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 help us assess your suitability for the program and is your opportunity to demonstrate your talent and passion for music.
If you are based in Melbourne and Sydney, you will attend a live audition. Students outside Melbourne and Sydney, and international students outside Australia, submit an audition and portfolio online.
If your audition is successful, you will receive a letter of offer to study at AIM.
We have all the information you need to prepare your audition or portfolio for the course you’re interested in. Read carefully as the requirements differ by course.
Requirements for the Diploma of Music
Applicants are required to provide a music resume.
Be sure to include:
- Your major instrument along with any previous music study or practical experiences
- If you don’t play an instrument, what is the area of music you would like to focus on (i.e. Composition, Creative Technology, etc.)
- Any music related achievements or certifications
- If you do or don’t have experience with music technology, and what that experience is
- Your music interests (i.e. specific genres, certain artists, etc.)
Requirements for the Bachelor of Music
Applicants for Bachelor of Music should prepare two contrasting items.
These may take the form of:
- A live music performance of your major instrument
- A recorded video or audio performance of your major instrument
- A recorded original composition including a credit list (for example: composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer)
- A pdf score of an original composition or arrangement
- A handwritten score of an original composition or arrangement
- An original audio mix of a musical work including a credit list (for example: composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer)
- An analytical essay about music or the music business. Topics may include a music artist, composer, musical work, genre, or aspect of the music business.
The two contrasting items you provide depend on the specialisation you are applying for, for example Performance, Composition, or Creative Technology. See below for more information.
Optional items that may maximise your success include:
- A Music / Performance Resume outlining any previous training and / or experience
- A Cover Letter outlining your goals for study and / or career aspirations
- Awards, Certificates, Music exam certificates (such as AMEB or Trinity)
- Additional audio / video recordings
- References from teachers, tutors or industry professionals
Music Specialisation Requirements
Your portfolio should include at least two original composition scores, recorded composition or arrangement, or original audio mix of a musical work.
When preparing, consider the following:
- Provide complete pieces, not small samples
- You must provide a credit list to acknowledge all contributors, eg, composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer
- Mediums can include sound files, video recordings, PDF or handwritten scores, or original audio mix
- Make sure your compositional skills are demonstrated
- An original arrangement written and / or recorded item is acceptable.
Your portfolio should include at least two original composition scores, recorded composition or arrangement, or original audio mix of a musical work.
When preparing, consider the following:
- Provide complete pieces, not small samples
- You must include a credit lists to acknowledge all contributors, eg, composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer
- Mediums can include sound files, video recordings, PDF or handwritten scores, or original audio mix
- Make sure you can demonstrate your ability using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Your portfolio should include at least one analytical essay about music or the music business. Topics may include a music artist, composer, musical work, genre, or aspect of the music business.
Your portfolio should prepare two live or recorded music performances.
When preparing, consider the following:
- Provide be complete pieces, not excerpts
- If auditioning for the contemporary stream, choose contemporary pieces (any sub-genre) and provide at minimum a lead sheet. At least one must be a cover
- If auditioning for the classical stream, choose classical pieces (any style or period) and provide sheet music for your part.
Preparing your portfolio. Creative Portfolio (Required)
When preparing, consider the following:
If under the age of 21
- Submission of your ATAR showing a result of 60.00 or higher
- Submission of your year 12 marks showing minimum satisfactory English marks for tertiary study
- If not completed year 12, submit reports from year 11 and any from year 12 already received
If mature-aged (21 or over) or ATAR of 60.00 not achieved
- Analytical essay about music business or music. Topics may include:
- Artist managers
- Benefits and disadvantages of music streaming platforms
- Review of the success of an artist’s brand and their marketing to their demographic
- A short introduction video about you and why you would like to pursue the study of Musicology at the Australian Institute of Music
Preparing your portfolio. Creative Portfolio (Required)
When preparing, consider the following:
If under the age of 21
- Submission of your ATAR showing a result of 60.00 or higher
- Submission of your year 12 marks showing minimum satisfactory English marks for tertiary study
- If not completed year 12, submit reports from year 11 and any from year 12 already received
If mature-aged (21 or over) or ATAR of 60.00 not achieved
- Analytical essay about music business or music. Topics may include:
- Artist managers
- Benefits and disadvantages of music streaming platforms
- Review of the success of an artist’s brand and their marketing to their demographic
- A short introduction video about you and why you would like to pursue the study of Musicology at the Australian Institute of Music
Preparing your application. Please complete and return the following documentation:
When preparing, consider the following:
- Completion certificate and Academic Transcript from previous bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent.
- Copies of any previous undergraduate studies – testamur and your academic transcripts OR evidence of relevant work experience.
- Cover letter outlining your goals for study and/or career aspirations AND/OR relevant work experience, and any other documentation that supports the application and gives us information about why you want to study the degree.
- Resume/ CV providing details of any Previous Music and/or business experience (music industry experience is welcome but not required).
We may arrange an Interview with you after you have completed your online submission. This will allow us to get further information about your experience, goals and interests in music if required. You will also have a chance to ask any questions that you may have about the course or about AIM in general.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Music Theatre
Applicants for Bachelor of Music Theatre should prepare two contrasting items for a live audition that demonstrate their ability to sing, dance and act.
Optional items that may maximise your success include:
- A Music / Performance Resume outlining any previous training and / or experience
- A Cover Letter outlining your goals for study and / or career aspirations
- Awards, Certificates, Music exam certificates (such as AMEB or Trinity)
- Additional audio / video recordings
- References from teachers, tutors or industry professionals.
Requirements for the Master of Music
Applicants to the Master of Music are required to provide evidence of their creative practice within their area of preferred study. Applicants should refer to the Bachelor of Music requirements in their specialisation area to prepare their portfolio.
Submitting Your Audition
Take note of the requirements to schedule and submit your live or online audition. Once you have submitted your course application you will be asked to audition or submit your creative portfolio.
Live Auditions
Auditions are held throughout the year. Once you have submitted your application you will be asked to book your audition. You can book at either our Sydney or our Melbourne Campus.
The audition usually runs for about half an hour, allowing time for you to share your work and to have a discussion about your music experience and goals for the future. You will be assessed by an academic in your preferred area of study.
Prepare an introduction about yourself and your music experience. The more we know about you the better we can assess your suitability for the program.
We won’t provide an accompanist, so you need to bring backing tracks on a Bluetooth compatible device OR one bring your own accompanist. If you plan to bring an accompanist, please let us know their attendance and instrument in advance so we can select the appropriate space.
Online Auditions or Portfolio Submissions
We will provide you with a link to where you can upload your portfolio. Once all you’ve prepared your files are ready, you can upload them for assessment.
Be sure to include a short introduction video about you and your music goals and why you would like to study with us.
When preparing your files, please note the following:
- Documents should be uploaded in PDF, JPEG or PNG formats only
- Audio files should be uploaded in MP3 or WAV file formats
- Video files should be uploaded in MP4 or MOV file formats
After Your Audition
Whether it’s in person, or online, your audition or portfolio will be assessed by one of our academic staff. You’ll be notified of the outcome within 2 weeks of your audition or submission date. If successful, you’ll receive a letter of offer from AIM. If your audition was unsuccessful, we can discuss options with you, as there may be an alternative path to study with us.
Top Tips
Whatever course you’re interested in, our top tips are:
- Select pieces that best showcase your talent!
- Make sure you know your pieces well and you’re comfortable performing them.
- Ensure you show your passion, willingness to work and learn and of course your musical skills.
Hear directly from our academics on tips to nail your audition.
