Advanced Diploma of Music Performance
Overview
1 year full time / 2 years part time
1 year
March, July
February, July
Take the next step towards the main stage
Passionate musicians with an urge to embrace the musical life will find a well-rounded musical education with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Performance). Best suited to those musicians with significant performance experience and strong music skills, this course will help you strengthen your performance skills and grow your fanbase. Best of all, you’ll be learning in Melbourne - the music capital of Australia. We have over 553 live music venues in the Greater Melbourne area that are putting on over 70,000 gigs every year.
A well-rounded musical education
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Advanced Diploma of Music (Performance) emphasises musicianship. You’ll improve your skills and knowledge, both practical and theoretical.You will study performance across individual lessons, small bands, larger ensembles, workshops, and performance platforms, culminating in a forty-minute recital in a Melbourne venue of your choice. Your performance skills will be backed by music craft skills in theory, aural, improvisation, reading, keyboard, arranging, composition, and technology. Students have access to our rehearsal rooms, equipped with drum kits, piano, PA systems and amplifiers, as well as our music-focused computer labs. Melbourne Polytechnic’s music programs are highly regarded, and our alumni include founding members of ARIA-winning band Augie March, Top 20 chart rockers Stonefield and multi-CMC award winner, Jasmine Rae. You’ll be taught by experienced, working musicians and have the opportunity to perform in venues around Melbourne as part of your course.
Turn music from a passion into a career
Our Advanced Diploma of Music CUA60520 (Performance) will increase your confidence as a performer and expand knowledge to benefit your musicianship. You will have learned the skills required to step onto the stage or into the recording booth. Graduates may seek employment in the music industry as performers, producers, arrangers, composers or music teachers. Graduates interested in further study can gain credit towards our Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production degree.
Upcoming info sessions
Have a chat with our highly experienced course advisors who can help you navigate your many career options.
Career Pathways
Where will the Advanced Diploma of Music - Performance CUA60520 take me?
On graduation you can seek employment in the music industry as a solo artist, performer in a band, band leader, musical director, music teacher, arranger, producer or agent
- Music Arranger
- Producer
- Musician
Study Pathways
Upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma, you can continue your studies in our Bachelor of Songwriting and Music Production.
Auditions
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 |
| CUALED501 | Provide instrumental or vocal tuition | Elective | 35 |
| CUAMCP611 | Extend techniques for arranging music | Elective | 60 |
| CUAMLT512 | Assess significance of music and apply knowledge to professional practice | Core | 40 |
| CUAMLT612 | Analyse complex harmony | Elective | 100 |
| CUAMPF420 | Perform music from written notation | Elective | 70 |
| CUAMPF611 | Plan and present music performances | Elective | 70 |
| CUAMPF612 | Manage stagecraft aspects of performances | Elective | 65 |
| CUAMPF613 | Refine performance techniques and expand repertoire | Elective | 65 |
| CUAMPF614 | Develop advanced improvisation techniques | Elective | 65 |
| CUAMPF617 | Lead music rehearsals | Elective | 70 |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work | Elective | 80 |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice | Core | 40 |
| CUAPPR613 | Engage in the business of creative practice | Core | 80 |
| CUAPRF511 | Refine performance techniques | Elective | 95 |
Music Performance at Melbourne Polytechnic
Audition FAQ
Information about preparing for your music audition
Audition Advice
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 Ash
Teacher Jack Pantazis
A life-long career in music
Meet JackFees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $12750 | $18050 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $13000 | $18300 |
| Per year | $19600 |
| Per semester | $9800 |
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 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.
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.
Other Music Performance courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
- Year 12 with VCE Music: Solo/Group and/or industry experience Note: this is not a compulsory requirement
- Diploma of 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
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
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.