Bachelor of Music (Performance)

The Bachelor of Music (Performance) at The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is a three-year degree for musicians who want to spend their time playing, not just reading about music. You'll take units in your principal instrument or voice, ensemble performance, music theory, aural skills, and music history. The course is built around regular one-on-one lessons and group rehearsals, so you're on stage or in a practice room most weeks. Assessment is mostly practical: recitals, ensemble performances, and technical exams, with some written work in theory and history.

How the degree is structured

AIM runs this course over three years of full-time study, typically split into two semesters per year. You'll complete a set number of units each semester, accumulating credit points toward the 240 credit points needed to graduate (or the equivalent at AIM). Core units cover performance, theory, and history. You'll also choose electives in areas like composition, music technology, or pedagogy. In your final year, you'll work on a capstone project: a major recital or a portfolio of performances that shows what you've learned. That's your chance to present a full program, often with your own ensemble.

Work-integrated learning is part of the deal. You'll perform in public concerts, collaborate with visiting artists, and may take part in industry placements with arts organisations, venues, or schools. These experiences are built into the curriculum, so you graduate with a performance CV, not just a transcript. The course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and sits on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at Level 7. That means it's a bachelor's degree, recognised nationally and internationally.

What you'll gain

By the end, you'll have advanced technical skills on your instrument, the ability to read and interpret music fluently, and experience performing in different styles and settings. You'll also learn how to rehearse efficiently, work in a team, and handle the business side of a music career. The degree suits school leavers with a solid music background, as well as mature students returning to study. If you're aiming to be a professional performer, a music teacher, or a session musician, this is a direct route.

Practical matters

International students need to meet English requirements. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate courses. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and AIM's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. For exact unit lists, audition requirements, and intake dates, check the official page.

• Professional musician (orchestral, chamber, solo, or band member)
• Session musician for recording studios and live events
• Music teacher in schools or private studios
• Arts administrator or concert manager
• Music director or conductor for community and youth ensembles
• Accompanist or repetiteur
• Creative entrepreneur running your own ensemble or teaching practice

Australian industries that hire music performance graduates include the live music and events sector, recording and production studios, education (schools and private colleges), community arts organisations, and broadcasting. Many graduates also work in arts management, festival programming, and music therapy (with further study).