Designed to prepare students for employment in the contemporary music industry, this course recognises that great music-making requires a solid musical foundation, skills to be able to adapt to current trends, and an awareness of a broad spectrum of musics in a global context.
Areas of study include:
- music theory
- music practice
- applying music technology
- music and culture
- intercultural music
- creativity
- music business
You'll find a balance between performance and theoretical study that will expand what you are able to invent, perceive and imagine in the world of music.
NMIT has provided education and training to the music industry for more than 30 years, and has played a significant role in developing popular music curricula since 1986.
To maintain its level of professionalism NMIT has invested heavily in establishing major facilities to industry standards that support higher education in the music industry.
These include:
- modern recording studios and audio editing facilities
- ample band rehearsal and individual practice rooms
- Macintosh labs
- industry standard music software
- industry standard concert hall, the Yarra Edge Music Centre
The Bachelor of Music offers three years of specialised music study and is structured around four strands of learning:
- Music Tools and Language
- Music Practice
- Applying Music Technology
- Music and Culture, Creativity and Music Business
The interdisciplinary degree encompasses a variety of contemporary music styles including, but not limited to, jazz, world music, folk, rock and pop, electronica and multimedia.
The Australian music industry is extremely diverse with a broad range of career options. Musicians are increasingly requiring broad-based knowledge across all related areas, to deal with issues from technological advancement to self-management skills.
Career opportunities include:
- arranger
- audio engineer
- community music director
- composer
- instrumental teacher
- music business manager
- music director
- music producer
- music programmer
- performer
- recording artist
Specialist jobs in music media, music equipment retail, music equipment wholesale, record companies, music publishing companies, and other music business and music production companies also exist.
Students who have successfully completed the first two years of the bachelor degree may choose to exit with the Associate Degree of Music qualification.
Meet the Staff
Success Stories
About the Course
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Local Students
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International Students
- National Code:
HEASSAPM
- Cricos Code:
074625K
Campus:
Fairfield
Duration
Full-time:
3 years
Part-time:
equivalent to 3 years full-time
Part-time not available to International Students
Modes of Delivery
Classroom
Further Study and Careers
Pathways to Further Study
Career Opportunities
The vocational outcomes for students include: self-employment as an arranger, performer, composer, sound and audio engineer, songwriter, small business operator, music programmer, director, creative director, private studio teacher, community music director, sound creator and sound technician. Graduates may also gain specialist jobs in the music industry including music media, equipment, publishing and record companies.
Entrance Requirements
Local Students:
Year 12 VCE with music (group and/or solo performance) or equivalent studies, or TAFE Advanced Diploma course in Music, or relevant industry experience that demonstrates capacity to undertake work at degree level. The selection process will be on the basis of an audition. The audition process will involve testing of music theory knowledge, instrumental or vocal technique and technical routines, performance skills, aural skills and music reading skills. Approximate AMEB level equivalent for audition: Sixth grade practical and fourth grade theory.
International Students:
Year 12 VCE with music (group and/or solo performance) or equivalent studies, or TAFE Advanced Diploma course in Music, or relevant industry experience that demonstrates capacity to undertake work at degree level. The selection process will be on the basis of an audition. The audition process will involve testing of music theory knowledge, instrumental or vocal technique and technical routines, performance skills, aural skills and music reading skills. IELTS overall band score of 6.0.
Materials
Assessment Methods
Various forms of assessment may be used including: assignments, music recitals, practical demonstrations, aural and written exams, oral presentations, folio work.
Materials
Package materials and a handbook containing the book list will be supplied upon commencement of the course.
Fees
Local Fees:
$12,000 pa. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. For more information on fees and charges, please contact the department.
International Fees:
AU$14,000.00 per year
Units of Study
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at NMIT are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
MUS101
Contemporary Music Theory 1A
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| Students develop knowledge of the principles and notational practices in western music with a focus on contemporary music. This involves a study of western music theory and practice that will provide a foundation for the creation of original contemporary music. MUS101 is taught through an integrated learning model that develops aural skills, keyboard skills and knowledge of theory. |
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MUS102
Live Sound & Studio Recording
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| Students engage in historical analysis of the development of audio recording and sound technology. Topics include: multi-track recording, amplification and public address systems; the relationship between technology, artistic output and the development of studio tools; microphones, effects and processors, mixing boards, and digital versus analogue; software applications for audio recording, acoustics and their application in music. |
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MUS103
Music Performance 1A
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| Students develop knowledge of contemporary music and intercultural music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and musical repertoire applied in music performance. Topics include: collaboration; historical analysis of style; improvisation; interpretation and communication; creativity; technical facility and interpretive skills; aural awareness; performance of significant historical repertoire in their differing styles and associated cultures. |
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MUS104
Music And Culture
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| Students examine the functions of music within society, analysing the relationships between music and culture. Using case studies, students investigate and interpret musical sound, aesthetics and performance. Topics include: culture and cultural identity; the role of music in contemporary society; musical and cultural terms; aesthetic values of music in a range of musical styles. |
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MUS105
Contemporary Music Theory 1B
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| This subject builds on the principles and notational practices used in classical music and contemporary music (including jazz and popular music concepts), as introduced in MUS101. MUS105 is taught through an integrated learning model that develops aural skills, keyboard skills and knowledge of theory and practices that will provide a foundation for the creation of original contemporary music. |
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MUS106
Intro To Music Computer Technology
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| Students are introduced to the historical development of electronic music and its impact on contemporary music practice. Students learn the skills required to competently use a variety of current software to achieve a range of musical outcomes. Topics include: the historical development and application of music technology; current software and programming methods; frequency awareness training and listening tasks; analysis of historically significant works. |
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MUS107
Music Performance 1B
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| Students develop knowledge of contemporary music and intercultural music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and musical repertoire applied in music performance. Topics include: collaboration; historical analysis of style; improvisation; interpretation and communication; creativity; technical facility and interpretive skills; aural awareness; performance of significant historical repertoire in their differing styles and associated cultures. |
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MUS108
Australian Music And Culture
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| Students investigate the social, historical, economic and political factors contributing to the development of Australia’s contemporary music and culture, through examination of the role of the mass media, the internet, global music corporations and corporate marketing in contemporary western popular culture. Students will study Australian popular music and culture, art music, independent music, intercultural music styles, folk music, Australian indigenous music, Australia's music media culture, and Australian cultural policy as it applies to music. |
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MUS201
Arranging Principles 1
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| Students develop knowledge of the principles of arranging music for instruments and ensembles within the context of contemporary music, focusing on strings, brass and the rhythm section, using existing scores and recordings to develop understanding. At the conclusion of this subject, students produce a complete arrangement for at least eight instruments, which will be performed by a student ensemble. |
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MUS202
Sound Creation
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| Students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills of audio sampling techniques, music synthesis and audio manipulation. Topics include: physics of sound; the principles of digital audio; audio sampling terminology and historical applications; synthesis techniques, terminology and applications; audio editing and manipulation; digital signal processing techniques. |
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MUS203
Music Performance 2A
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| Students develop knowledge of contemporary music and intercultural music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and musical repertoire applied in music performance. Topics include: collaboration; historical analysis of style; improvisation; interpretation and communication; creativity; technical facility and interpretive skills; aural awareness; performance of significant historical repertoire in their differing styles and associated cultures. |
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MUS204
Creativity And Music Performance
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| Students explore the nature of creativity and develop creative performance skills as they apply to improvisation, world music, song writing and instrumental composition. Students also examine the theatrical aspects of performance including stagecraft, presence and dramaturgy, and participate in a series of small group workshops. Students apply the skills developed in these workshops to an ensemble setting. |
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MUS205
Arranging Principles 2 And Music Analysis
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| Students further develop the arranging methods expounded in MUS201. Students learn to create arrangements for sections of strings, brass, woodwind and percussion with rhythm section. At the conclusion of this semester, students produce a complete arrangement for strings and rhythm section or brass and rhythm section, to be performed and recorded by faculty staff and external professional musicians. |
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MUS206
Technology In Music Performance
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| Students explore the application of technological tools in music performance. Topics include: developments and applications of electronic music technology, including an examination of significant technologies, composers and performers; the artistic merit of technology based music tools; hardware and software tools/packages used for algorithmic music production; computer-based music production techniques. |
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MUS207
Music Performance 2B
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| Students develop knowledge of contemporary music and intercultural music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and musical repertoire applied in music performance. Topics include: collaboration; historical analysis of style; improvisation; interpretation and communication; creativity; technical facility and interpretive skills; aural awareness; performance of significant historical repertoire in their differing styles and associated cultures. |
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MUS208
Business Management For Musicians
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| Students gain an overview of the contemporary music industry and an understanding of a musician’s role within this context. Topics include: the Australian music industry; small business management; funding bodies; contracts, copyright law, intellectual property, performance rights; management structures; strategic planning, financial management, and marketing and promotion strategies; approaches to business planning and entrepreneurship. |
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MUS301
Music For Moving Image (Composition And Analysis)
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| Students analyse the use of music in film and the relationship between music and the moving image. Topics include: the music requirements of advertising, multimedia, gaming, videos, television and film; orchestration techniques for film; analysis of selected contemporary film scores, including scores by Australian composers; terminology; career opportunities and business issues. |
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MUS302
Music For The Moving Image (Composition And Production)
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| Students develop skills and knowledge of the technological requirements for creating music synchronised to moving images. Students work closely with a range of practitioners in the production chain including: film directors, animators, game designers, musicians and technical personnel. Each student produces a showreel of original, synchronised music by recording and mixing acoustic and synthetic instruments. |
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MUS303
Music Performance 3A
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| Students develop knowledge of contemporary music and intercultural music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and musical repertoire applied in music performance. Topics include: collaboration; historical analysis of style; improvisation; interpretation and communication; creativity; technical facility and interpretive skills; aural awareness; performance of significant historical repertoire in their differing styles and associated cultures. |
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MUS304
Music Leadership 1 - Instrumental Teaching And Ensemble Direction
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| Students explore the philosophies that have shaped the teaching of music, including Reimer, Dalcroze, Kodály and Suzuki. Students develop practical methods of communication pertinent to instrumental teaching and ensemble direction. Students also implement instrumental teaching practice and participate in, and observe, ensemble direction sessions. |
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MUS305
Arranging For A Large Ensemble
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| Students investigate combinations of instrument sections in large ensembles, analyse the textural qualities of combined sections, and arrange existing and original works for large ensemble. Students explore instrument section textures, extended instrument techniques and strategies for developing ideas (Re-harmonisation techniques, Pattern/Matrix concepts, Counterpoint). Students develop an original work and also arrange an existing work for a given ensemble. |
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MUS306
Online Music Distribution
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| Students investigate current and emerging online digital media technologies, enabling them to orchestrate and develop an online artist website. This site allows for the distribution and promotion of digital music products through a utilisation of various digital media third-parties. Students prepare original materials for online publication or transfer, including audio, High Definition video, as well as electronic press kits and photographic media. |
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MUS307
Music Performance 3B
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| Students develop knowledge of contemporary music and intercultural music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and musical repertoire applied in music performance. Topics include: collaboration; historical analysis of style; improvisation; interpretation and communication; creativity; technical facility and interpretive skills; aural awareness; performance of significant historical repertoire in their differing styles and associated cultures. |
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MUS308
Music Leadership 2 - Community Music
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| Students develop an understanding of the diverse role of community musicians and the context within which community musicians are employed. Students identify and develop the working methodologies they bring to this field, based on their personal musical knowledge, skills and interests. Topics include: concepts of inclusivity, accessibility and diversity; facilitation strategies; the role of community organisations. |
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Code
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Subject
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MUS101
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Contemporary Music Theory 1A
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MUS102
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Live Sound & Studio Recording
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MUS103
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Music Performance 1A
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MUS104
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Music And Culture
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MUS105
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Contemporary Music Theory 1B
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MUS106
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Intro To Music Computer Technology
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MUS107
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Music Performance 1B
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MUS108
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Australian Music And Culture
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MUS201
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Arranging Principles 1
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MUS202
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Sound Creation
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MUS203
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Music Performance 2A
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MUS204
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Creativity And Music Performance
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MUS205
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Arranging Principles 2 And Music Analysis
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MUS206
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Technology In Music Performance
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MUS207
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Music Performance 2B
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MUS208
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Business Management For Musicians
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MUS301
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Music For Moving Image (Composition And Analysis)
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MUS302
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Music For The Moving Image (Composition And Production)
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MUS303
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Music Performance 3A
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MUS304
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Music Leadership 1 - Instrumental Teaching And Ensemble Direction
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MUS305
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Arranging For A Large Ensemble
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MUS306
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Online Music Distribution
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MUS307
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Music Performance 3B
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MUS308
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Music Leadership 2 - Community Music
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