Auditioning at AIM
Most of our programs require an in-person audition or the online submission of a creative portfolio.
Preparing your audition or portfolio
Your audition and portfolio are your moment to shine and your chance to show us who you are as a musician and why you belong at the Australian Institute of Music.
If you’re in Melbourne or Sydney, you’ll attend a live audition. If you’re elsewhere in Australia or applying internationally, you can submit your audition and portfolio online instead.
Requirements vary by course, so take a moment to find your program below and read through what you’ll need to prepare.
Course audition requirements
- A music resume outlining any previous musical study, and/or practical music experiences and achievement.
- A music resume outlining any previous musical study, and/or practical music experiences and achievements.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- 300-500-word personal statement explaining your interest in Music Business and previous experience (if any) in the field.
- 300-500-word personal statement explaining your interest in Music Business, previous experience in the field (if any), and your academic history.
- Two contrasting items in line with your chosen discipline in either Composition, Performance or Creative Technology, OR submit an additional 300-500 word personal statement explaining your interest in Musicology and previous experience (if any) in the field.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- Prepare two contrasting items detailed below. These items can be shared at the live interview/audition or submitted online.
- At least one item should be an original composition score, recorded composition or arrangement, or original audio mix of musical work, including a credit list to acknowledge all contributors, eg, composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, and engineer.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- Prepare two contrasting items detailed below. These items can be shared at the live interview/audition or submitted online.
- At least one should be an original composition score, recorded composition or arrangement, or original audio mix of a musical work, including a credit list to acknowledge all contributors, eg, composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, and engineer.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- 300-500-word personal statement explaining your interest in Musicology and previous experience (if any) in the field.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- Prepare two contrasting items of live or recorded performances. These items can be shared at the live interview/audition or submitted online.
• 2 Music Theatre pieces (provide sheet music in your key).
• A 2-3 minute monologue showcasing acting.
• Participation in a group dance workshop to assess your dancing.
For online submissions, you’ll need:
• 2 Music Theatre pieces.
• A 2-3 minute monologue.
• A short video of your dancing.
For in-person auditions, you’ll need:
• 2 Music Theatre pieces with backing tracks on a Bluetooth device.
- Over-the-phone interview with a future student advisor.
- Prepare two contrasting items in your field of interest. These items can be shared at the live interview/audition or submitted online.
- A music resume outlining any previous musical study, and/or practical music experiences and achievements.
Attending your audition or submitting your portfolio
Once you’ve submitted your course application, you’ll be invited to schedule your audition or submit your creative portfolio. Take note of the requirements below in advance, so you’re ready to prepare and submit on time.
Live auditions
Auditions run throughout the year at our Sydney and Melbourne campuses. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be invited to book a time at your preferred location.
Each audition runs for around 30 minutes, giving you the chance to share your work and talk through your musical background and goals with an academic from your area of study.
Come prepared with a short introduction about yourself and your musical journey. The more we know about you, the better we can assess your fit for the program.
Important audition notes:
- Accompaniment: We don’t provide an accompanist, so please bring either backing tracks on a Bluetooth-compatible device or your own accompanist. If you’re bringing an accompanist, let us know their instrument and attendance in advance so we can arrange the right space.
- Drummers: While we provide a full kit, please bring your own cymbals to ensure you can perform at your best.
Online auditions or portfolio submissions
If you’re submitting online, we’ll send you a link to upload your files.
Please ensure your files are in the correct format:
- Documents: PDF, JPEG or PNG
- Audio files: MP3 or WAV
- Video: MP4 or MOV
After your audition
Whether your audition takes place in person or online, it will be reviewed thoughtfully by one of our academic staff, and you’ll hear back on the outcome within two weeks.
If successful, you’ll receive a letter of offer to study at AIM. If your audition is unsuccessful, we’re happy to discuss your options with you, as there may be an alternative path to studying with us.
Tips for your Audition Day
Whatever course you’re interested in, here are a few tips to help you put your best foot forward:
- Choose pieces that genuinely showcase your strengths as a musician.
- Make sure you know them well enough to perform with confidence and ease.
- Let your passion, skill, and willingness to learn shine through – that’s what we’re excited to see.
For more guidance, hear directly from our academics on tips to nail your audition.
