Diploma of Music Performance
Overview
1 year full time / 2 years part time
1 year
February, July
February, July
A noteworthy qualification for the music industry
Developing the specialist skills you need for music performance, Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Performance) will help you take charge of your music career. Melbourne is Australia’s music capital and is home to over 500 music venues. It’s a vibrant city with a bounty of music-related career opportunities. If you have any music performance experience and a fundamental knowledge of theory and music notation, you will be well-suited to strengthening your musical talents with this course
Learn among industry professionals
Students of our Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Performance) will receive intense one-on-one tuition on their principal musical instrument with industry-experienced teachers. Melbourne Polytechnic’s extensive facilities include Mac computer labs equipped with high-end music software, theatre spaces with excellent sound and lighting and skilled student operators that support your every performance. You will also have access to a variety of rehearsal rooms, which are set up with drum kits, piano, PAs and amplifiers. You’ll have opportunities to perform regularly, collaborate with other students, play in some of Melbourne’s leading venues and make vital industry contacts.
Melbourne Polytechnic’s musical alumni include the founding members of ARIA-award winning band Augie March, Stonefield and rock and roll DJ icon Stan Rofe.
Up the tempo on your music career
Once you’ve completed the Diploma of Music CUA50820 (Performance), you will have developed your music theory, aural, improvisation, keyboard, arranging, composition and technology skills. You will be able to perform contemporary and commercial styles of music and might find employment as a solo artist, a performer in bands, a music teacher, an arranger, a producer or as an agent in the music industry. After you finish the diploma, you will also have the opportunity to move into our Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Performance) to further your studies.
Upcoming info sessions
Have a chat with our highly experienced course advisors who can help you navigate your many career options.
Katelyn Sullivan
I really enjoyed studying music performance at Melbourne Polytechnic. The teachers were all good musicians, and were always willing to help out and share their expertise if you needed anything. The skills I learnt in my performance courses were all really important, practical and helpful for my future. I can honestly say that studying at Melbourne Polytechnic was the best decision I ever made.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Music - Performance CUA50820 take me?
With the diploma firmly under your belt, you can seek employment in the music industry as a solo artist, performer in bands, music teacher, arranger, producer or as an agent in the music industry.
- Music Composer
- Music Performer
- Musician
- Music Arranger
Study Pathways
On completion of this course you may continue your studies in our Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Performance), or work towards our Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production.
Other Music Performance courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Performance venues
- Studio
- Electronic music lab
- Skills development activities in simulated work environments
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
32 weeks across 2 semesters.
Assessment Methods
Assessment includes: observation of students' performance, oral questioning, written activities, and projects/portfolios of student work.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| CUACMP511 | Manage copyright arrangements | Core | 20 |
| CUAIND412 | Provide freelance services | Core | 40 |
| CUAIND512 | Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge | Core | 60 |
| CUAMCP411 | Develop techniques for arranging music | Elective | 45 |
| CUAMCP511 | Compose music using music technology | Elective | 60 |
| CUAMLT411 | Notate music for performance | Elective | 35 |
| CUAMLT413 | Analyse basic harmony functions | Elective | 55 |
| CUAMLT511 | Refine aural perception and memory skills | Elective | 60 |
| CUAMPF411 | Rehearse music for group performances | Elective | 85 |
| CUAMPF412 | Develop and apply stagecraft skills | Elective | 70 |
| CUAMPF416 | Perform music as a soloist | Elective | 70 |
| CUAMPF418 | Develop performance techniques on a second instrument | Elective | 40 |
| CUAMPF511 | Develop programs for performances | Elective | 70 |
| CUAMPF515 | Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire | Elective | 85 |
| CUAMWB401 | Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries | Core | 50 |
| CUAPPM513 | Incorporate creative and technical needs into management processes | Elective | 150 |
Audition FAQ
Information about preparing for your music audition
Audition Advice
Music Performance Course Information Booklet
For detailed information download our course information booklet
Download
Teacher Jack Pantazis
A life-long career in music
Meet Jack
Student Ash Ravens
Gigging in late-night bars, performing at huge daytime festivals, running the sound at community events, live music, recording, mixing, editing – there are so many job opportunities in the music industry.
Meet AshFees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $11700 | $15750 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $11950 | $16000 |
| Per year | $18600 |
| Per semester | $9300 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Book an audition
Requirements
- Year 12 with VCE Music: Solo/Group and/or industry experience. Note: this is not a compulsory requirement
- Certificate IV in Music Industry (Performance) or equivalent. Note: this is not a compulsory requirement
- apply through VTAC or directly to Melbourne Polytechnic
- attend an audition/interview. Auditions are conducted either remotely via Zoom or phone, or in-person at the Fairfield Campus, and are open to all applicants (local, interstate, overseas). For further information email performingarts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
- attend an Information Session. Note: this is not a compulsory requirement
- Academic: Australian Year 11 equivalency.
- English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
- Audition/Interview: Attend an audition/interview. Auditions are conducted either remotely via Zoom, or in-person at the Fairfield Campus, and are open to all applicants (local, interstate, overseas). For further information email performingarts@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Next Steps
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.
Complete the application form on the application form webpage.
You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
We’ll ask you to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Music news at Melbourne Polytechnic
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.