Associate Degree of Music (Performance)

The Associate Degree of Music (Performance) at The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is a two-year qualification for musicians who want serious, full-time training in performance. It suits school leavers, players returning to study, and working musicians who need a formal credential behind their playing. You spend your time on your instrument or voice, one-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsals, performance workshops, and regular gigs in front of an audience. Theory, aural skills, and music history run alongside so you understand what you are playing, not just how to play it.

How the course is structured

AIM runs its associate degree over two years of full-time study, split into study periods across the year. You complete units of study, each carrying credit points, and you need to pass the required number to graduate. Expect a mix of core performance units, ensemble units, and academic music subjects. Assessment is mostly practical: recitals, ensemble performances, technical exams, and written work. The exact unit list and credit point values are set by AIM, check the official course page for the current structure.

Skills you build

You graduate with stronger technique, better ears, and the ability to hold a stage. You learn to rehearse efficiently, take direction, and work with other musicians under pressure. You also build the vocabulary to talk about music, form, harmony, rhythm, and the discipline to practise on your own. These are the skills session players, touring musicians, and music teachers rely on daily.

Who it suits

This degree suits someone who wants to perform, not just study music. If you already play or sing and want two years of intensive training in an Australian city with a live music scene, it fits. It also works as a pathway: after the associate degree, you may be able to articulate into a bachelor degree with credit, depending on the institution. International students should note that studying in Australia on a Student visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you finish, provided you meet the requirements. English proficiency is required, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate standard, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and AIM's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the visa itself. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 111576C. Confirm all details, including fees and intake dates, on the official AIM page before you apply.

• Performing musician (solo, band, or session work)
• Music teacher (private studio or school instrumental programmes)
• Ensemble or orchestra member
• Accompanist or repetiteur
• Music director for community or church groups
• Arts administrator in music organisations
• Live sound assistant or stage crew (with additional training)

Australian employers in these areas include live music venues, recording studios, music schools, community arts organisations, and festival promoters. Many graduates combine several roles, teaching by day, gigging at night, rather than holding one full-time job.