JMI’s Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance is a 3-year full time music course endorsed by some of the biggest international jazz artists. This is a performance-based course where students will spend the majority of their contact hours playing their instrument. Each student receives individual one-on-one lessons on their major instrument (voice, guitar, bass, drums, piano, brass or woodwind) supplemented by a variety of music classes that focus on aural skills, jazz theory, improvisation, jazz history and small group ensemble.

Students will learn from some of Australia’s finest jazz educators and performers to develop the necessary skills to become a successful musician in the music industry. JMI’s faculty includes winners of the National Jazz Awards, performers who have extensively toured nationally and internationally, appeared regularly on television plus more. Find out more about JMI’s faculty here.

The three year full-time degree is divided into three study areas:  Performance, Core Studies and Creative Studies.

Students undertake:

• Principal Study (individual lessons with instrumental teacher)
• Concert Performance Practice (weekly student performances)
• Improvisation Techniques
• Small group jazz ensemble

These subjects are supported by the theoretical subjects:

• Jazz Materials (music theory)
• Aural and Analysis (listening and transcription skills)
• Jazz in Context (jazz history)
• Business Studies

Students learn a significant amount of jazz repertoire in both the practical and theory classes, equipping them with the ability to analyse form, structure, harmony, melody and rhythm from different perspectives. Electives include Jazz Composition, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Research, Performance Project Study and Music Technology among others.

The course structure for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance is based on 6 semesters (each of 13 teaching weeks and 3 assessment weeks), with 7 subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:
42 subjects in total;
36 core subjects, divided into 3 areas: Performance Studies / Core Studies / Creative Studies
6 electives:

• 18 Performance Studies subjects
• 12 Core Studies subjects
• 6 Creative Studies subjects
• 6 Electives

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 240 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects noted below and satisfactory completion of 6 Electives subjects.

First Year Second Year Third Year Elective Subjects

Applying for this course

Alternate Pathways
No formal music education is required for admission to the course. Some prospective students may gain entry through completing AMEB grades, an Advanced Diploma, Diploma or other courses in music, whilst some prospective students may have no formal training but display an aptitude for performance.

Advanced Standing
Prospective students entering the Bachelor program after completing a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Music may apply for Advanced Standing at the time of audition. In doing so, the prospective student should supply a certified academic transcript and supporting documentation detailing the units and content covered in the course. This application for advanced standing will be processed as per JMI’s Credit Transfer & Recognised Prior Learning Policy, available in our Academic Policies section.

English Language Proficiency
Applicants to this course will need to demonstrate a level of English Language proficiency equivalent to receiving a Pass in Year 12 English (applicants will need to provide a copy of their Year 12 Certificate at when submitting audition documentation). If applicants have not achieved this grade in Year 12 English, they will need to undertake an English Proficiency Test prior to audition (please contact JMI for information regarding English Proficiency tests). If you are deemed to not have sufficient proficiency in English, you may be asked to take a short course, as advised by the admissions panel, prior to being offered a place at JMI.

The Audition Process
The audition requirements for this course are outlined on our “How to Apply” page. We offer an information session prior to audition which is advisable but not necessary. You can also arrange music lessons with staff prior to your audition. If you are unable to complete some of the audition requirements, you may be offered lessons with staff, informal classes or short courses after your audition to enable you to be deemed eligible for entry into the course.