3 years full time / available part time
3 years
February
Unfortunately we are no longer accepting enrolments into this course. You may wish to consider enrolment into our other music courses as an alternative. |
As a graduate, you will be qualified as an arranger, performer, composer, songwriter, small business operator, music programmer, director, creative director, private studio teacher, community music director, sound creator and sound technician. You may also gain specialist jobs in the music industry including music media, equipment, publishing and record companies.
The Bachelor of Music also works as a stepping-stone to higher qualifications such as a Master of Teaching, which is required for many ongoing teaching positions in music.
Various forms of assessment may be used including assignments, music recitals, practical demonstrations, aural and written exams, oral presentations, and folio work.
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
Code | Subject | Elective | Description | Year | Semester |
BOM115 | Music practice 1 | Core | Develop practical abilities on your chosen instrument and gain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres | 1 | |
BOM125 | MUSIC PRACTICE 2 | Core | Develop practical abilities on your chosen instrument and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres. | 1 | |
BOM112 | Contemporary ensemble 1 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a specified contemporary style. Obtain a working knowledge of instrumental/vocal techniques and approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the performance of musical repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; and ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist. | 1 | |
BOM122 | CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE 2 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a specified contemporary style and obtain a working knowledge of instrumental/vocal techniques and approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the performance of musical repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; and ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist | 1 | |
BOM114 | Culture & context of music | Core | Contextualize your musical activity through reflection, analysis, and cultural identification. Participate in weekly lectures, seminars and tutorials to develop critical thinking skills, broaden stylistic awareness and understanding, and encourage self-reflection and engagement with your cultural values | 1 | 1 |
BOM110 | Contemporary music theory 1 | Core | This subject will develop fundamental skills in the principles and notational practices of western music with a focus on contemporary music. The subject will be divided between theory classwork and keyboard skills. Topics covered, include: chord nomenclature; construction of scales (major and common minor); intervals; triads; cycle of 4ths/5ths; inversions; voice leading; four note chords; modes of the major scale; modulation; reading and writing in bass and treble clef; and rudimentary keyboard skills. | 1 | 1 |
BOM111 | Aural musicianship 1 | Core | This subject will develop aural skills in a systematic and progressive manner, in order to inform and synthesise all your work in the course. The subject will be divided between recognition work in the classroom and production work through practical musical activities that integrate listening, singing, improvisation, and reading with instruments. This first unit will introduce aural recognition and production of texture; timbre; compass; tessitura; range; tempo; dynamic; articulation; pitch; rhythm ; density; metre; placement in space ; structure; and pace | 1 | 1 |
BOM113 | Intercultural ensemble 1 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a specified non-European music tradition, explored through a combination of lectures, student presentations and practical engagement. Develop rhythmic and melodic musicianship through the study of traditional repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop an understanding of cultural context in music making; cross-cultural musicianship; and conceptual flexibility across cultures and genres | 1 | 1 |
BOM124 | Career strategies in music industry | Core | From management of an online presence to creating a cohesive artistic identity and brand, the subject provides a survey of ways in which contemporary music artists intersect with their audiences and the range of ways they might manage their commercial prospects. Introduction to concepts underpinning the marketing process and strategies used to promote music products. Investigate social media and online marketing and traditional marketing strategies for music products, distribution and promotion of digital music products and undertake analysis of markets - branding; communication strategies; marketing planning process and strategy development ; marketing research; business ethics, marketing law and compliance ; direct marketing and e-commerce ; marketing plans; online marketing strategies; broadcast distribution; professional online conduct ; Press Kit construction; digital distribution; and copywriting, licensing and publishing | 1 | 2 |
BOM120 | CONTEMPORARY MUSIC THEORY 2 | Core | Develop understanding of the theoretical principles and practices of notation used in contemporary music, including jazz and popular music. Build on the concepts explored in Contemporary Music Theory 1 and provide a foundation for the creation of original contemporary music Analyse the historical development of harmonic techniques and practices in western art music; and create music in a contemporary style demonstrating the application of more advanced theoretical concepts | 1 | 2 |
BOM121 | AURAL MUSICIANSHIP 2 | Core | Develop aural skills in a systematic and progressive manner, in order to inform and synthesise all work in the course. The subject will be divided between recognition work in the classroom and production work through practical musical activities that integrate listening, singing, improvisation, and reading with instruments. Build upon the aural recognition and production skills of the prior semester, featuring the following elements of music: texture; timbre; compass; tessitura; range; tempo; dynamic; articulation; pitch; rhythm ; density; metre; placement in space ; structure; and pace | 1 | 2 |
BOM123 | Intercultural ensemble 2 | Core | Build on ensemble skills developed in Intercultural Ensemble 1. The specified tradition will be explored through a combination of lectures, student presentations and practical engagement. Develop rhythmic and melodic musicianship through the study of traditional repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop an understanding of cultural context in music making; cross-cultural musicianship; and conceptual flexibility across cultures and genres | 1 | 2 |
BOM215 | MUSIC PRACTICE 3 | Core | Develop practical abilities on your chosen instrument and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres | 2 | |
BOM216 | MUSIC COMPOSITION 1 | Core | Introduction to the principles of musical composition through its conventions and practices. Address issues of form, the use of technology as a compositional tool, and the investigation of instrument-specific problems, drawing on examples from the literature. Examine a range of methods of notation as applied to composing for both voice and rhythm section. Throughout the semester you will develop a folio of original compositions. The folio will address issues of technique and reflect your research of directed reading, listening and analysis. Submit a Major Project for inclusion in an end of semester workshop. | 2 | |
BOM225 | MUSIC PRACTICE 4 | Core | Develop practical abilities on your chosen instrument and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres | 2 | |
BOM226 | MUSIC COMPOSITION 2 | Core | The purpose of this subject is to build on the principles of musical composition examined in BOM216. The student will address issues of form, the use of technology as a compositional tool, and the investigation of instrument-specific problems, drawing on examples from the literature. The student will examine a range of methods of notation as applied to composing for both guitar and piano. Throughout the semester the student will develop a folio of original compositions. The folio will address issues of technique and reflect student research of directed reading, listening and analysis. The student will submit a Major Project for inclusion in an end of semester concert. | 2 | |
BOM212 | CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE 3 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a variety of stylistic contexts and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist ; and creative approaches to music performance | 2 | |
BOM222 | CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE 4 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a variety of stylistic contexts and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist; and creative approaches to music performance | 2 | |
BOM214 | MUSIC MEANING, AESTHETICS AND CRITICISM | Core | Further develop understanding of the functions of music within society. Anthropological and sociological theory will be employed to identify and analyse relationships between musical and cultural trends - past and present. Develop academic writing skills, critical thinking, reflective writing, research methods and essay writing. Subject will culminate in a negotiated self-directed project, through which you will present your findings in an appropriate format | 2 | 1 |
BOM210 | CONTEMPORARY ARRANGING 1 | Core | Develop knowledge of the principles of arranging music for instruments and ensembles within the context of contemporary music. Build on the knowledge developed in previous subjects and receive a foundation for arranging music idiomatically for common instruments with a focus on the rhythm section. Study existing scores and recordings to develop understanding of, and ability to, apply the essential principles of arranging and conventions of music notation. Topics include: construction of melody; treatment of melody; homophonic harmonisation; common instruments – capabilities and characteristics; writing for rhythm section; writing a complete arrangement/ arrangement design; and an end of semester project | 2 | 1 |
BOM211 | AURAL MUSICIANSHIP 3 | Core | Develop aural skills in a systematic and progressive manner, in order to inform and synthesise all your work in the course. Subject will be divided between recognition work in the classroom and production work through practical musical activities that integrate listening, singing, improvisation, and reading with instruments. Build upon the aural recognition and production skills of the prior semester, featuring the following elements of music: texture; timbre; compass; tessitura; range; tempo; dynamic; articulation; pitch; rhythm ; density; metre; placement in space; structure; and pace | 2 | 1 |
BOM213 | INTERCULTURAL ENSEMBLE 3 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a non-European music tradition. The specified tradition will be explored through a combination of lectures, student presentations and practical engagement. Develop rhythmic and melodic musicianship through the study of traditional repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop an understanding of cultural context in music making; cross-cultural musicianship ; and conceptual flexibility across cultures and genres | 2 | 1 |
BOM224 | Introduction to music technology | Core | Investigate the principles of live audio production in music and study the following areas; fundamental physics of sound, the microphone, the structure of a channel strip and mixing desk, the application of these principles in a DAW environment, analog/digital conversion, the principles and application of digital signal processing and the history and impact of the recording on contemporary music practice. Software used should support and prepare you for BOM310 | 2 | 2 |
BOM220 | CONTEMPORARY ARRANGING 2 | Core | Further develop the arranging methods expounded in Contemporary Arranging 1 and learn to create arrangements for 'horn section' with rhythm section. Examine open voicings, accompaniment, melodic minor theory and working with motif. At the conclusion of this semester, produce a complete arrangement for horns and rhythm section, which will be performed by faculty staff and external professional musicians. Topics include: open voicings; countermelody ; accompaniment ; melodic minor theory ; writing for horn section ; working with motif; and an end of year project | 2 | 2 |
BOM221 | AURAL MUSICIANSHIP 4 | Core | Develop aural skills in a systematic and progressive manner, in order to inform and synthesise all your work in the course. The subject will be divided between recognition work in the classroom and production work through practical musical activities that integrate listening, singing, improvisation, and reading with instruments. This unit will build upon the aural recognition and production skills of the prior semester, featuring texture; timbre; compass; tessitura; range ; tempo; dynamic; articulation; pitch; rhythm ; density; metre; placement in space; structure; and pace | 2 | 2 |
BOM223 | INTERCULTURAL ENSEMBLE 4 | Core | Build on ensemble skills developed in Intercultural Ensemble 3. The specified tradition will be explored through a combination of lectures, presentations and practical engagement. Develop rhythmic and melodic musicianship through the study of traditional repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop an understanding of cultural context in music making; cross-cultural musicianship; and conceptual flexibility across cultures and genres | 2 | 2 |
BOM315 | MUSIC PRACTICE 5 | Core | Develop practical abilities on your chosen instrument and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres | 3 | |
BOM316 | MUSIC COMPOSITION 3 | Core | Build on the principles of musical composition examined in BOM226. Address issues of form, the use of technology as a compositional tool, and the investigation of instrument-specific problems, drawing on examples from the literature. Examine a range of methods of notation as applied to composing for both Western and non-Western percussion. Throughout the semester develop a folio of original compositions addressing issues of technique and reflecting your research of directed reading, listening and analysis. Submit a Major Project for inclusion in an end of semester concert | 3 | |
BOM325 | MUSIC PRACTICE 6 | Core | Develop practical abilities on your chosen instrument and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres | 3 | |
BOM326 | MUSIC COMPOSITION 4 | Core | This subject consists primarily of project work directed by you, delivered through a combination of one-to-one lessons and seminars. In addition, you will analyse and discuss your work in small peer groups. Over the course of the semester, you will compose a major work of 10 - 20 minute duration for an ensemble of your choice. Work collaboratively to plan, organise and present a concert in which this major work will feature. You will also analyse an approved work of your choice, including a compositional response and an exegesis. | 3 | |
BOM310 | COMPOSING FOR MEDIA | Core | The purpose of this subject is to introduce the skills of composition, arranging and analysis in the context of music in film and other media. Students will work collaboratively with musicians, media creators and technical personnel to compose and synchronise music to media, integrating acoustic and synthetic instruments. Topics include: the role and function of music across different media, roles and workflows in pre-production, production, post-production, moving image terminology and protocols, synchronisation of music to media, an analysis of selected scores written for different media, writing for percussion, writing for strings and studio project | 3 | 1 |
BOM311 | AURAL MUSICIANSHIP 5 | Core | Develop aural skills in a systematic and progressive manner, in order to inform and synthesise all work in the course. The subject will be divided between recognition work in the classroom and production work through practical musical activities that integrate listening, singing, improvisation, and reading with instruments. This unit will build upon the aural recognition and production skills of the prior semester, featuring texture; timbre; compass; tessitura; range; tempo; dynamic; articulation ; pitch; rhythm ; density; metre; placement in space ; structure ; and pace | 3 | 1 |
BOM312 | CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE 5 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a variety of stylistic contexts and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist; creative approaches to music performance ; and leadership by means of improvisation, ensemble direction and direction of sectional changes | 3 | 1 |
BOM317 | MUSIC TECHNOLOGY IN COMPOSITION | Elective | Investigate the use and history of music technology as both a structural and sonic enabler. Topics include the history and practice of acousmatic music; the history and application of mathematical process in pitch and rhythm ; the history and application of sound spatialisation ; the history and application of indeterminacy in composition; introductory physics of sound ; and digital signal processing | 3 | 1 |
BOM318 | TRANSCULTURAL MUSIC STUDIES 1 | Elective | Investigation of performance in a cross-cultural context with a focus on understanding and negotiating differences between music cultures. Investigate these culturally alternative ways of understanding and constructing music through participation, analysis and creative engagement. This will be explored through: ensemble (1.5 hours), practical workshops, lectures and seminars (2 hours). Assessment will be by means of group and unaccompanied performance, composition/arranging, class presentations and written analysis | 3 | 1 |
BOM319 | BODY MAPPING AND PERFORMANCE WELLNESS | Elective | Empower creative arts practitioners with accurate information about the body and how it moves in their practice . Develop mind-body skills to enhance resiliency in performance . Address common health issues associated with creative arts practice including performance anxiety and public speaking anxiety . Reduce the incidents of musculoskeletal injury and fatigue related to misuse of computers and musical instruments . Instill creative arts practitioners with practical skills and strategies to address long-term emotional and physiological health. Provide a practical framework that practitioners can use to overcome injury and solve problems in creative communication and practice | 3 | 1 |
BOM314 | COMMUNITY MUSIC | Elective | Develop an understanding of the diverse role of community musicians and the context within which community musicians’ are employed. Identify and develop the working methodologies you bring to this field, based on personal musical knowledge, skills and interests. Topics include: concepts of inclusivity, accessibility and diversity; facilitation strategies used for music leadership in community settings; approaches to workshops; music facilitation and coordination; community music project management techniques ; the role of community organisations; the role of music; philosophical, social and cultural issues ; community music structures ; funding and income sources/bodies ; legal and moral issues; teaching techniques and motivational strategies used within a community music context; strategies used for working with non-trained musicians; and approaches to music making through percussion and voice | 3 | 1 |
BOM313 | INTERCULTURAL ENSEMBLE 5 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a variety of stylistic contexts and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist; creative approaches to music performance; and leadership by means of improvisation, ensemble direction and direction of sectional changes | 3 | 1 |
BOM320 | ARRANGING FOR LARGE ENSEMBLES | Core | Expand on the principles of composing and arranging music for medium to large ensembles. Study and analyse existing scores and recordings. Subject matter will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars. Over the course of the semester, you will arrange music for medium to large ensembles, also analysing a set work. Including writing for woodwind; writing for voice; expansion/reduction; part-writing; copying; extended techniques; and writing for school ensembles | 3 | 2 |
BOM321 | AURAL MUSICIANSHIP 6 | Core | Develop aural skills in a systematic and progressive manner, in order to inform and synthesise all your work in the course. The subject will be divided between recognition work in the classroom and production work through practical musical activities that integrate listening, singing, improvisation, and reading with instruments. This unit will build upon the aural recognition and production skills of the prior semester, featuring texture; timbre ; compass; tessitura; range; tempo; dynamic ; articulation ; pitch; rhythm; density ; metre; placement in space ; structure; and pace | 3 | 2 |
BOM322 | CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE 6 | Core | Develop ensemble skills within a variety of stylistic contexts and obtain a working knowledge of a broad range of contemporary music styles, instrumental/vocal techniques, approaches to creativity and diversity of language through the demonstrated absorption of musical repertoire from a range of genres. Weekly sessions will develop collaborative approaches to developing music performance and rehearsal techniques; stylistically appropriate interpretation; ensemble communication as a supporting player and as an accompanist; creative approaches to music performance; and leadership by means of improvisation, ensemble direction and direction of sectional changes | 3 | 2 |
BOM323 | INTERCULTURAL ENSEMBLE 6 | Core | Build on ensemble skills developed in Intercultural Ensemble 5. Develop rhythmic and melodic musicianship through the study of traditional repertoire. Weekly sessions will develop an understanding of cultural context in music making; cross-cultural musicianship ; and conceptual flexibility across cultures and genres | 3 | 2 |
BOM324 | MUSIC EDUCATION | Elective | Examine the philosophies that have shaped the teaching of music while equipping yourself with practical methods of communication pertinent to instrumental teaching and ensemble direction. In addition to attending lectures and tutorials, engage in instrumental teaching practice and participate in ensemble direction sessions. Write a research essay exploring an aspect of music education of your choosing. Key topics include the historical development of common music education methodologies and philosophies ; advanced research and academic writing skills; instrumental teaching principles ; and principles of ensemble direction | 3 | 2 |
BOM327 | MUSIC TECHNOLOGY IN PERFORMANCE | Elective | Develop a performance which is actively shaped by music technology. Topics include an investigation into the history of performance in electronic music; a theoretical and practical understanding of the use of MIDI in live performance ; interface design; digital sampling and live remixing ; live looping ; live signal processing and diffusion ; interactive electronic performance with an acoustic instrument ; and interdisciplinary collaboration | 3 | 2 |
BOM328 | TRANSCULTURAL MUSIC STUDIES 2 | Elective | Investigation of performance in a cross-cultural context. A focus will be on understanding and negotiating differences between music cultures. Investigate these culturally alternative ways of understanding and constructing music through participation, analysis and creative engagement. This will be explored through ensemble, practical workshops, lectures and seminars. Assessment will be by means of group and unaccompanied performance, composition/arranging, class presentations and written analysis. You will be required to deliver a paper in a seminar setting on a negotiated topic | 3 | 2 |
Per year | $21760 |
Per semester | $10880 |
Per year | $24000 |
Per semester | $12000 |
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Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. 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.
Selection for this course is based on applicants meeting specific criteria and successful outcome of an interview/audition.
When the applicant initiates the application process, they will receive a Welcome Email containing a hyperlink to schedule an interview/audition.
Register for audition and attend at the allocated day/time.
At audition applicants are expected to demonstrate:
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years) School leavers will need to have satisfactorily completed VCE (or equivalent) with no specified minimum ATAR score.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study The successful completion of a VET diploma in any discipline will be taken into consideration as part of the audition and interview process. Melbourne Polytechnic Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Performance) graduates are eligible to articulate into 2nd year of Bachelor of Music.
Applicants with higher education A complete or incomplete higher education qualification in any discipline will be taken into consideration as part of the audition and interview process.
Applicants with work and life experience Applicants will need to demonstrate relevant industry or life experience and the capacity to work at degree level.
As well as the specific entry requirements above, Melbourne Polytechnic admits students on the basis of the following categories:
If you have already studied higher education: Y ou may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree.
If you have studied a VET course: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a vocational education and training (VET) course.
If you have recent secondary education: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you are a recent secondary education student whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the past two years.
If you have work and life experience: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you have work and life experience and left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
Attend an audition.
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency, to include studies in music (group and/or solo performance)Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your future studies.
Find out more about Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to admissions transparency
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
All applicants must successfully complete an audition and interview.
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
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