“…tertiary-educated artists were more likely to have played a gig in the last week and were likely to earn more coin from their music industry work than those without that formal education.” – Triple J
Triple J’s 2024 Comprehensive Australian Artist Survey offered a revealing snapshot of what it’s like to be a musician in Australia today. More than 1,000 local bands, artists, and music creators shared their experiences navigating an industry that’s rapidly evolving and full of creativity, competition, and constant change.
The findings highlight both the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in music. Many artists struggle to secure regular gigs or turn their talent into a sustainable income. Yet, one result stood out: musicians with a degree in music consistently outperformed those without formal training. They were more likely to have played a gig recently and tended to earn more from their music overall.
While 83% of musicians reported taking on non-music work to maintain a stable income, and 78% of those earned more from those side jobs than from performing, a formal qualification clearly helps artists stand out. Musicians who study their craft gain not only practical performance skills but also industry knowledge, networks, and business tools that help them turn passion into a profession.
This mix of work, often called a portfolio career, is common across the creative industries. Many successful artists balance live gigs, teaching, producing, and other creative roles. Full-time music careers are absolutely achievable — especially for those equipped with the skills and connections developed through structured study.
At AIM, our degree programs are designed with that reality in mind. They help students build sustainable, flexible careers in music, whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes.
The survey revealed that even in the streaming era, live gigs remain the lifeblood of most musicians’ income. For the majority of artists, performing live generates the bulk of their earnings, which serves a reminder that audiences still crave real, in-person musical experiences in a world driven by digital consumption. The only major exception? Hip-hop, where streaming has overtaken live shows as the primary revenue source.
Social media has also become indispensable for artists looking to grow their audiences. Among all platforms, Instagram dominates, with 69% of survey respondents calling it their most valuable tool for showcasing work and engaging with fans. Building a career today means mastering both the stage and the smartphone.
That’s why AIM’s degree programs strike the right balance between artistry and industry know-how. Students gain extensive live performance experience while learning the business essentials of a modern music career. Through courses such as our Bachelor of Music Business, you’ll explore areas like artist development, marketing, and event production, and complete an industry placement in your final year to put those skills into practice.
If you’re pursuing a career as a performer, producer, or songwriter, our Bachelor of Music courses let you tailor your studies to your goals. For instance, the Bachelor of Music (Performance) offers elective units in publishing, artist management, social media strategy, and entertainment law – perfect for anyone aiming to be a self-managed artist.
Despite the growing opportunities in music, nearly half of the surveyed artists (48%) have considered leaving the industry in recent years. The challenges are real, but a music degree provides structure, support, and an invaluable network of collaborators who often become lifelong creative partners. The classmates you meet in your first year may one day become your bandmates, producers, or even employers.
The survey also revealed a noticeable shift in how artists make music today. Traditional band setups are losing ground among younger musicians, while solo projects are on the rise. This change accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many artists, both new and established, turned to solo work to keep creating during lockdowns and social distancing. Even so, the value of collaboration remains central to artistic growth.
At AIM, our campuses are alive with collaboration. Students form bands, join performance groups, and build creative partnerships every day. At the same time, individual performers thrive through dedicated one-on-one mentoring with our expert academic staff, who help shape each student’s unique artistic voice.
Triple J’s survey highlights how the music industry continues to evolve and how essential structured learning is in helping artists keep pace. We believe the conversation about supporting Australian musicians should start with music education. A degree doesn’t just build technical skills; it equips artists to adapt to new trends, technology, and audience behaviours.
Students come to AIM because they love music and want to make it their life’s work — and our programs prepare them to do exactly that.
Ready to discover your future in music? Explore our wide range of courses below.
