Music (Songwriting)

There are few things more exciting than writing your own music and bringing it to life. JMC’s Songwriting course is renowned for its hands-on practicality, a strong focus on individual musicianship, connection to national songwriting body APRA AMCOS, connections with other international songwriting courses, and for being a practical launchpad into the entertainment industry for all up-and-coming songwriters and composers.

Covering the essential tools for writing music to appeal to publishers, record labels and producers across genres and media channels, this course will help you to create your own music and lyrics, develop your instrumental skills, produce demos and perform your own songs.

This course is designed to help you create strong, focused songs that perfectly blend your lyrical ideas with powerful melodies.

With JMC's Bachelor of Music you can choose to specialise in one of three areas:
• contemporary performance
• songwriting
• music production.

JMC’s firm commitment to providing you with the best technology in the trade can be seen in our fully fitted songwriting suites, designed for recording in high quality and for mastering production techniques. Each songwriting suite features software like ProTools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Native Instruments, along with MIDI keyboard controllers (keyboard and pad), high-quality monitors, and an array of Rode Condenser mics and instrument microphones.

With advanced-design campuses in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, ongoing technology upgrades, a dedicated team of academics and industry professionals, and a network of international master class lecturers, JMC Academy is committed to ensuring our graduates make their own indelible mark on industry.

During your time with us you'll get the opportunities to participate in international masterclasses, study tours, and music and songwriting camps. JMC Music and Songwriting students can apply for The International Songwriters Camp at Haarlem Conservatory in the Netherlands, the Nandos Music Exchange in London or the JPop study tour in Japan.

All JMC Bachelor Degree graduates are eligible to apply for entry into JMC Academy's Master of Creative Industries, or relevant post-grad qualification at any Australian university.

Areas of study

Arranging, arranging for band and orchestra, bass guitar, contemporary music performance, directed studies, directed studies in songwriting, drums, ear training, electronic music, ensemble studies, guitar, instrument studies, lyric writing, lyric and songwriting, lyrics and literature, music business, music cultures, music history, music production, music technology, music theory, piano/keyboards, screen music, song writing, songwriting and composition, special projects, tutoring techniques, voice.

Career opportunities

Performing singer/songwriter, lyricist, freelance songwriter, composer,published songwriter, advertising creative(jingle writer for TV/radio), professional arranger, music producer, music publisher, music teacher.

Practical experience

Internships are the perfect opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and learn how the industry really operates. At JMC we have a dedicated Internship Program which provides students the opportunity to work in real-life industry roles.

Fees and charges

Domestic students have the option of paying tuition fees prior to the commencement of each trimester or deferring payment through FEE-HELP. To be entitled to FEE-HELP you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa. Visit the JMC Academy website for the latest fee information.

Essential requirements for admission

Interview: Once we've received your application we'll give you a call and organise for you to come in for a consultation with one of our student recruitment advisers. During this appointment they'll be able to confirm your application details, assess the best course study options for you.

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Satisfactory completion of Year 12 or equivalent. No ATAR required.

All applicants

Audition: Showcase your talents at an audition to demonstrate their style and musicianship. Two contrasting pieces of music of your own choice must be performed – either with a live accompanist or backing track – and should not exceed 10 minutes in total. All students will receive feedback on their performance on the day.

Refer to JMC's general admission criteria.

Advanced standing

You may be entitled to credit for prior learning, whether formal or informal. Formal learning can include previous study in higher education, vocational education, or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning or various kinds of work and life experience. Credit can reduce the amount of study needed to complete a degree.

JMC credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

How to apply

Apply online at the JMC website. Do not apply through UAC.

Further information

View full details of this course on the JMC website.

JMC Academy is recognised as follows:
• Registered Australian Higher Education Provider
• Accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
• Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas Students
• Accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
• Member of the Australian Council of Private Education and Training (ACPET)
• Registered FEE-HELP provider for all Higher Education Programs
• AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY approved for all full time courses.

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)

Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2020 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.

Student profile