Graduate Certificate in Music (Performance)

The Graduate Certificate in Music (Performance) at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts is a short postgraduate qualification for musicians who want focused performance study without committing to a full master's degree. It runs 26 weeks, about one semester or trimester, and is built around practical music-making. You'll spend most of your time in one-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsals, performance workshops and recitals, with academic study in music history, repertoire or performance practice supporting the playing. The exact units and credit points are set by the academy, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Australian postgraduate qualifications sit on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). A graduate certificate is the shortest postgraduate award, usually four units or 50 credit points, and it can often be credited towards a master's degree if you continue studying. Assessment in performance courses typically combines recitals, jury or panel examinations, ensemble contributions and written work. Some programmes include a final performance project instead of a research thesis, and work-integrated learning may take the form of public concerts, recording sessions or teaching practicums. Confirm the assessment and any placement requirements with the academy.

The skills you gain are the ones working musicians rely on: technical control of your instrument or voice, confident stagecraft, ensemble listening, rehearsal discipline, repertoire knowledge and the ability to prepare for a performance deadline. You'll also build the habits of reflective practice, recording yourself, taking feedback, and planning your own development. These are the same skills that carry into teaching, session work and community music.

This course suits several kinds of student. You might be a graduate from a bachelor's degree in music who wants a year of intensive performance study before applying for a master's. You might be a teacher or community musician returning to formal study to sharpen your performance skills. Or you might be an international student looking for a short Australian qualification that leads into further study. International applicants need to meet the academy's English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common coursework-postgraduate standard, and the Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, a student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 108311K. Check the official page for the latest details on units, credit points, fees and intake dates.

• Professional performer, solo, chamber or orchestral work, and freelance gigs across Australia's live music venues and festivals.
• Session musician, recording studios, film and television scoring, and advertising work.
• Music teacher, private studio teaching, school instrumental programmes and community music schools.
• Ensemble member, orchestras, bands, choirs and contemporary music groups.
• Music director or conductor, community ensembles, musical theatre and church music.
• Arts administrator, arts organisations, festivals and music education bodies.
• Further study, credit towards a master's degree in performance or music education.