Building confidence, creating music and becoming Dia Diamond

Zac always loved music, but for years, it felt more like a distant dream than a career path. Working full time in retail, Zac was unsure how to take the next step. They’d considered retail management as a long-term option but deep down, they knew it wasn’t what they really wanted. 

That shift came in 2023, when Zac enrolled in the Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production at Melbourne Polytechnic. 

“I wanted a hands-on course that would guide me and give me the tools to be self-sufficient,” Zac says. 

Zac’s decision to study music was about more than just learning technical skills. It was about building a life that felt meaningful — a future in which they could pursue something they loved, express themselves creatively, and gain the confidence to step into the spotlight. 

After finding the course online and hearing positive things from a friend who had studied it, Zac attended an information session. The practical focus of the degree stood out immediately, as did the flexibility. 

“I had a big gap in study. This gave me the confidence and reassurance that I could make uni fit,” Zac explains. The option to study part-time, and the supportive attitude from staff, made a real difference. 

The community on campus was another unexpected benefit. 

“It’s like being in a gym — everyone is at a different level, but you’re all there to improve yourself.” 

From performing and recording, to booking gigs and releasing songs, Zac has built up a toolkit of real-world skills that help them feel prepared for a career in music. They’ve learned about songwriting, sound production, and artist development — all while finding their voice as a performer. 

Through class discussions, Zac began exploring the idea of performing under a stage persona — and Dia Diamond was born. That creative exploration helped shape their confidence on stage and in the studio. 

“I think through the course, it’s allowed me to find my courage and helped me really hone in on what I want to bring to a stage.” 

With access to fully equipped studios, booking systems, and supportive teachers who also work in the industry, Zac found the right environment to grow. Their teachers brought real-life insight and encouragement that helped shape their musical development — and now, they’re preparing to launch their debut album. 

“Releasing an EP was probably the most fun, exhausting, intimidating and also very cathartic experience. All those in one.” 

Zac says they never thought they’d be the kind of person to release music or build a persona. But with the support of the course, they’ve not only made it possible — they’ve made it real. 

Now, with new confidence and clear goals, Zac is working on a music video and planning the next phase of their career. They’ve gone from uncertain about what’s possible, to creating something that feels entirely their own. 

“Without the course, Dia Diamond probably wouldn’t exist.” 

If you want to turn your passion into something real, a course in Music and Sound Production could be your first step.