Bachelor of Music (Performance) 

A person standing and singing into a microphone
A teacher talking to a student who is playing a guitar

Amplify Your Artistry

The Bachelor of Music (Performance) program will guide you to refine your musicianship, develop your collaboration skills, and help you stand out as a performer. With both a contemporary and classical pathway, you will emerge with the skills and confidence to perform on stage and in the studio.

Course Overview

Campus

Melbourne and Sydney

Durations

9 Study Periods (3 years) or 6 Study Periods (2 year fast-track) full-time, or equivalent part-time

Start Date

February, May, September

Study Period 1 2024 

  • Week 1: 5 Feb – 9 Feb 
  • Week 7 Study Break: 18 Mar – 22 Mar 
  • Week 13 Assessment Week: 29 Apr – 3 May 

Study Period 2 2024 

  • Week 1: 27 May – 31 May 
  • Week 7 Study Break: 8 Jul – 12 Jul 
  • Week 13 Assessment Week: 19 Aug – 23 Aug 

Study Period 3 2024 

  • Week 1: 9 Sep – 13 Sep 
  • Week 7 Study Break: 21 Oct – 28 Oct 
  • Week 13 Assessment Week: 2 Dec – 6 Dec 

Entry Requirements

School leaver applicants must:

  • Have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 qualification (or overseas equivalent as assessed by the Department of Education, including the International Baccalaureate (IB)), in the last 2 years.

Students who have successfully completed the senior level of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (or equivalent (VCAL/VCE(VM)in the last 2 years; may be eligible for entry into a diploma level course.  Students may use the diploma as a pathway into a degree.

View entry requirements for applicants with tertiary study and mature-age applicants.

Applicants are required to attend an interview or live audition and provide a portfolio of two live or recorded music performances.  

 

Find out more about auditioning at AIM. 

 

  • Have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 qualification (or overseas equivalent as assessed by the Department of Education, including the International Baccalaureate (IB)), in the last 2 years.

AND 

Applicants are required to attend and interview and provide a portfolio of two recorded music performances. 

 

Find out more about auditioning at AIM.

 

Fees

Indicative annual course fees: 

  • Study period 1: $9,126
  • Study period 2: $9,126 
  • Study period 3: $6,084 

Indicative total course fee: $73,008

 

* Fees provided are indicative only and are subject to change by AIM without notice.

 

FEE-HELP is available. Find out more.

For more information view the AIM’s Undergraduate fees or visit the Fees & Finance page.

 

Indicative annual course fees:

  • Study period 1: $10,710
  • Study period 2: $10,710
  • Study period 3: $7,140

Indicative total course fee: $85,680

 

* Fees provided are indicative only and are subject to change by AIM without notice.

 

For more information view the AIM’s Undergraduate fees or visit the Fees & Finance page.

 

Codes

CRS 1401305 

Bachelor 111575D 

What You’ll Study

You will develop your skills as a performer in your instrument of choice through a mix of one-on-one sessions and group learning. You will participate in collaborative projects with students from other specialisations – including composition and creative technology – to develop your experience working across various areas of music.  

Choose between a contemporary or classical pathway. 

There are three stages in the Bachelor of Music (Performance), depending on the depth of study you prefer.  

You may exit with a Diploma of Music at the end of 3 study periods. 

You may exit with the Associate Degree of Music at the end of 6 study periods.

The Bachelor of Music (Performance) is awarded at the end of 9 study periods.

3-Year Course Structure
2-Year Course Structure
Unit of study detail

Start your career in music today

Apply Now

Why Study Performance at AIM?

50+

Years of music education and leadership in Australia

>85 hrs

Individual tuition with our expert lecturers

>6,000

Members of the AIM alumni community

25+

Choice of electives to tailor your course

Alicia Varas 

Independent Artist

“The lecturers helped me get my vocals the best they could be, but also respected where I wanted to go as an artist and the way I wanted to sing.” 
Read Story
A woman standing with a guitar, looking back over her shoulder to the camera.

Career Opportunities

There are countless career options for musical performers. Although a full-time role as a musician is possible, musicians often enjoy a portfolio career that includes a mix of roles. In addition to performing – which may be in evenings and weekends – many musicians enjoy the lifestyle and freedom to add many different roles into their working careers.

This course provides an industry-recognised qualification with multiple career opportunities such as:

  • Arranger/Orchestrator
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Live Performer/Instrumentalist
  • Music Director
  • Music Supervisor
  • Music Tutor
  • Recording Artist
  • Songwriter
  • Sound Designer
  • Ensemble Director
  • Ensemble Musician
  • Music Librarian
  • Music Therapist
  • Orchestral Musician
  • Private Music Tutor
  • Professional Instrumentalist
  • Music Teacher

Meet the Lecturers

Matt Amy

Academic Lecturer • Melbourne
Matt Amy is a composer, arranger, trombonist and musical director based in Melbourne. His screen credits include Dancing with the Stars, Australia’s Got Talent and Australian Idol and movies such as Death Defying Acts and Corporate Animals.
Learn more Matt Amy

Sam Walton

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Sam Walton is a singer and musician with a passion for live performance. She began her music career in London, where she was mentored by one of the UK’s most highly regarded vocal coaches, Joshua Alamu (Little Mix, Fleur East, Joss Stone, The Voice UK, Pop Idol) and performed at numerous venues across the UK and Europe. 
Learn more Sam Walton

Dr. Philip Eames

ACADEMIC LECTURER
Philip Eames is a strikingly versatile and innovative musician, being professionally active as a pianist, composer, musicologist, choral conductor and musical director.
Learn more Dr. Philip Eames

Josh Kyle

Head of Melbourne Campus • Online, Melbourne
Josh Kyle is a highly respected faculty member at AIM’s Melbourne campus. His varied approach to music-making has seen him involved with many different musical experiences and settings. He has released four albums under his own name.
Learn more Josh Kyle

Robert Sedky

Academic Lecturer • Melbourne
Robert John Sedky is a Melbourne-based musician and composer. While his first passion is composition, he has worked extensively as a session player, producer and solo recording artist.
Learn more Robert Sedky
performer playing the electric guitar

Nick Brown

Academic Lecturer • Melbourne
Nick is a Melbourne-based guitarist, composer, producer, and educator. A songwriter and performer with various original acts – live and in the studio.
Learn more Nick Brown

Louisa Rankin

Academic Lecturer • Melbourne
A dynamic and compelling musician, Louisa Rankin’s artistry has been developed and refined over years of continued musical exploration.
Learn more Louisa Rankin

Dr. Wojciech Wisniewski

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Dr Wojciech Wisniewski is a pianist, pedagogue and author currently residing in Sydney, Australia. Born in Poland, Wojciech graduated from the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw (Poland) shortly before arriving in Australia in 2004.
Learn more Dr. Wojciech Wisniewski

Wen Zhu

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Australian violinist Wen Zhu was born in China and began learning violin at age five. She was awarded a full scholarship to study at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing before moving to Australia, where she has studied at AIM, Tasmanian Conservatory of Music and the Sydney Conservatorium.
Learn more Wen Zhu

Sam Rollings

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Sam Rollings is a guitarist and educator who has performed and recorded with a diverse range of local and international artists including James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, and Dan Barnett.
Learn more Sam Rollings

Noa Kidd

Workshop Teacher • Sydney
Noa has been teaching and working as a professional musician in Sydney for the last 10 years.
Learn more Noa Kidd

Novita Jap

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Novita was born in Surabaya (Indonesia), and commenced piano lessons at age 4. As a school student, she won numerous prizes in local competitions including first prize at the French Piano Competition in 2005.
Learn more Novita Jap

Nicholas Gentile

Academic Lecturer • Sydney, Melbourne
Nicholas Gentile is a performer and composer. A proud graduate of the prestigious Talent Development Project, he has performed and studied around the world.
Learn more Nicholas Gentile

Brad Miller

Senior Instructor • Sydney
Brad Miller began playing the piano at the age of five and completed his musical training in orchestration, arranging and modern harmony through Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Learn more Brad Miller

Clancye Milne

Academic Lecturer • Melbourne
Clancye Milne is a Melbourne-based improvising contemporary vocalist and composer. She is teaching voice as a part of our Bachelor of Performance.
Learn more Clancye Milne

Nic Cecire

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Nic Cecire is an in-demand drummer and educator based in Sydney. He has a resume of stage, recording and screen credits to match any professional musician working in Australia today. Nic’s work in pop and rock includes playing with headlining artists such as Wendy Mathews, The Whitlams, Jenny Morris, Boy George/Culture Club, Glenn Shorrock, Grace Knight.
Learn more Nic Cecire

Michael Bartolomei

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Michael has worked across multiple genres and settings, from rock and jazz to classical. He has composed for theatre (the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It) and film (Dive Deep, Resistance). His work has been featured extensively in radio and TV commercials including TVCs for Qantas and Nescafe.
Learn more Michael Bartolomei

Jo Elms

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Jo Elms is a singer, songwriter, musician and actress. Born and raised in New Zealand, Jo’s first single, Closest Thing to Heaven was released through Warner Music New Zealand and went to number 5 on the NZ pop charts.
Learn more Jo Elms

Chloe Chung

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Chloe Chung is an innovative cross-cultural flautist, playing Western classical flute and dizi (Chinese bamboo flute). Her passion for creativity, sustainability and health education are central to her work as an active performer, teacher, and emerging creative director.
Learn more Chloe Chung

Jeremy Sawkins

Academic Lecturer • Sydney, Online
Sydney-based guitarist Jeremy Sawkins has been an active member of the Australian music community since the late 1970’s. As well as being a composer/bandleader, Jeremy has shared the stage and recording studios with Jackie Orszacsky, Tina Harrod, Tom Burlinson, Grace Knight, Darren Percival, Katie Noonan, Kate Miller-Heidke, Wendy Matthews, Lloyd Swanton, Bernie McGann, James Morrison, Monica Trapaga and many more.
Learn more Jeremy Sawkins

Hugh Fraser

Academic Lecturer • Sydney, Online
As a bass player (electric and double bass), Hugh has performed with a who’s who of Australian and international performers including Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, Rhonda Burchmore, Grace Knight, James Morrison, Geraldine Turner and many more.
Learn more Hugh Fraser

Duncan Brown

ACADEMIC LECTURER • Sydney, Online
Duncan Brown is a professional bass player and teacher with a resume that’s full of impressive credits. Duncan has a Diploma in Jazz Studies (Performance) and a Graduate Diploma  (Music) from the Australian National University. 
Learn more Duncan Brown

Dr. Gary Holgate

Head of Learning and Teaching • Sydney
Gary is a highly qualified music academic and a seasoned musician. As an upright and electric bass player, he has performed and recorded with many jazz artists including Kevin Hunt, Grace Knight, Bill Risby, Joy Yates and Dave Macrae, and a guest solo on Plini’s ‘Wombat Astronaut’
Learn more Dr. Gary Holgate

Julian Gough

Head of Pathways and Engagement • Sydney
Julian has been active for 30 years, both nationally and internationally in the creative arts and has extensive experience in tertiary and secondary education, in Jazz and commercial performance, composition, musical direction and management.
Learn more Julian Gough

David McLeod

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
David McLeod’s rich and varied career spans 30 years as a singer/songwriter, band leader, session and backup singer, and actor.
Learn more David McLeod

Chris Fields

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Chris is an in-demand drummer/percussionist and a leading collaborator with musicians from all over the world.  He has performed with countless artists including Olivia Newton-John, Barry Gibb, Sandy Evans, Bobby Singh and many more. 
Learn more Chris Fields

Carol Starkey

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Carol Starkey’s singing career began when she joined the 1984 Australian and South East Asian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Marcia Hines.  This led to a near-constant stream of major theatrical, cabaret and fringe theatre shows.
Learn more Carol Starkey

Bronte Maree O’Neill

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Bronte Maree O’Neill is a performer, songwriter, producer and composer. With over 10 years of experience as a professional musician and artist, she has shared the stage with artists like Aston Merrygold, Paloma Faith, Guy Sebastian, Nico & Vinz and Hayley Warner. She has appeared as a session musician on TV programs such as X Factor, Sunrise and The Morning Show.
Learn more Bronte Maree O’Neill

Dr. Brieley Cutting

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Dr. Brieley Cutting is an Australian pianist whose playing has been critically praised for its “myriad of colours” and technical expertise. Throughout her career, she has combined her performing with her work as a piano teacher, academic lecturer, accompanist, artistic director, and artistic researcher.
Learn more Dr. Brieley Cutting

Sam Mudie

Associate Head of Teaching and Learning • Sydney
Sam was a founding member of the nine-piece band Hipnosis performing, coordinating and arranging a wide cross section of music from in venues, corporate functions and weddings in a full-time capacity.
Learn more Sam Mudie

Dr. Paul Geddes

Academic Lecturer • Sydney
Dr. Paul Geddes is a critically acclaimed theatre practitioner, teacher and scholar. As an educator and performer he has worked for Sydney Children’s Choir, Gondwana National Choirs, Macquarie University and NIDA. He has an A.Mus.A in Piano and a PhD in English Literature with a thesis on the work of Stephen Sondheim.
Learn more Dr. Paul Geddes

Greg Coffin

Associate Head of Learning and Teaching • Sydney
Greg is well respected as an outstanding educator at tertiary level. He is passionate about supporting students through their musical journey, specialising in first year student studies and teaching piano and commencing theory courses.
Learn more Greg Coffin

Ready to start your music journey?

Apply Now