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Serious about being an artist?
So are we.

Graduate gig-ready in 2 years. Choose from an 8-month diploma, a 2-year accelerated degree, or continue through to postgraduate study, all with no ATAR required.

Apply online Download COURSE GUIDE

Some of our music partnerships

Is a career in music theatre right for you?

Apply online Download COURSE GUIDE

Do you dream of performing professionally?

Do you want to be noticed in a crowded industry?

Are you looking for more than just theory?

Are you looking for global opportunities?

Why study Music Performance?

contemporary music

revenue generated by Australia’s music sector in 2023, and it’s still growing¹

music events

ticketed attendances at live music events across Australia in 2023²

Recorded music

annual growth in Australia’s recorded music industry, the highest since 2005³

Shave a year off your study time

At JMC, we offer agile qualifications. Our Bachelor degree delivers the same qualification as a traditional three-year course, but in just two years full-time so you graduate faster and hit the stage with confidence.

Graduate with a Bachelor of Music in just 2 years full-time

Or launch your journey with an 8-month Diploma

No ATAR needed — we assess talent, Passion and potential

Apply online Download COURSE GUIDE

Study with us. Play the gigs others dream about.

JMC students and grads are already performing where others are still queuing. Our performance pathway connects you to real-world stages and crowds while you're still studying.

Open doors to festivals like SXSW Sydney, Laneway and BIGSOUND.

Perform at Cassette Music Awards, recitals, and industry showcases

Build a performance-ready portfolio before you graduate

Don't get overlooked — be industry-ready from day one.

Apply online Download COURSE GUIDE

Get all the details before you hit the stage

Download COURSE GUIDE

Where you train shapes how you perform.
Choose the best.

Study on a campus built for musicians, in a city built on live music. At JMC, you’ll rehearse in pro studios, play iconic venues, and learn from artists who’ve toured with the best. Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane — you're in the scene.

Apply online Download COURSE GUIDE

Perform every trimester in live showcases and full-scale productions

One-on-one coaching in small classes led by working professionals

Collaborate across disciplines with filmmakers, animators, musicians & more

No ATAR? No problem. Just bring your passion

Music isn’t measured in numbers and neither are you. JMC's Contemporary Performance pathway is open to students who show passion, skill and potential, not just a high school ranking.

Applications are open to Year 12 students, school leavers, or career changers

Apply online Download COURSE GUIDE

Everything you need to know to get started

duration

2 Years

2 years (6 trimesters) accelerated full-time study.
Part time study available

fees

fee-help available

locations

Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane

entry requirements

Audition

Auditions conducted with our friendly admissions team.

intake dates

february, june & september

JMC has 3 intake periods per year for all campuses.

APPLY NOW

Course structure

Music: Foundations (Trimesters 1 & 2)

The Acting Foundation - ACT201

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces the student to the foundation principles of acting, which provide the base from which the actor begins to build their process.

This acting foundation describes freedom and availability as core principles of the actor's process. This approach to the work requires self-awareness to identify personal limitations or habitual behaviours and to then apply preparatory techniques to enable the actor to respond to stimulus moment to moment.

Students will undertake a range of practical preparation activities and exercises to develop these core skills, as well as developing conceptual understanding of these foundation principles and how these form the basis of the actor's work. These foundation skills will be applied through both theatre and screen performance exercises and activities.

Introduction to Voice and Movement for Music Theatre Performance - ACT202B

Musicianship for Music Theatre 1 - ACT205

Introduction to Professional Practice - ACT204

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces foundation principles of safe practice, professional and personal boundaries and conduct as well as warm-up, cool down and preparation processes. It also introduces processes of reflective journaling, independent reading, research protocols and expressing a personal opinion.

The nature of the acting process, ensemble challenges and demands of an acting career create unique stresses on the professional actor. These require systematic processes and practices to ensure wellbeing is maintained and the actor is able to develop resilience in relation to these intrinsic stresses.

Students will develop thorough warm-up, cool down and preparation processes, as well as developing knowledge in approaches to journaling and reflection. Through participation in this unit the student will better understand the “connective tissue” of the course as well as their ability to positively contribute to a healthy, brave and supportive artistic ensemble.

Theatre Production 1 (Music Theatre) - ACT211B

Voice and Movement in Music Theatre Performance - ACT212B

Musicianship for Music Theatre 2 - ACT215

Acting Process and Analysis - ACT214

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit introduces the student to research and analysis skills as they relate to the building of an independent and reliable personal acting process. It is from this base that further writing, research and critical analysis skills are scaffolded throughout the course.

An independent and reliable acting process sits at the heart of a sustainable acting career. The actor must develop systems to analyse their own process and incorporate areas of new knowledge to build a robust, adaptable and flexible professional acting practice.

Students will develop skills and knowledge to reflect on and analyse their individual acting technique. They will undertake research into acting theory and practices and identify opportunities for skills development and the integration of new techniques into their personal practice.

Polish and build (Trimesters 3 & 4)

New Media and Performance - ACT301

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit prepares the actor to develop knowledge and apply technique across new and emerging media platforms and technologies which may include web-based content, games / animation, voice over and/or virtual reality.

New and emerging trends and technologies in new media are creating diverse performance platforms for the contemporary actor. This changing industry is placing further demand on the flexibility of the actor's skills and knowledge in order to meet the specific performance requirements of these new platforms.

Students will undertake acting exercises and activities to refine their acting technique to develop greater nuance and craft in order to adapt and apply technique across a range of performance media. Prerequisite: ACT211B (Theatre Production 1 (Music Theatre))

Heightened Voice and Movement in Music Theatre Performance - ACT302B

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit extends the actor's theatrical capacity in voice and movement enabling them to meet the obligations of heightened text and theatricality. This unit develops knowledge and skill to perform a range of theatrical performance styles.

Theatrical performance requires a robust embodiment of voice and physicality in order to meet the demands of this performance media. Theatricality may also require the actor to embody physical and vocal extremes as well as a range of theatrical storytelling styles and forms beyond realism and naturalism.

Students will undertake voice and movement training to develop greater theatricality in their performance and to explore more range, style and form in vocal and physical characterisation. Prerequisite: ACT212B (Voice and Movement in Music Theatre Performance)

Cabaret - ACT303B

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit develops the capacity of the actor to apply knowledge of performance styles, principles of theatrical storytelling, creativity and collaboration to develop a short, devised performance piece for theatre, which includes song, movement and spoken text.

Devised and experimental theatre, such as cabaret & vaudeville, contributes a significant and growing sector of the contemporary performing arts industry. The associated skills and knowledge required of the actor involves understanding of a range of theatrical forms and styles, improvisation and collaboration techniques as well as the recording of developmental processes through to the finalisation of a concept, and the presentation of a cohesive performance.

Students will undertake a process of creative concept development beginning with improvisations and other collaborative and creative activities, then leading to the documenting, planning and presentation of the performance concept. Prerequisite: ACT211B (Theatre Production 1 (Music Theatre))

Critical Analysis and Reflection - ACT304

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit develops the actor's ability to research acting theory and technique and to apply this knowledge to the development of their own personal practice. Through critical self-analysis and reflection, the student will identify skills gaps and needs and articulate strategies to develop a versatile, sustainable and robust personal, collaborative acting practice.

The working actor must have mechanisms to ensure a process of lifelong learning and development of skills and techniques. Theoretical knowledge of acting approaches and addressing issues of resilience and career sustainability are integral to the development of a successful portfolio career.

Students will research theoretical concepts and evaluate the application of new knowledge into their own practice. Prerequisite: ACT214 (Acting Process and Analysis)

Theatre Company Production 2 - ACT311B

Theatre and Performance Styles (Music Theatre) - ACT314B

Australian Performance History and Culture - ACT313

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

This unit will develop theoretical knowledge of the history of performance in Australian theatre, film and television, and how this history has evolved into creating the contemporary performing arts industry.

The function of performance in storytelling contributes to national identity and culture. In order to assure the performer's role in this function the contemporary actor must possess knowledge of the cultural history of Australia and the influences on performance from indigenous ritual and storytelling to modern Australia.

Students will examine the role of performance from Australia's Indigenous culture and ritual, through to major twentieth century Australian dramatists and the key players of the New Wave of the 1970's. Students are required to examine present day social, cultural, political and environmental factors and articulate the relationship between these factors and the contemporary Australian storytelling palette.

Showcase and project (Trimesters 5 & 6)

Screen Performance for Showreel - ACT401

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

This unit develops advanced screen acting technique, through a deepened understanding of the screen performance medium as well as studio-based training and practice. It culminates in a film shoot of a showreel scene suitable for industry.

The audience's expectation and appetite for realism in screen performance is creating extended demands on the actor's process. The demand for “truth” in performance is now a fundamental requirement of any working actor's performance career.

Students will undertake practical exercises and activities in screen performance, whilst also examining modern techniques of film acting and process and beginning to embed these into their personal process. This unit will culminate in the filmed performance of an Industry Showreel project. Prerequisite: ACT301 (New Media and Performance)

The Working Actor - ACT402

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit integrates industry knowledge, practice and processes into the workplace context of the actor. Students will acquire in depth knowledge of structure and the operations of the contemporary performing arts industry and how the actor may successfully navigate the sophisticated nuances of this work environment.

The contemporary performing arts industry presents a complex and unique structure. Work opportunities are diverse and the mechanisms to secure employment vary across the range of performance media and contexts. Networking and the building of professional relationships are intrinsic to the performing arts industry. The portfolio career places further demand on the actor's ability to extend the application of their skills and knowledge to work opportunities both in and beyond the performing arts industry.

Students will undertake analysis of industry structure, legislation, compliance and processes. Knowledge and skills will be applied in auditions and screen tests and in the independent analysis of the individual actor's unique strengths and employability in the industry. Students will also develop fluency in written expression, documentation and communication processes relevant to the performing arts industry. Prerequisite: ACT304 (Critical Analysis and Reflection)

Advanced Acting Technique for Music Theatre - ACT403B

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit develops acting theory, technique and practice to prepare the student for professional standard performance projects. Studio based learning, coupled with theoretical and technical study, will develop a more sophisticated approach to personal acting process and performance.

The flexibility of the contemporary working actor to adapt to the vast range of performance media and platforms places extended demand on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of technique, forms, styles and performance language. This unit will solidify a robust and reliable process to deliver impacting performances.

Students will undertake practical exercises and activities in a range of acting techniques and processes, coupled with theoretical and supporting knowledge in order to develop the individual's personal process. Prerequisite: ACT302B (Heightened Voice and Movement in Music Theatre Performance)

The Actor as Creator - ACT405

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit integrates the student's knowledge and skills in performance with the principles of creativity and collaboration. With a focus on the entrepreneurial actor and diverse performance platforms, the student works to plan and develop a piece of performance as part of a festival production construct. This unit allows the individual student to develop and articulate their unique voice as intelligent, passionate, and vocal artistic citizens.

The actor's portfolio career demands a fluency in the business side of performance projects. Theatre companies, production houses and funding bodies have unique and specific compliance and policy requirements. It is therefore imperative that the working actor is able to incorporate skills and knowledge in these areas as part of their role as creative arts professionals.

Creativity and collaboration skills are developed through the realisation of the student's artistic vision, while participation in the process of curation, and the meeting of technical and other compliance functions enable the student to refine and adapt their concept to meet production limitations and parameters. Prerequisite: ACT303B (Cabaret)

Industry Theatre Production (Music Theatre) - ACT411B

Credit Points: 12
Trimester 6

This double unit requires the student to integrate their personal acting, singing & dance techniques, and professional practices into the audition, rehearsal, and performances of their Industry Theatre Production.

Theatre productions which form part of mainstage theatre company seasons operate under industry award conditions. Apart from wages and conditions as dictated by these awards, the structure of rehearsals and other production protocols differ from the independent sector. This may include such differences as full-time rehearsal schedules, longer technical and production periods and longer performance runs. The skills and knowledge required of the actor in this work environment therefore carry unique requirements.

Students will work across a full-time schedule of rehearsals, technical and production activities for a performance in a professional theatre venue. This production will involve external theatre directors, creatives and crew. Prerequisites: ACT311B (Theatre Company Production 2), ACT403B (Advanced Acting Technique for Music Theatre), ACT314B (Theatre and Performance Styles (Music Theatre))

The Entrepreneurial Actor - ACT412

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

This unit explores creativity and innovation as a core principle of the artistic process and how these principles may inform career opportunities within the creative arts industry. This unit seeks to place the individual actor as a professional, self-sufficient and active industry participant.

The working actor must have the ability to move between artistic and business application of their skills. The development of creative projects is often born through artistic endeavour, whilst bringing such a project to realisation requires skills to be applied in a business and industry context. The synergies of these skill sets allow for the development of the entrepreneurial actor.

This unit requires the student to examine the impetus to create and to develop strategic approaches to the development and implementation of a creative project. The unit culminates in a Pitch Project to an industry panel. Prerequisites: ACT405 (The Actor as Creator), ACT402 (The Working Actor)

Career Sustainability - ACT413

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

This unit develops a self-aware, responsible and sustainable approach to long term participation in the performing arts sector. It examines established research and statistical sources, which give a reliable and authentic account of the experiences of working actors in the contemporary industry.

The creative arts industry is a unique work environment which places a variety of demands upon the working professional. The nature of portfolio rather than permanent employment opportunities demand a thorough understanding of industry structure and operation, business and financial skills as well as the ability to plan, forecast and examine self as a working professional.

Students are required to evaluate research outcomes, analysis, planning and business skills to construct a logical and achievable plan for artistic and professional career longevity. Prerequisite: ACT402 (The Working Actor)

Industry pros. ARIA winners. Global collaborators.

Meet your teachers

Dan Mifsud (Ric Rufio)

Opened for Ed Sheeran.
Played Coachella. 500K+ streams.

Known as Ric Rufio, Dan’s toured with Flight Facilities and performed on stages like Coachella.

He’s worked alongside Adele, caught the ears of Def Jam and Parlophone, and racked up over half a million streams. Now he’s teaching at JMC Sydney, showing students what real-world success looks like.

Will Day

Head of Music, and Entertainment
Business Management (Brisbane)

Gritty. Grounded. Heartfelt. A stand-out performer.

From energetic tracks such as the single ‘Countrified’ to emotive ballads like ‘Simple Then’ (with Brooke Schubert), it’s no surprise that Will is making an impact on the country music scene. With a genuine gift of storytelling, combined with compelling vocals and the ability to connect with a crowd, Will Day is fast becoming one of Australia’s premier rising country artists.

Beatrice Lewis

Music Lecturer,
Melbourne

As a songwriter, singer and producer of innovative pop art band Haiku Hands, Beatrice has amassed millions of streams and toured Internationally across Europe and the US.

With extensive tours throughout Europe and a run of US dates, as well as sold-out headline tours in Australia. Beatrice is one of the most exciting multifaceted artists in the current Australian music landscape.

Rick Grossman

Music Lecturer

For the past 35 years, Rick has worked as a professional musician, spending five years (1982-1987) as a bass guitarist for Divinyls, and then in 1988 Rick began playing bass for the Hoodoo Gurus.

Rick has toured both Australia and internationally with the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Men at Work and produced albums such as ‘Caution: Life Ahead, Artists for Recovery’, a collection of Australian artists to raise awareness for drug rehabilitation.

Kim Salmon

Music Lecturer

In 1976, Kim Salmon formed Perth’s first punk band the Cheap Nasties, who later became The Manikins.

The Scientists relied on unorthodox bass-heavy rhythms and distorted guitars, the latter being a direct precursor for grunge. The term itself was coined by Salmon in the mid-1980s to describe The Scientists’ sound, as noted in a documentary on Australian music, Long Way to the Top (2001).

Coming to JMC, I got exposed to lots of different genres.

You become exposed to lots of different personalities as well, and lots of people who have different backgrounds... They have different musical tastes. So you have to learn to be adaptable, be fluid, and be direct and confident.

Sebastian Strangio

JMC Music Alumni

My vision’s always been clear, JMC was part of the journey…

Pania

JMC Music Alumni, Recording Artist

JMC Academy has provided me with the ability to...

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

JMC Music Alumni, Screen Composer | CEO and Founder at Primerchord Music

lecturers who inspired us, which helped us grow...

The smaller class sizes (at JMC) meant that we could have more personalised attention and feedback from the lecturers who inspired us, which helped us grow further as musicians.

Worm Girlz

Alumni Band

Applications for February 2026 now open.

Music is your talent. Now build your business.

This isn’t just another degree. It’s your entry into the professional world of music. If you’re ready to turn talent into a career on stage, in studios, and across the globe, JMC is where it begins

apply now

Limited places for February 2026. Don’t miss your cue.

Questions? We've got answers.

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

Are JMC courses available to study online?

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

Is a JMC Academy degree of equal standing to a university degree?

Is JMC Academy a recognised institution?

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

My singing voice needs work. Can I still apply for the Contemporary Music Performance course?

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

Serious about being an artist? So are we.

Is a career in music theatre right for you?

Why study Music Performance?

contemporary music

music events

Recorded music

Shave a year off your study time

Study with us. Play the gigs others dream about.

Get all the details before you hit the stage

Where you train shapes how you perform. Choose the best.

No ATAR? No problem. Just bring your passion

Everything you need to know to get started

duration

fees

locations

entry requirements

intake dates

Course structure

Industry pros. ARIA winners. Global collaborators.

Meet your teachers

Coming to JMC, I got exposed to lots of different genres.

My vision’s always been clear, JMC was part of the journey…

JMC Academy has provided me with the ability to...

lecturers who inspired us, which helped us grow...

Music is your talent. Now build your business.

Questions? We've got answers.

Serious about being an artist?
So are we.

Where you train shapes how you perform.
Choose the best.