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Course Code: ADM81
Domestic Fee Type: Fee for service
Centre: Performing Arts
Location: Whitehorse Campus
Enquiries: +61 3 9286 9695
Email: courseinfo@bhtafe.edu.au
The Associate Degree in Applied Music at Box Hill Institute offers:
The performance stream specialises in:
Performance students in the Associate Degree in Applied Music bring a diversity of contemporary music styles to Box Hill Institute. Where most music degrees require students to focus on jazz or classical styles, the focus of this course is on original and innovative performance. It is also recognised that there already exists a standard repertoire of functional performance styles that must be achieved to increase employability outcomes.
Playing in a wide variety of groups and solo situations, you will learn a range of repertoire for gigs, functions, recitals and events whilst developing your original material. Original work is encouraged but is supported by exposure to existing styles and conventions.
Supporting subjects incorporate technique classes, second study instruments, reading skills, improvisation, stagecraft, industry styles and ensembles. You will hone your craft with the ultimate aim of becoming a unique artist who has the versatility to perform in many situations and develop the innovation and creativity needed to become eminently employable in a rapidly changing and vibrant industry.
This is a full fee paying course.
Please note: For information on tuition fees please refer to the doc-ument below.
Fee information for Associate Degree in Applied Music (Performance)
This course is also available to International Students.
The Associate Degree in Applied Music is a two-year degree with four specialist streams, Performance, Composition, Musical Theatre and Audio Production. You must apply for a specific stream but will have the option of taking electives from the other streams. All four streams are set in a contemporary music context and offer a comprehensive and innovative range of subjects designed to equip students for the contemporary music industry.
This is a unique degree offering you the opportunity to specialise for industry employment and/or may lead to completion of a Bachelor degree which will prepare for post-graduate study, including teaching.
You will undertake core subjects at each year level of the degree. In addition each stream has specific subjects related to that industry area as well as the opportunity to also take an elective study area in each year.
Each stream has a specific focus and aims to engage you in an environment, which supports learning whilst creating an atmosphere conducive to industry-related work practices. In this way the course supports creativity and innovation against a background of principles, techniques and skills acquisition.
The Performance stream specialises in all genres of commercial contemporary music including jazz and musical theatre.
Current Year 12 students:
Successful completion of the VCE with a study score of at least 20 in English (any). Additional consideration will be given for achievement in music subjects. Demonstrated aptitude in Music Performance at a sufficient standard to be likely to succeed in the degree stream chosen.
Non-Year 12 applicants:
Evidence of current employment or experience in industry.
Evidence of current employment or ability to meet the demands of the program.
Must be 21 years or more by January 1 in the year of commencement to study.
International applicants:
Equivalent academic requirements as for Year 12 and Non Year 12 above plus English requirements for degree courses.
Overseas applicants need to have a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0. This must include a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and a minimum of 5.0 in listening and speaking.
The minimum TOEFL score required for entry is 550 for the paper examination and 213 for the computer examination.
Current Year 12 students:
Selection will be based on academic results, an audition, an interview and a musicianship test.
The audition/interview/musicianship test will take twenty-five minutes, including any set-up time. Auditions are held in late November and early December. Please note that an audition fee applies.
Non-Year 12 applicants:
Box Hill Institute application process.
Provision of evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.
International applicants:
Evidence as for Year 12 and Non-year 12 above. Evidence of English language proficiency based on TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Audition:
Following receipt of the application form, you will be allocated an interview/audition time by mail or telephone.
Applicants should prepare two contrasting works showing a variety of style and period on your chosen instrument or voice. As a guide, AMEB grade 6 or equivalent is an expected minimum entry level. The program presented should be no more than 10 minutes long and the panel will reserve the right to hear selections only.
Applicants will also be asked to demonstrate technical work and attempt a sight-reading exercise and some basic aural recognition exercises. A drum kit, piano, microphone, amplifiers and stereo equipment will be provided but not instruments, leads, drumsticks, or accompanists.
Applicants may bring an accompanying band, but please advise us so that setup time can be catered for. Alternatively, applicants may choose to perform solo or with a tape or CD.
Musicianship Test:
During the audition, you will also be required to complete a musicianship test, the results of which may determine that you need to attend an intensive summer school in February before starting the degree program.
Interview:
Applicants are asked a series of questions relating to their suitability for the course. They are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of career goals and aptitude for the course of study including any relevant industry experience. They are welcome to present testimonials and extra-curricular evidence at this stage (e.g. AMEB certificates, teacher references etc.)
Full-time - two years.
Part-time - four years.
Apply through VTAC. You should also contact the Centre for Performing Arts on 9286 9695 or email performingarts@bhtafe.edu.au for additional requirements, including an application form.
International students should contact an official Box Hill Institute international agent or the Box Hill Institute International Office for application information.
If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on +61 3 9286 9695.
There are many employment options within the entertainment and performance industry as well as pathways to music teaching.
Computer software, music synthesis and multimedia industry
Advertising industry
Live performance industry
Music education (teaching)
# Requires completion of a degree and further post-graduate study
Students may access the Institute’s Employment Service for advice on gaining employment in this field.
The Employment Service can be contacted on +61 3 9286 9712
Graduates from this course may apply to study one further year at Box Hill Institute to complete a Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance).
This course is accredited by the Victorian Office of Higher Education.
Choose two electives from the elective list
MUZ101 | Music language studies 1 | 52 hr |
MUZ102 | Music language studies 2 | 52 hr |
MUZ103 | Music technology 1 | 52 hr |
MUZ104 | Performance platforms | 52 hr |
MUZ113 | Industry styles 1 | 39 hr |
MUZ114 | Industry styles 2 | 39 hr |
MUZ115 | Principal study 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ116 | Principal study 2 | 26 hr |
Choose two electives from the elective list
MUZ201 | Music industry studies 1 | 39 hr |
MUZ202 | Music industry studies 2 | 39 hr |
MUZ211 | Music language studies 3 | 52 hr |
MUZ212 | Music language studies 4 | 52 hr |
MUZ213 | Industry styles 3 | 52 hr |
MUZ214 | Industry styles 4 | 52 hr |
MUZ215 | Principal study 3 | 26 hr |
MUZ216 | Principal study 4 | 26 hr |
MUZ121 | Principles of songwriting 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ122 | Principles of songwriting 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ143 | Introduction to filmscoring 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ144 | Introduction to filmscoring 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ145 | Production principles 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ146 | Production principles 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ151 | Digital audio platforms | 26 hr |
MUZ221 | Principles of songwriting 3 | 26 hr |
MUZ222 | Principles of songwriting 4 | 26 hr |
MUZ243 | Scoring for film and video 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ244 | Scoring for film and video 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ245 | Composition studies 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ246 | Composition studies 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ247 | Production styles 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ248 | Production styles 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ249 | Computer music production systems 1 | 26 hr |
MUZ250 | Computer music production systems 2 | 26 hr |
MUZ251 | Music publishing | 26 hr |
MUZ149 | Principles of conducting | 26 hr |
MUZ147 | Cabaret and workers'theatre studies | 26 hr |
MUZ148 | Avant garde theatre studies | 26 hr |
Choose two electives from the elective list
This is the first of six units of Music Language Studies. In this subject students will study aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of developments in early Western music. Links will be made between music from these periods and contemporary music. Topics covered will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of intervals, scales, chords, melodies, rhythms, and four-part harmony. Students will also demonstrate an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of early Western music up to, and including, the Baroque period.
This subject will build on the aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills developed in Music Language Studies 1, by examining the use of similar musical elements in jazz genres from the last century. Other topics will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of scales, extended chords, chord progressions, rhythms and melodies derived from conventions in jazz; further harmonisation and an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of jazz in the 20th Century.
Students will acquire conventional keyboard techniques and knowledge and skills that enable the keyboard to be used as a tool for studying musical elements and as an interface with computer software. Students will learn basic performance on the keyboard to enable input for MIDI with the purpose of realisation of composition.
This subject provides a performance platform for students to develop technical and interpretative skills in preparing and performing (or producing) solo and ensemble works to an audience. Through collaboration, students will develop the necessary skills and stagecraft to direct a cohesive performance. Performance of established repertoire as well as original material will be supported by students who are developing an understanding of the operation of sound reinforcement and recording systems, staging and lighting as related to live performance. Students will also be involved in a range of workshops which could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.
This is the first of six units designed to prepare musicians with the comprehensive competencies required to perform in a variety of commercial styles suited to celebratory functions, formal ceremonial occasions and events and informal social gatherings. Students will work in designated band groups developing arrangements and repertoire, as well as learning an instrument other than the students’ specialist instrument.
This subject proceeds directly from Industry Styles 1. Students will consolidate and expand repertoire and explore further musical, organisational and behavioural demands and expectations associated with different functions. Students will continue to arrange music and expand upon their knowledge of instruments that are unfamiliar to them.
This subject is the first of six sequential, and developmental, units of study that will prepare students for employment as professional performing musicians in the contemporary music industry. Students will progressively develop and expand both technique and repertoire on a principal study instrument or voice. Programs of instrumental or voice tuition will be developed for each student after analysis of their competencies on entering the course. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
Principal Study 2
Students will extend and expand upon established concepts, knowledge and skills in instrumental or voice performance. Content will progress sequentially from the previous unit under the direction of specialist teachers in individual consultations with students. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
Choose two electives from the elective list
In this subject students will learn to plan, organise, prepare, facilitate and present music to discriminating audiences. Students will develop confidence in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical e-valuation of this work, and the fundamental principles in small business organisation, management and administration.
This subject continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will develop greater maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical e-valuation of this work, and the principles of more complex business organisational structures. In addition, the basics of project management will be introduced as a means to e-valuate long-term sustainability of the small-business enterprise model.
Students will expand their aural and theoretical recognition, knowledge and skills through progressive assignments in transcribing music; expand their harmonic practice and develop more sophisticated musical analysis skills in the context of the common practices used during the Classical and Romantic periods of Western music. Other topics will include further development in aural and theoretical recognition: notation and performance of scales, chords and modes in prescribed inversions, tonalities and patterns; more complex rhythmic passages in simple and compound metre; harmonisation as a process for ‘voicing’; the use of extended and altered chords and part writing conventions.
Focusing on the musical developments in the 20th Century, students will acquire aural and theoretical skills that extend beyond the conventions and imperatives of diatonic music. The study will incorporate music from both western art music and rock and popular music, and will include topics such as aural and theoretical recognition: notation and performance of scales, chords and modes; tonalities and patterns as exhibited in twelve-tone music; the use of modes and polytonality, contemporary harmonic devices and the use of polyrhythm and mixed metre.
Proceeding from Industry Styles 2, this subject will extend students’ knowledge and understanding of commercial styles of music including fusion and contemporary world-music styles. Students will also focus on improvisation skills in a range of jazz and contemporary styles, performance presentation skills, stagecraft and expand upon their knowledge of instruments that are unfamiliar to them.
This subject will further extend students’ knowledge and understanding of commercial styles of music including fusion and contemporary world-music styles. Students will also focus on improvisation skills in a range of jazz and contemporary styles, performance presentation skills, stagecraft and expand upon their knowledge of instruments that are unfamiliar to them.
Students will consolidate and extend concepts, knowledge and skills in contemporary performance, developing more advanced skills in both technique and repertoire on a principal study instrument or voice. Content will progress sequentially from the previous unit under the direction of specialist teachers in individual consultations with students. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
Students will consolidate and extend concepts, knowledge and skills in contemporary performance, further developing their skills in both technique and repertoire on a principal study instrument or voice. Content will progress sequentially from the previous unit under the direction of specialist teachers in individual consultations with students. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
This subject provides an analytical overview of the musical devices and conventions that exist in popular song forms and genres. Analysis of elements such as: melody, structure, rhythm, harmonic progression and style will inform the student in the composition of songs in designated popular song styles.
Continuing directly from the previous unit, students will extend their abilities to compose songs within a variety of genres. They will further develop greater understanding of characteristic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic treatment of lyrics within various song genres, and learn to apply these conventions with their own writing.
Students will develop philosophical and musical concepts of the aesthetic role and function of music used in films between 1920-1950s. Students will acquire the capacity to e-valuate film scores with reference to established conventions, including compositional techniques, and their application in defined social, historical and cultural contexts.
Students will study post-1950s film music genres to e-valuate the role and function of music in various dramatic contexts. Students will also acquire knowledge of the way in which music is synchronised to film, and then consolidate this knowledge with several assignments in composing and synchronising music to short film excerpts.
In this subject students will acquire the basic concepts of Acoustics as they relate to musical instruments and the environments in which they are played. Students will learn the core principles of recording with analogue and digital systems; theories of audio production and practice, live sound and live recording techniques in performance environments.
Consolidating and extending the concepts and knowledge acquired previously, students will further apply these principles in practise, using both analogue and digital recording methods as the basis for an introduction to mixing environments. Practical recording assignments make up a significant component of the course.
Details available soon.
Students will consolidate their writing skills in tandem with developing greater skills in recording and sequencing their musical ideas within various digital audio environments. More sophisticated mock ups of original ideas will be expected as well as complete realisations of songs both in printed and audio format. The art of collaboration will be introduced.
Students will integrate concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in the previous three units. Students will be required to craft complete arrangements of their original songs with fully notated instrumental parts and audio realisations. Collaboration with other writers is a requirement within this subject.
Through studying the compositional techniques of various film composers, students will acquire concepts, knowledge and skills, and apply these in scoring a series of short musical excerpts to accompany film sequences. Students will, in addition, learn how to synchronise their scores to digital film sequences.
Building on knowledge and skills acquired in the previous unit, the study of eminent Australian and international film composers will assist students to consolidate an understanding of the wide range of compositional techniques employed in scoring for film. Students will be required to compose and score a series of short film cues to a brief.
Students will undertake a thorough grounding in the structural components of composition: with a particular focus on contrapuntal writing techniques as a foundation for continuing study. Students will complete a series of composition exercises culminating in a short work for small ensemble, chamber or string orchestra.
Students will continue to build upon previous skills by composing and arranging for the four main instrumental sections: woodwind, brass, percussion and strings. Through exercises and analyses in voicing, texture, timbral density and defined stylistic convention, students will acquire practical abilities in composing and arranging for small jazz combos and vocal groups.
In this subject students will learn to apply principles of recording studio and session management; from pre-production and design, through to session engineering and production. Students will work with digital audio workstations undertaking various recording assignments. With reference to music recordings that exemplify the evolution of, and current practice in audio production, students will develop discrimination in identification of the use of a wide range of principles and methods of creative audio recording technologies and techniques.
Students will consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired to this point, developing greater independence in managing recording projects and fluency within the studio environment. More creative resources will be introduced; with access to an increasing number of external plug-in environments, for the analysis and the re-creation of seminal production ‘sounds’. Students will develop an appreciation of the techniques and aesthetic qualities inherent in internationally recognised award winning albums.
Students will study the application of computer hardware and software to assist them in realising their musical ideas. Students will learn to manipulate MIDI and audio data; develop basic skills in the interactive control of the computer in real-time; develop an introductory knowledge in the concepts of sound design, and become familiar with issues in non-linear music making.
Students will begin to acquire skills in computer music programming as a means to integrate prior knowledge with the demands, and opportunities, in the emergent areas of sound design for the multimedia and telecommunication industries. Areas of study include digital signal processing and the expressive integration of different media.
Students will focus on various music publishing software including advanced functions in Sibelius. Outcomes include the preparation of music scores to a publishable standard.
Students will learn the international conventions for conducting standard beat patterns when leading an ensemble, cueing and procedures for aesthetic and expressive values of different eras.
In this subject, students will engage in a historical perspective of the culture of “an intimate entertainment” from it’s beginnings in Nineteenth Century, Paris, through the Weimar Republic, and the later forms in Britain and the USA. This subject examines the cultural meanings from the entertaining to the didactic; from burlesque to comedy; from the sincerity of the Worker’s Theatre and to works of political satire.
An examination of contemporary cabaret: the artists and the writers through case studies in Australian and overseas contexts. Work from local institutions such as Chapel-Off-Chapel, the Melbourne Fringe, Comedy and Midsumma Festivals will be examined with the purpose of involving students in the culture of self-devised work. Through this study students will gain an insight into the processes of developing original work for presentation in various cabaret contexts.