Music with major in Contemporary Performance

With an international study network and connections to APRA AMCOS, JMC is renowned for being a trusted launchpad into the music and entertainment industry for all up-and-coming musicians and performers. Contemporary Music Performance at JMC is about more than becoming a skilled musician – it’s about helping you define and create your own unique artistry and career pathway. In this course you will learn to promote yourself and stand out in industry while learning about new avenues for commercial success in this age of immediacy.

At JMC you will be given numerous opportunities to put your skills into practice and showcase your talent at multiple performance venues and events throughout your time at JMC. You’ll even have the chance to make the line-up at Australia’s largest Music Festival, Laneway.

Contemporary Music Performance at JMC is one of 3 majors offered under the Bachelor of Music. Other majors include:

• songwriting
• music production.

Designed for recording high-quality demos and mastering performance, our studios feature ProTools, Logic, Ableton Live and Native Instruments, along with MIDI keyboard controllers and monitors, top of the range microphones and over 30 (national) fully fitted rehearsal studios and performance spaces equipped with digital and baby grand pianos, drumkits and an array of amplifiers.

With world class campuses and performance spaces in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, a dedicated team of mentors and a series of global study tours, JMC is committed to ensuring our graduates make their own distinctive mark on industry.

Extend your studies with our new double degree!
JMC Academy'sBachelor of Music and Bachelor of Entertainment Business Management offers you a new way to pair technical and creative skills in music with the essential business know-how required to understand all facets of the music business industry. This unique blend of artistry and business acumen equips students with the skills to successfully manage their own career and transform their music into a marketable product. 

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

Areas of study

Arranging for band and orchestra, bass guitar, drums, ear training, ensemble studies, guitar, history of western music, improvisation and rhythm, instrument studies, lyric and songwriting, music business, music cultures, music history, music performance, music technology, music theory, piano/keyboard, saxophone, screen music, song writing, special projects, strings, trombone, trumpet, tutoring techniques, voice, woodwind.

Career opportunities

Recording artist, music teacher, music journalist, composer, songwriter, music director, music programmer, licensing agent, music academic, booking agent, tour promoter, copyright specialist, producer, e-marketing music consultant, music publisher, arranger, musical theatre director.

Practical experience

At JMC we have a dedicated Internship Program as well as work placement opportunities designed to have students apply their learning and gain hands-on experience in real 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

Audition: All applicants must showcase their 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.

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Satisfactory completion of Year 12 or equivalent. No ATAR required. Minimum age 17.

All applicants

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.

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)
• Certified Avid Training location
• 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, 2024)

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