Bachelor of Music (Composition)

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A teacher instructing a student that is out of shot

Become an Original Composer

The Bachelor of Music (Composition) will train you to become a composer with originality, heightened musical ability, and technical mastery. As digital media expands, so does the demand for talented composers in film, television, video games, and music. Specialisation helps you build a portfolio of work to land paid work and start your career as a composer.

Course Overview

Campus

Melbourne and Sydney

Durations

9 Study Periods (3 years) or 6 Study Periods (2 year fast-track) full-time, or equivalent part-time

Start Date

February, May, September

  • Week 1: 5 Feb – 9 Feb 
  • Week 7 Study Break: 18 Mar – 22 Mar 
  • Week 13 Assessment Week: 29 Apr – 3 May 
  • Week 1: 27 May – 31 May 
  • Week 7 Study Break: 8 Jul – 12 Jul 
  • Week 13 Assessment Week: 19 Aug – 23 Aug 
  • Week 1: 9 Sep – 13 Sep 
  • Week 7 Study Break: 21 Oct – 28 Oct 
  • Week 13 Assessment Week: 2 Dec – 6 Dec 

Entry Requirements

School leaver applicants must:

  • Have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent);

AND

View entry requirements for applicants with tertiary study and mature-age applicants.

Applicants are required to attend an interview or live audition or provide a portfolio of two contrasting pieces. At least one of these pieces should be: 

  • An original composition score including a credit list (for example: composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer). This may be a recorded original, a PDF or handwritten 
  • An original audio mix of a musical work including a credit list (for example: composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer) 

The other item may include: 

  • A live or recorded video or audio performance 
  • An analytical essay about music or the music business. Topics may include a music artist, composer, musical work, genre, or aspect of the music business.

Find out more about auditioning at AIM. 

 

  • Have successfully completed a high school qualification; 

AND 

Applicants are required to provide a portfolio of two contrasting pieces. At least one of these pieces should be: 

  • An original composition score including a credit list (for example: composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer). This may be a recorded original, a PDF or handwritten 
  • An original audio mix of a musical work including a credit list (for example: composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, musicians, engineer) 

The other item may include: 

  • A live or recorded video or audio performance 
  • An analytical essay about music or the music business. Topics may include a music artist, composer, musical work, genre, or aspect of the music business. 

Find out more about auditioning at AIM. 

 

Fees

Indicative fees per year (3 year):

  • Study period 1: $8,370
  • Study period 2: $8,370
  • Study period 3: $5,580

Indicative total course fee: $66,960

 

Indicative fees per year (2 year)

  • Study period 1: $11,160
  • Study period 2: $11,160
  • Study period 3: $11,160

Indicative total course fee: $66,960

 

* Fees provided are indicative only and are subject to change by AIM without notice.

 

FEE-HELP is available. Find out more.

For more information view the AIM’s Undergraduate fees or visit the Fees & Finance page.

 

Indicative total course fee: $78,480

 

* Fees provided are indicative only and are subject to change by AIM without notice.

 

For more information view the AIM’s Undergraduate fees or visit the Fees & Finance page.

 

Codes

CRS 1401311 
Bachelor 111590E  

Start your career in music today

Why Study Composition at AIM?

50+

Years of music education and leadership in Australia

>6,000

Members of the AIM alumni community

45+

Choice of units to tailor your course

BIRDEE

Birdee Sideris, Artist 

“AIM helped me find producers to collaborate with and start my journey as an independent solo artist.”
A woman standing with arms outstretched, looking at the camera.

Meet the Lecturers

Vincent Giles

Vincent Giles is an experimental composer; a tinkerer with acoustic and electronic sound in the context of concert music, electronic music, installation, and performance.
Learn more Vincent Giles

Simone East

Simone East is a passionate songwriter and orchestral composer with over 15 years experience delivering and designing courses in composition, songwriting, music theory and music history.
Learn more Simone East

Dr. Mark Oliveiro

Dr Mark Oliveiro is a graduate and distinguished alumnus of the Sydney Conservatorium, the College of Music, the University of North Texas and the School of Music of Indiana University. As well as working as an academic lecturer at AIM, Mark is a composer with diverse extra-musical interests including history, mythology and ancient literature.
Learn more Dr. Mark Oliveiro

Dr. Carlos Lopez

Dr. Carlos Lopez Charles is a composer, sound designer, and programmer specialising in the creation of interactive visual music. He holds a PhD and a Masters degree from the Paris 8 University (France), and a Bachelor degree from the Escuela Superior de Musica (Mexico).
Learn more Dr. Carlos Lopez

Ken Francis

Ken Francis has been a musician since his teens. Ken has played guitar in rock, jazz, pop & R&B bands and toured with acts including Air Supply, Sharon O’Neill, Matt Finish, Rick Price and Tommy Emmanuel.
Learn more Ken Francis

Sophie Rose

Sophie Rose is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, extended technique enthusiast, composer, improviser, researcher, multi-media artist, and maker.
Learn more Sophie Rose

Matt Amy

Matt Amy is a composer, arranger, trombonist and musical director based in Melbourne. His screen credits include Dancing with the Stars, Australia’s Got Talent and Australian Idol and movies such as Death Defying Acts and Corporate Animals.
Learn more Matt Amy

This course provides an industry-recognised qualification with multiple career opportunities such as:

  • Arranger/Orchestrator  
  • Composer  
  • Conductor  
  • Live Performer/Instrumentalist  
  • Music Director  
  • Music Supervisor  
  • Music Tutor  
  • Recording Artist  
  • Songwriter  
  • Sound Designer  
  • Ensemble Director  
  • Ensemble Musician  
  • Music Librarian  
  • Music Therapist  
  • Orchestral Musician  
  • Private Music Tutor  
  • Professional Instrumentalist  
  • Music Teacher

Ready to start your music journey?