Education Focus: Melbourne Polytechnic

Answered by: Andrew Gannon - Manager Performing Arts Department

What kind of courses do you offer? Our courses range from Certificate IV to Masters Programs. The Bachelor of Songwriting and 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 in the global spectrum of music. Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Music Industry include Music Performance, Business, Sound and Music Production and cater to all pursuing their career. In our friendly audition and interview, we discuss your goals and options.

Do you offer practical on-site learning or more of a theoretical base? Our learning is practical and includes one-to-one lessons, band rehearsals, composing, songwriting, recording, mixing, mastering, performing, and creating events. At least half your hours in class are related to performing and music/sound practice. In addition, we include practical studies in software such as Pro Tools, Sibelius, Ableton and Logic. Other 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 various contemporary music scenes, who release records, win awards and perform regularly. Our lecturers practice what they teach and are available for advice and help outside of class time. Facilities are specialist and available for use after hours including excellent performance and recording spaces with industry standard lighting and sound. Around 300 students enrolled ensures opportunities for collaboration and forging networks for 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 lunches, scavenger hunts, live music with our students, market stalls from many community organisations, and plenty of free giveaways. Band Slam is an annual Band competition and in addition, we host a songwriters competition. Cafeterias and student lounges are located on each campus.

Do you offer job opportunities, internships, or other ways to help students get ahead? Our courses ensure students develop skills to be freelance music industry professionals and include regular guest workshops. You can be involved in events including the Stonnington Jazz and Glow festivals, Fringe festival and also, at a variety of venues around Melbourne such as the Elsternwick Hotel, Revolver, The Workers Club, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Bar 303 and Wesley Anne. Students complete industry related activities as a work placement often selecting an industry mentor. We regularly recommend students for various work opportunities.

When and where is your next Info Day/Open Day? 20 Aug, Melbourne Polytechnic Preston: Building G (and the stage in courtyard) 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072 from 10am - 3pm. In addition, we conduct information sessions every Tuesday 4pm - 5pm at our facilities at Fairfield and Prahran. Melbourne Polytechnic Fairfield: Library Building Q, 101 Yarra Bend Road Fairfield. Melbourne Polytechnic Prahran: Building K Level 3 28 St John St Windsor.

Website link for more info: melbournepolytechnic.edu.au