Contemporary Music
The Contemporary Music program produces unique and professional musicians who, due to the highly practical and individualised training offered at AMPA, are able to start their careers and adapt to a rapidly changing industry.
- 2 Years / Full-time
- Intakes: Jan, Jul, Oct
- Fee-Help: Available
Overview
AMPA’s innovative undergraduate degrees merge high-level performance and practical training with academic rigour and unparalleled industry insight. Students can personalise their degree based around their individual musical interests and aspirations.
Unlike many institutions in Australia, AMPA remains focused on individual, one-to-one learning. This means that music students are entitled to receive a 60 minute lesson per week as part of their Principal Study unit, along with an additional 30 minute lesson as part of Second Study, 12 weeks per study period throughout the degree. Options are available for vocal, instrumental or music production studies.
Focus Area: Contemporary Music
This intensive and highly practical program centres on individual performance and instrumental/vocal technique, while placing equal focus on ensemble practice and performance. Through this collaboration, students develop advanced technical skills ensuring they are 100% ready for a career as a professional contemporary musician. Studying within the Contemporary Music focus area, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of modern genres, including Rock, R&B, Funk, Punk, Pop, Blues as well as various Jazz sub-genres. You’ll study performance techniques, interpretation, improvisation, stagecraft, soloing, ensemble interaction, as well as reading, arranging, chart writing and ensemble dynamics. You will constantly perfect your skills by performing at AMPA classes and events, and at external gigs and venues.
Course Highlights
- Flexible choice of principal and second study units;
- Performance opportunities including 3 major showcases per year and ensemble performances;
- Weekly recorded performance workshops in a live theatre environment;
- Upgrade options to use your prior studies as credit/advanced standing towards a new degree
Course Levels
| COURSE | LEVEL | DURATION (Full-Time) | CRICOS CODE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Music (Performance) |
Bachelor Degree |
2 Years |
057024K |
|
Associate Degree of Music (Performance) |
Diploma |
16 Months |
057023M |
|
Undergraduate Certificate in Music |
Certificate |
13 Weeks |
– |
- Part-time, reduced study load options are available (for eligible students).
Course Structure
PRINCIPAL STUDY
All students receive 12 x individual, 1 hour lessons, on a chosen instrument or voice for every trimester in the course.
MAJOR STUDIES
Analyse, workshop and develop stylistic interpretation and presentation on stage.
PERFORMANCE STUDIES
Weekly performances on stage in a live environment with professional sound and lighting.
ACADEMIC STUDIES
Gain the technical knowledge required to become a versatile professional. In stages 5 and 6 students transition to more practical based units to prepare for the industry and postgraduate studies.
ENSEMBLE
Improvise, experiment and collaborate with students in various bands led by industry seasoned musicians.
ELECTIVES
Relevant to singer songwriters, guitarist/vocalists, or any students who wish to learn two instruments, the unique Second Study at AMPA provides 12 x individual, 30 minute lessons every trimester. Or choose from electives to complement and refine your degree such as: Song Writing, Music Theatre, Music Industry, Improvisation, Recording, Production, Music and Moving Image, Chart Writing and more.
Course Progression
Our higher education programs have been designed so that you can progress onto higher awards at the completion of your course, carrying over credit/advanced standing for the studies you have already completed.
Graduate Pathways
Many contemporary performance graduates go on to become professional performers as soloists or in bands, recording artists, session musicians, events managers, music journalists, promoters and distributors, tutors, and marketing and administration professionals in creative industries. Additionally, graduates are qualified to undertake postgraduate studies in a range of areas including: teaching in secondary schools, TAFE and universities/colleges, arts management, creative industries, and further music studies.
Admissions
Entry Requirements: Completion of HSC or equivalent OR completion of at least one full time year of tertiary study OR as a mature age student. Provisional admission may be granted for students limited educational qualifications.
Entry Basis: Performance Audition + Interview + Music Knowledge Assessment
For further information on the admissions process head over to How To Apply.
Our People
AMPA teaching faculty are highly experienced practitioners with extensive industry and professional experience. Close mentorship and rigorous training ensure that AMPA graduates are equipped for successful careers in a highly competitive industry. Staff and peers will often continue to network after graduation to maximise professional opportunities.
MAKE
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application only takes 5 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions team will contact you to discuss your requirements and book an audition.
- Get Ready
Prepare for your audition. Check the Audition Guidelines on what to prepare for the day.
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