There’s something special about studying music at the Australian Institute of Music. You don’t just sit in classrooms talking about theory, you learn from people who’ve lived it.
Chris Fields, a drummer and long-time AIM performance lecturer, has played with everyone from Olivia Newton-John to Barry Gibb. These days, he spends his time helping the next generation of performers find their footing.
“Everyone who teaches here is an active performer,” Chris says. “We’re always thinking about where the industry is heading and what skills students will need to thrive.” That real-world perspective sets AIM apart. Every class, every rehearsal, every project is designed to prepare students for life as working musicians.
Teaching What They Live
Chris has been with AIM for over 15 years and still gigs regularly. He knows firsthand how much the industry has changed and how important it is to stay adaptable.
“When I started out, I never imagined I’d need to know about marketing or production,” he says. “Now, every musician does. That’s why we take a holistic approach here.”
At AIM, performance students don’t just practice their craft, they learn how to record, produce, collaborate, and promote themselves. It’s a full-circle education that connects creativity with career reality.
Small Classes Mean Real Mentorship
“Even outside of class, we’re around,” Chris says. “Those spontaneous conversations can be just as valuable as what happens in a lecture.”
That sense of mentorship and openness is woven into AIM’s culture. Many students stay in touch with their teachers long after graduation, and sometimes even end up gigging with them.
Opening Doors into the Industry
Because AIM’s faculty are active in the music scene, opportunities often come directly through those connections. “If you’re good, reliable, and professional, word gets out,” Chris says. “I’ve recommended former students for gigs. That still happens.”
From big-stage musicals like Hamilton to major festival shows, AIM graduates are building careers across Australia – often with a little help from the mentors who taught them.
Your Teachers Have The Same Passion that Drives You
Ask Chris what keeps him teaching after two decades, and the answer comes easily. “It’s the energy,” he smiles. “Seeing students get fired up about music, starting bands, exploring new sounds — it’s infectious.”
That energy is what makes AIM’s culture so powerful. The people teaching you aren’t just experts; they’re musicians who still love what they do.
Learn from Those Who Live It
At AIM, you won’t just learn about music – you’ll live it, with a community of people who’ve turned their passion into a profession.
You’ll get the skills, confidence, and connections to step straight into the industry.
Ready to learn from the legends?
If studying with mentors like Chris sounds like your kind of learning you can reach out to our Future Students Team to find out more about life at AIM.
