gained in the unit will include aural recognition of secondary dominants, modulation, modal interchange, polyrhythms, odd-time signatures, and utilisation of the full chromatic scale.  In addition, students will engage with sight-reading of rhythms and melodies, and vocal reproduction of intervals, chords and scales. This is the last of four units (Ear Training 1-4) that build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of music theory and increase their overall musical awareness.

Music Theory IV

This unit continues developing student 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. Music Theory 4 introduces knowledge of dominant chords, dominant chord interchange through substitutions, resultant scales, and blues.  This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow students to compose or arrange successful compositions and help develop technical musical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the final of four units (Music Theory 1-4) that build the student’s ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ensemble IV

The necessity to constantly develop to a professional standard as a member of a band and as an individual player continues in Ensemble 4. to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 4, students will be required to collaborate, create and perform in an ensemble in three different contexts, including a live multi-track studio recording. A particular emphasis is placed on stagecraft and how group members communicate and interact on stage. This has two purposes. One is so their audience experiences a group performance, and the second is so students can explore the role of a musical director in performance settings. It is expected that students will be able to provide an insightful rationale as to their choice of repertoire and approach to performance, as well as engage in constructive critique of their own and others performances.

Ensemble I

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 1, students will begin to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). Stage performance technique as ‘stage presence’ is introduced and students are given the opportunity to explore, rehearse and develop musical skills in a group or ensemble environment. Students will be able to demonstrate their craft during two formal ensemble performances. To assist in the development of their professionalism, students will begin to develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals. Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

Collaborative Music Project I

In the first unit in the Collaborative Music Production sequence, students are introduced to the practices of collaborative music-making. For musicians developing a specialist skill as a creative technologist, replication of music elements via digital environments is an integral foundation skill for a digital creator. This unit includes aspects of group music creation and replication using software, piano skills via industry DAWs, and basic stylistic replication. Across a 1 x 2-hour supervised group class per week (and additional self-organised follow-up sessions), students will develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals. Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

Music Theory I

This unit continues developing the student’s 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 at an intermediate level. This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow students 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 1-4) that will build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ear Training I

This subject provides development in the student’s aural musicianship skills. In undertaking this subject, students 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 students to better appreciate music and explore sonic textures. Emphasis is given to three main area including rhythmic perception and performance, solfege, performance and recognition of harmonic and melodic elements.

History of Popular Music

This unit provides an overview of Western contemporary popular music styles and the evolution in production of recorded and performed music since the 1950s. Students investigate major musical styles and periods from the 1950s to the present, and develop the ability to define key characteristics of each. The unit introduces the broad themes of what constitutes popular music, and elements of music production, with an emphasis on musical events, key artists or industry figures, and institutions which contributed to the development of different musical movements. Students are exposed to the structure of the music industry, developing their understanding of the inter-relationship between the different sectors and key historical developments, and 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 academic writing skills and assignment planning will also be covered in this unit.

Introduction to Music Technology

This unit introduces students to the capacity of music technology to enhance their potential as musicians, composers, and recording artists. Students will investigate the fundamental range and features of music technology available and gain understanding of its potential in the creative process. Students will learn the fundamentals of the technology underlying all stages of music creation and distribution. They 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 program (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live) and program using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Students will acquire (or reinforce) basic musicianship and keyboard skills. Academic writing skills with research and referencing methodology will also be covered as part of preparation for the first assessment task.

Ensemble II

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 2, students continue to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). The focus for this Ensemble unit is on working with a new group of musicians to develop an extended repertoire for live and recorded performances. Specialist tutors guide students through this process, from increasing technical proficiency, creativity and the development of their personal playing styles. Their stage persona also continues to be refined, with increasing emphasis on movement, stage dialogue, microphone technique, musicianship and stage image. To prepare for the live performance and live recordings, a number of rehearsal sessions are organised where students will be given ‘real time’ feedback from their tutors, as well as discussing and critiquing performances with their peers.

Collaborative Music Project II

In Collaborative Music Project 2, students are expected to apply superior knowledge proficiently at a level higher than they demonstrated in Collaborative Music 1. To achieve this, students will be encouraged to explore different models for creative collaboration in the design and realisation of a group-based music technology project, with a focus on a model that allows them to best communicate with each other. The scope of the creative work in this unit is potentially limitless, however students will have to work together to articulate, refine and justify their creative choices so that the production achieved is a thought-provoking combination of musical interests, talent and skillsets. Students may also participate in a collaborative live recording assessment with student ensembles from PSP215 Ensemble 2, which will require the application of professional communication skills and sharing of knowledge and skills.

Music Theory II

This unit continues developing student 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 students 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 1-4) that will build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

Ear Training II

Introduction to Music Business

The purpose of this unit is to give students an introduction to the music industry enabling a basic understanding of key sectors, roles and structures within it. It will also introduce students 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 also introduces music publishing contracts, distribution deals, and opportunities that are emerging with the development of digital technology and the practices of independent artists. It will also explore the fundamentals of band management, including use of an ABN and basic business principles.

Songwriting and Arranging Techniques

This unit develops students’ conceptual knowledge and technical skills in songwriting, focusing on songwriting technique and practice methods, harmonic and melodic analysis, lyric content, form, and structure, and the ability to present their songs using industry standard lead sheets. Students will investigate the links between music and lyrics (prosody), form and structure of contemporary song, and analyse influential songwriters and their works during class time. Following the first assessment, the unit goes on to develop the students’ understanding of the process of music arranging. This begins by learning the idiosyncratic notation techniques and musical features of instruments within a basic contemporary music ensemble of vocals, guitar, piano/keyboard, bass and drums. Then students move on and further develop an understanding of writing for front line instruments - specific brass and reed instruments that are known in contemporary music as the ‘horn’ section. Each section of the ensemble requires a specific writing technique, and students create an arrangement of their original song submitted for the first assessment, demonstrating an understanding of harmony, melody, rhythm, structure and stylistic devices. Throughout this unit students work with the notation program Sibelius, learning techniques to craft clear scores and parts.

Collaborative Music Project III

In Writing & Production 3 students continue to engage in collaborative music making, shifting the focus to live instrumentation and ensemble recording. The unit enables students to work collaboratively to create and record music using acoustic instruments alongside software. This unit includes aspects of group music creation and replication using software, piano skills via industry DAWs, and stylistic interpretation and arrangement. Students will develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals.  Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

Music and Media

The unit equips students with knowledge and understanding of how contemporary music engages with various form of media in digital and traditional scenarios. A basic understanding of music marketing - including definitions, processes and planning strategies - is covered, allowing students to reflect on their own work-related performance and develop an advanced understanding of incorporating various media into their career practice. Students will also develop a capacity to incorporate other media, such as film, art, design and other creative fields into the promotion of their music and musical projects. This unit will also cover some basic media creation skills using widely available production software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro.

Lyrics and Songwriting (Elective)

This unit continues to develop students’ conceptual knowledge and technical skills in songwriting, focusing on advanced melodic concepts and techniques, an understanding of complex harmony in popular music, and further creative and technical lyric writing concepts such as rhythm, phrasing, setting and metaphor. Students will further their ability to present their songs using industry standard lead sheets and demo recordings. Students will investigate the links between music, lyrics and meaning by analysing influential songwriters and their works.

Music Production Studies (Elective)

This unit will provide knowledge of the advanced concepts of evaluating sound in audio and musical recordings and introduces the concept of the Art of Record Production. Topics to be covered include advanced mixing and production techniques, musical and production technique history and how they relate to modern recordings. This unit contributes to the degree by providing a deeper understanding of music traditions and music production techniques.

Performing and Creating with Ableton Live (Elective)

Successful completion of this unit empowers the student with the capacity to integrate music technologies using Ableton Live within their live performance and production work. Assessment tasks aim to enable students to adapt and apply use of the tools by current artists and then produce two works: one which is a recorded and mixed piece of audio, and another work which can be integrated effectively into a three to five-minute performance piece. Students 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.

Collaborative Music Project IV

In Collaborative Music Project 4 students continue to engage in collaborative music making, shifting the focus to inventive manipulation of sound through effect processing. The unit enables students to work collaboratively to create and record music using acoustic instruments alongside software. This unit includes aspects of group music creation and replication using software, piano skills via industry DAWs, key hardware devices and stylistic interpretation and arrangement. Students will develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals.  Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

Large Project Performance and Recording Folio I

This unit will continue to develop the understanding of musical style, improvisation, form and interpretation, and begin to focus that into a clear artistic identity, career pathway, and representative product. There will be an emphasis on the development of original material and/or original arrangements, and the development of a range of repertoire. Students will demonstrate a higher stylistic understanding and incorporate advanced music concepts. The ultimate outcome of this two-trimester long unit will be a major project, which could include high-quality audio recording showcasing the student’s performing, songwriting, or production talents, and/or a live performance recital showcasing the student’s ability as a performer and bandleader. In Trimester 5, for Part 1 of this large project, students maintain a series of one-on-one mentorship sessions in conjunction with a group seminar each week in order to plan, prepare, and produce their own project. Part of this project will be delivered at the end of this trimester (Trimester 5), which would be considered a portion of the final project that will be submitted at the end of Trimester 6. For example, a Performance student may spend Trimester 5 arranging and preparing their material for performance, then spend Trimester 6 rehearsing and polishing that set for a recital performance or event. A Songwriting student or Production student may spend Trimester 5 writing their material and submitting demos of their songs, then spend Trimester 6 producing and recording this material for their folio submission.

Entrepreneurship in Music

The purpose of this unit is to comprehensively 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. Each student will be required to exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying ongoing professional development requirements and opportunities.

Lyrical Influences (Elective)

This unit broadens the objectives of previous songwriting units, Songwriting and Arranging and Lyrics and Songwriting, incorporating an understanding of significant literary, written, aural and oral traditions and techniques of benefit to the contemporary songwriter. The purpose of this unit is to analyse the links between the modern songwriter and other types of expression in language from both the past and present, and the employment of techniques involved in the formation and execution of contemporary songs. The unit will also examine the songs of key contemporary songwriters, discovering their sources and influences to highlight artistic methodology, creativity and originality. Knowledge gained will potentially contribute to shaping each student’s approach to creative songwriting and may go on to inform their own original style.

Arranging and Orchestration (Elective)

In building upon previous study in composition and arranging this unit will now introduce student to writing and arranging for Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. The practical skills covered in this course require students to continue their musical notational, aural, conceptual and analytical skills in order to craft a skilled arrangement for a range of instruments. There is also a continued focus on contemporary music theory, advanced harmonic and melodic concepts.

History of Western Music (Elective)

The purpose of this unit is to provide students with a comprehensive 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, to enable students to communicate with other musicians and develop a conceptual framework for describing music and its stylistic characteristics. The different periods of music 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 21st Century.

Tutoring Techniques (Elective)

This unit provides the student 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 syllabus, physical and digital resources and planning for developing a private teaching enterprise.

Composition Techniques (Elective)

In this unit, students will develop an understanding of advanced concepts in compositional styles and apply these within the assessment tasks. The content of this unit focuses on the advanced modal, melodic and harmonic theory and compositional application within jazz and progressive contemporary music, and also the rhythmic and structural compositional methodology drawn from 20th and 21st century art music and its various sub-movements. The unit builds on skills learned by students in PSP 202 Songwriting and Arranging and PSP 302 Lyrics and Songwriting, but expands the concepts of songwriting to include more advanced compositional concepts, with an emphasis on experimentation and using scoring as a compositional tool. Students create their own compositions which demonstrate an advanced understanding of the principles and exploration of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form and structure.

Screen Sound and Music (Elective)

This unit enables students to develop their conceptual knowledge and technical skills in understanding and composing music to convey specific emotions and aesthetics for a variety of productions. Students are required to apply these skills to the preparation and recording of music for a screen project. The unit follows on from the fundamental skills of composition and production that students were introduced to in previous theory and technology units. Students also develop knowledge of the relationship between music and a variety of visual scenarios and the scoring possibilities within each context. The unit looks at media involving film and television, video games, web sites, commercials, animation and other new media. Students learn how to master the technical and musical skills needed to create effective music for each type of media. During this unit there is scope for students to integrate with other departments in collaborative projects or work with pre-existing media.

Large Project Performance and Recording Folio II

This unit will continue to develop the understanding of musical style, creativity, form, and interpretation, and begin to focus that into a clear artistic identity, career pathway, and representative product. There will be an emphasis on the development of original material and/or original arrangements, and the development of a range of repertoire. Students will demonstrate a higher stylistic understanding and incorporate advanced music concepts. The ultimate outcome of this two-part sequence of units (incorporating PSP 405 Large Project 1) will be a major project, which could include high-quality audio recording showcasing the student’s performing, songwriting, or production talents, and/or a live performance recital showcasing the student’s ability as a performer and bandleader. In Trimester 6, for Part 2 of this large project, students continue to work on their project through a series of one-on-one mentorship sessions in conjunction with a group seminar each week in order to plan, prepare, and produce their own musical project. This project is then delivered via a live performance, musical soundtrack, music and film project, exhibition, event, high-quality recording, or interactive material.

International Study Tour (By Application Only)

This subject is a special project based on research, experiences and learning undertaken in conjunction with the overseas academic partners and JMC Academy. Students will be immersed in two weeks of educational experiences prior to JMC Academy trimester start, hosted by the overseas academic partners. They will cover a range of topics, skills and knowledge taught by industry experts and educators in the students’ area of study (Entertainment Business Management, Music, Design, Film and Television, Audio Engineering, Animation and Game Design). On completion of the two weeks of study, students will continue with a 12 week special project on campus at JMC Academy in Australia. Individual projects are based on a specific project topic of the student’s choice made in consultation with their term supervisor. That is then developed over the length of the subject. Students will be supervised and will work in conjunction with their supervisor to complete their project (Academic or Practical).

Internship (By Application Only)

This unit provides you with an opportunity to ‘learn by doing’, and just as importantly to reflect upon your ‘doing’ in relation to achieving the unit’s learning outcomes. To guide your expectations of this unit, JMC Academy use the National Society for Experiential Education’s definition of internship, which is ‘a carefully monitored work or volunteer experience in which an individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experience’. You, your host employer and JMC Academy, will agree on a plan of work that meets your professional goals and the requirements of the unit. You will undertake that work in the workplace, under supervision from JMC Academy and your host employer’s nominated workplace supervisor. You are participating in this unit because you have made a successful application, and an internship opportunity is available to you. You will work with your campus’ internship/unit coordinator to make all the arrangements for your internship, as well as completing all necessary paperwork. JMC Academy will work with you to make your internship a success, including being as flexible as possible with regard to how, when and where you ‘intern’. Your internship/unit coordinator will be in regular contact with you, and you too must make an effort to contact them if you have any concerns or questions. In any case, you must successfully complete all assessment tasks to pass this unit.

Instrument Study I

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. In Instrument Study 1, students will begin to develop their technical expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire for solo and ensemble situations. The unit involves the study of technical work and repertoire, through one-on-one instrumental lessons (1 x 30 min lesson per week). Subsequent Instrument Study units continue to develop technical proficiency, creativity and their personal playing styles. The underlying theme of these units is exploration and experimentation with a view of identifying and continually refining the student’s personal expression.

Instrument Study II

As for Instrument Study 1, in Instrument Study 2, students will continue to develop their technical expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire for solo and ensemble situations. The unit involves the study of technical work and repertoire, through one-on-one instrumental lessons (1 x 30min lesson per week). It is expected that the student will be able to exhibit a level of musicianship and craft superior to that demonstrated in Instrument Study 1. More attention is placed in this unit on audience engagement during performance.

Instrument Study III

Regardless of genre, great performances depend on technical proficiency. In Instrument Study 3, tutors and assessors are looking for the student to have further developed their own knowledge and skills in the playing and performing of their instrument (including vocals) that is an expression of the student’s own performance style. It is also expected that the student will combine their increased technical proficiency with relevant and appropriate techniques to meaningfully engage their audience in their performance.

Instrument Study IV

In Instrument Study 4, the final unit in this sequence, students have the opportunity to seize full advantage of these sessions to take their technical expertise to the next level in preparation for professional performances. As experienced professional musicians themselves, students will collaborate with their tutor to develop a repertoire that showcases their mastery in style and repertoire, and technical expertise in their principal instrument. Experimentation, as improvisation is explored to deepen understanding of musical style, form, interpretation, and musicianship in preparation for their musical career.

Discover and develop your singular musical talent in a rapidly expanding industry, and be taught by experienced and respected musicians through a JMC Diploma of Music. Explore live sound and recording, employ industry standard software like Pro Tools, Logic and Sibelius, and hone your craft performing live at iconic music venues and events throughout your course. You will also receive weekly one-on-one private lessons on your major instrument to improve your technical facility, musicality, and performance skills.

Explore some of the basic concepts, principles, and theory of contemporary music, and improve your recognition and understanding of music and musical styles. You will also investigate the processes involved with performing in an ensemble, and developing a repertoire for live performance. You will also get exclusive access to masterclasses led by industry professionals and international artists, that will expose you to a complete range of performance techniques.

Associate Degree Exit Point: Students who have successfully completed 4 trimesters of the Bachelor programme may successfully graduate with an Associate Degree qualification.

curriculum

Ensemble I

Collaborative Music Project I

Music Theory I

Ear Training I

History of Popular Music

Introduction to Music Technology

Ensemble II

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 2, students continue to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). The focus for this Ensemble unit is on working with a new group of musicians to develop an extended repertoire for live and recorded performances. Specialist tutors guide students through this process, from increasing technical proficiency, creativity and the development of their personal playing styles. Their stage persona also continues to be refined, with increasing emphasis on movement, stage dialogue, microphone technique, musicianship and stage image. To prepare for the live performance and live recordings, a number of rehearsal sessions are organised where students will be given ‘real time’ feedback from their tutors, as well as discussing and critiquing performances with their peers.

Collaborative Music Project II

Music Theory II

Ear Training II

Introduction to Music Business

Songwriting and Arranging Techniques

Careers in the Industry //

Develop your professionalism through our diverse course topics, and discover potential career pathways - launched through your understanding of the industry and musical performance skills.

Specific roles may include

Recording Artist
Music Teacher
Music Journalist
Composer
Songwriter
Music Director
Music Programmer
Licensing Agent
Music Academic

Booking Agent
Tour Promoter
Copyright Specialist
Producer
e-Marketing Music
Consultant
Music Publisher
Arranger
Musical Theatre Director

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 performing in front of a live audience is not your thing, 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 (unless you choose to!).

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 admissions 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 that 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