Education Focus: Melbourne Polytechnic - School Of Creative Arts

What kind of courses do you offer? Our courses range from Certificate IV to Masters Programs.
The Bachelor Of Songwriting & Music Production: a music artist’s degree for emerging songwriters and music producers. Bachelor of Music: a performance-centred degree to develop skills and awareness of the global spectrum of music. The Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Of Music Industry: include Music Performance, Business, Sound and Music Production and cater to anyone pursuing a career in music.

Do you offer practical on-site learning or more of a theoretical base? Our learning is practical and includes: one-on-one lessons, band rehearsals, composing, songwriting, recording, mixing, mastering, performing and creating events. At least half of a student's hours spent in class are related to performing and music practice. In addition we include practical studies in software such as Pro Tools, Sibelius, Ableton and Logic. Other practical areas include revenue streams for music artists, marketing principles and approaches to management of music careers. There are theoretical components to understand music, sound and our culture.

What makes you different to other educational institutions? In every course we have full-time staff who are well-known and active within contemporary music scenes, who release records, win awards and undertake international tours. All our lecturers practice what they teach! They are available for advice and help outside of class time. Our facilities are engineered specifically for music and available for use after hours including excellent performance spaces with industry standard lighting and sound. Over 300 students ensure vast networks for collaboration, creativity and work.

What kind of social activities do you offer? All of our courses are regularly involved in performances and events in venues around Melbourne. Student Life and Media (SLAM) run student activities throughout the year such as mini-workshops, product tastings, free breakfast, free BBQ lunch, scavenger hunts, live music, market stalls from many community organisations, and plenty of free giveaways. There are cafeterias and student lounges on each campus.

Do you offer job opportunities, internships, or other ways to help students get ahead? Our courses ensure students have developed skills to be freelance music industry professionals. Students complete industry-related activities as a work placement, often selecting an industry mentor. Students have opportunities to perform at events such as the Stonnington Jazz Festival and Stonnington Glow Festival. Students also perform at a variety of venues around Melbourne including the Elsternwick Hotel, Revolver Upstairs, Bennetts Lane, 303 and Wesley Anne.

When and where is your next Info Day/Open Day? Our School Of Creative Arts is having an Open Day on Saturday, 10.00am – 3.00pm, 20 Aug, 144 High Street, Prahran. If you’ve written a song, you’ll have the opportunity to record it in the Open Studio. Watch live performances in our David Williamson Theatre, immerse yourself in digital media technology and screen and media, whip up a costume for performance and apply theatre make-up — all features of our Performing Arts department.

Website link for more info? melbournepolytechnic.edu.au