Duration
8 months (2 trimesters) accelerated
Locations
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Fees
Intake Dates

February, June, September

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International

CRICOS 058467G

JMC welcomes from all over the world.
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Covering the essential tools for writing music to appeal to publishers, record labels and producers across genres and media channels, this course will help you to create your own music and lyrics, develop your instrumental skills, produce demos and perform your own songs.

Combining technical principles with pure creative expression, this hands-on course will help you start to find your voice, sharpen your craft and create songs that will be remembered. You will receive - at the core of your songwriting studies - weekly one-on-one private mentoring sessions to work on your songwriting, and develop a folio of original songs.

Through composition, arrangement, industry studies, harmonic analysis, lyric construction and technology – the Diploma incorporates an understanding of live sound and recording techniques and the use of industry standard software such as Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Sibelius to create original music and musical scores. Whether you’re a relative beginner or an experienced songwriter, learn how to brainstorm ideas, enhance your awareness of music theory, overcome writer’s block, and express yourself more effectively in words and music.

Why Study Songwriting at JMC?

Unique 1-on-1 songwriting mentorship and instrumental tuition
Advanced music technology and production units of study integrated into the course
This unique course teaches contemporary methodology for top-lining, composing and lyric writing

Technology & Facilities

JMC’s firm commitment to providing you with the best technology in the trade can be seen in our fully fitted songwriting suites, designed for recording in high-quality and for mastering production techniques. Each songwriting suite features software like ProTools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Native Instruments, along with MIDI keyboard controllers (keyboard and pad), high-quality monitors, and an array of Rode Condenser mics and instrument microphones. Rehearsal studios and performance spaces, including the auditorium, are fully equipped with digital pianos, drumkits, multi-channel P.A. systems, and guitar and bass amplifiers.

Duration

In just 2 years you can graduate with a Bachelor degree thanks to our accelerated full-time course. Part-time study is also available to domestic students. International students may choose to complete the course in 3 years [058463A] rather than the accelerated 2 year option.

Students who have successfully completed 4 trimesters of the Bachelor programme may successfully graduate with an Associate Degree qualification.

Course Structure

The Diploma of Music with major in Songwriting makes up the first 2 trimesters of the Music Bachelor's degree. At the successful completion of 2 trimesters, our modular course structure lets you graduate with an officially recognised diploma or continue seamlessly towards the industry standard Bachelor of Music with major in Songwriting degree.

Click here to view the course structure →

Connect with us

The Songwriting major series of units involves a series of one-on-one tutorials with a songwriting ‘mentor’ that will guide the student to achieve their creative vision in words and music. It is essential for a songwriter to constantly develop, re-think, and re-examine their abilities, and be open to influences and the world around them to ensure a future career in music. The unit will move towards developing a portfolio of original material that can then be used by the student to showcase their craft.

Ensemble I

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 1, students will begin to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). Stage performance technique as ‘stage presence’ is introduced and students are given the opportunity to explore, rehearse and develop musical skills in a group or ensemble environment. Students will be able to demonstrate their craft during two formal ensemble performances. To assist in the development of their professionalism, students will begin to develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals. Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

Collaborative Recording Project 1

In the first unit in the Collaborative Recording Project sequence, students are introduced to the practices of collaborative music-making. For musicians developing a specialist skill as a creative technologist, replication of music elements via digital environments is an integral foundation skill for a digital creator. This unit includes aspects of group music creation and replication using software, piano skills via industry DAWs, and basic stylistic replication. Across a 1 x 2-hour supervised group class per week (and additional self-organised follow-up sessions), students will develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals. Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

This unit continues developing the student’s knowledge and understanding of Music Theory, in preparation for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include knowledge of written theory, and extended understanding of notation and harmonic relationships at an intermediate level. This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow students to compose or arrange successful compositions and help develop technical musical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the second of four units (Music Theory 1-4) that will build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

This subject provides development in the student’s aural musicianship skills. In undertaking this subject, students will gain an understanding of fundamental musical principles and strengthen their aural perception of musical elements. Skills and understanding achieved in this subject create the foundation of any professional musician, which will be further developed during the duration of the course. This fundamental level of musicianship will allow students to better appreciate music and explore sonic textures. Emphasis is given to three main area including rhythmic perception and performance, solfege, performance and recognition of harmonic and melodic elements.

This unit provides an overview of Western contemporary popular music styles and the evolution in production of recorded and performed music since the 1950s. Students investigate major musical styles and periods from the 1950s to the present, and develop the ability to define key characteristics of each. The unit introduces the broad themes of what constitutes popular music, and elements of music production, with an emphasis on musical events, key artists or industry figures, and institutions which contributed to the development of different musical movements. Students are exposed to the structure of the music industry, developing their understanding of the inter-relationship between the different sectors and key historical developments, and gain an appreciation of the music tradition within which they will work. The unit provides a context and preparation for the concepts which are explored further in subsequent units and is essential for future professional practice in the music industry. Basic academic writing skills and assignment planning will also be covered in this unit.

This unit introduces students to the capacity of music technology to enhance their potential as musicians, composers, and recording artists. Students will investigate the fundamental range and features of music technology available and gain an understanding of its potential in the creative process. Students will learn the fundamentals of the technology underlying all stages of music creation and distribution. They will also investigate the operations and parts of a computer; set-up and operation of small music home recording systems; operation of industry-standard software program (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live) and program using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Students will acquire (or reinforce) basic musicianship and keyboard skills. Academic writing skills with research and referencing methodology will also be covered as part of preparation for the first assessment task.

Students will continue to develop the necessary skills, craft, techniques, and methodology to become a capable, adaptable, and versatile songwriter, under the guidance of their songwriting ‘mentor’ (1 x 30 min lesson per week it is expected that the student will be able to exhibit a level of musicianship and craft superior to that demonstrated in Songwriting Major 1. More attention is placed in this unit on developing a portfolio of strong original material in the form of enhanced demos that can then be used by the student to showcase their craft.

Ensemble II

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 2, students continue to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). The focus for this Ensemble unit is on working with a new group of musicians to develop an extended repertoire for live and recorded performances. Specialist tutors guide students through this process, from increasing technical proficiency, creativity and the development of their personal playing styles. Their stage persona also continues to be refined, with increasing emphasis on movement, stage dialogue, microphone technique, musicianship and stage image. To prepare for the live performance and live recordings, a number of rehearsal sessions are organised where students will be given ‘real time’ feedback from their tutors, as well as discussing and critiquing performances with their peers.

Collaborative Recording Project 2

In Collaborative Recording Project 2, students are expected to apply superior knowledge proficiently at a level higher than they demonstrated in Collaborative Recording Project 1. To achieve this, students will be encouraged to explore different models for creative collaboration in the design and realisation of a group-based music technology project, with a focus on a model that allows them to best communicate with each other. The scope of the creative work in this unit is potentially limitless, however students will have to work together to articulate, refine and justify their creative choices so that the production achieved is a thought-provoking combination of musical interests, talent and skillsets. Students may also participate in a collaborative live recording assessment with student ensembles from PSP215 Ensemble 2, which will require the application of professional communication skills and sharing of knowledge and skills.

 

This unit continues developing student knowledge and understanding of music theory, in preparation for musicianship at a professional level. Skills and understanding achieved in the unit will include knowledge of written theory, and extended understanding of notation and harmonic relationships. This expanded level of musicianship will eventually allow students to compose or arrange successful compositions and help develop technical musical skills on a chosen instrument. This is the third of four units (Music Theory 1-4) that will build the students’ ability and knowledge within practical components of written music theory, and increase their overall musical awareness.

It is essential to constantly develop as a member of a band and as an individual player to ensure a future musical career. The Ensemble sequence of units has been designed to provide the time and guidance required for the maturation of students’ performance abilities. In Ensemble 1, students will begin to develop their expertise in their principal instrument and awareness of repertoire through ensemble sessions (1 x 2-hour session per week). Stage performance technique as ‘stage presence’ is introduced and students are given the opportunity to explore, rehearse and develop musical skills in a group or ensemble environment. Students will be able to demonstrate their craft during two formal ensemble performances. To assist in the development of their professionalism, students will begin to develop planning skills and the ability to set specific, timely and achievable goals. Attention is placed on learning basic communication and interaction skills.

This unit develops students’ conceptual knowledge and technical skills in songwriting, focusing on songwriting technique and practice methods, harmonic and melodic analysis, lyric content, form, and structure, and the ability to present their songs using industry standard lead sheets. Students will investigate the links between music and lyrics (prosody), form and structure of contemporary song, and analyse influential songwriters and their works during class time. Following the first assessment, the unit goes on to develop the students’ understanding of the process of music arranging. This begins by learning the idiosyncratic notation techniques and musical features of instruments within a basic contemporary music ensemble of vocals, guitar, piano/keyboard, bass and drums. Then students move on and further develop an understanding of writing for front line instruments - specific brass and reed instruments that are known in contemporary music as the ‘horn’ section. Each section of the ensemble requires a specific writing technique, and students create an arrangement of their original song submitted for the first assessment, demonstrating an understanding of harmony, melody, rhythm, structure and stylistic devices. Throughout this unit students work with the notation program Sibelius, learning techniques to craft clear scores and parts.

The purpose of this unit is to give students an introduction to the music industry enabling a basic understanding of key sectors, roles and structures within it. It will also introduce students to copyright as it applies broadly to musical, literary, dramatic and artistic works and the functions and responsibilities of publishers and publishing companies. All areas relating to the application of copyright and the workings of publishing are considered. This unit also introduces music publishing contracts, distribution deals, and opportunities that are emerging with the development of digital technology and the practices of independent artists. It will also explore the fundamentals of band management, including use of an ABN and basic business principles.



Our Lecturers

James O'Brien

Head of Music (Melbourne)

James graduated with a Bachelor of Music (performance) from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2001 and immediately began work as a touring musician successfully traversing the jazz and popular music worlds. With modern piano trio Misinterprotato, James toured around Australia, the U.S., Canada and Japan and contributed to the group's first two releases through the Melbourne based Jazzhead label.

As singer and songwriter in Brisbane-Melbourne based indie-pop group The Boat People, James has released three albums, toured the U.S. 8 times (including two trips to SXSW), the U.K. twice and supported many outstanding Australian and International acts including Powderfinger, Crowded House and The Shins. The Boat People have had 8 songs playlisted on national radio station Triple J and in 2007 James signed a publishing deal with Ivy League/Mushroom which has seen his songs used extensively in television and film.

In 2012, James co-wrote and sung the breakout single "Half of It" for producer duo YesYou which received high rotation radio play on Triple J. James currently works as touring bass player with avant-folk group Machine Translations and songstress Kate Miller-Heidke. With his new group Darling James, he produced and music directed the "8 First Dates" event at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe which featured guests Ainslie Wills, Angie Hart (Frente), Jae Laffer (The Panics) and many others. Darling James are about to release their debut single and recently opened for legendary Australian group, The Church.

James O'Brien

Head of Music (Melbourne)

James graduated with a Bachelor of Music (performance) from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2001 and immediately began work as a touring musician successfully traversing the jazz and popular music worlds. With modern piano trio Misinterprotato, James toured around Australia, the U.S., Canada and Japan and contributed to the group's first two releases through the Melbourne based Jazzhead label.

As singer and songwriter in Brisbane-Melbourne based indie-pop group The Boat People, James has released three albums, toured the U.S. 8 times (including two trips to SXSW), the U.K. twice and supported many outstanding Australian and International acts including Powderfinger, Crowded House and The Shins. The Boat People have had 8 songs playlisted on national radio station Triple J and in 2007 James signed a publishing deal with Ivy League/Mushroom which has seen his songs used extensively in television and film.

In 2012, James co-wrote and sung the breakout single "Half of It" for producer duo YesYou which received high rotation radio play on Triple J. James currently works as touring bass player with avant-folk group Machine Translations and songstress Kate Miller-Heidke. With his new group Darling James, he produced and music directed the "8 First Dates" event at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe which featured guests Ainslie Wills, Angie Hart (Frente), Jae Laffer (The Panics) and many others. Darling James are about to release their debut single and recently opened for legendary Australian group, The Church.

Kemo Bunguric

Head of Music (Sydney)

Kemo’s teaching methods and influence reflect his own passion and extensive skills in composition, arranging and music technology, especially since he is a piano accordion virtuoso and an Australasian Accordion Champion.

By the age of 13, Kemo had learned early on how important it was to market one’s self as a musician, a concept which he aims to instil in his students. Kemo ensures that his students understand how to develop themselves as well-rounded musicians and teaches them the importance of being progressive within the industry.

Kemo Bunguric

Head of Music (Sydney)

Kemo’s teaching methods and influence reflect his own passion and extensive skills in composition, arranging and music technology, especially since he is a piano accordion virtuoso and an Australasian Accordion Champion.

By the age of 13, Kemo had learned early on how important it was to market one’s self as a musician, a concept which he aims to instil in his students. Kemo ensures that his students understand how to develop themselves as well-rounded musicians and teaches them the importance of being progressive within the industry.

Will Day

Head of Music, and Entertainment Business Management (Brisbane)

Gritty. Grounded. Heartfelt. A stand-out performer. From energetic tracks such as the single ‘Countrified’ to emotive ballads like ‘Simple Then’ (with Brooke Schubert), it’s no surprise that Will is making an impact on the country music scene.  2021 has been a wild ride, with single ‘Countrified’ added to iHeartCountry and KIX Country with the song reaching #12 on the KIX Country Charts and ‘Simple Then’ added to ABC Country, reaching #9 on the KIX Country Charts and #5 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Charts. Both tracks are included on Will’s debut album ‘Countrified’ and will be accompanied by a national tour reaching every state over the next 12 months.

Will has opened for the likes of Morgan Evans, Shannon Noll, Diesel, Hoodoo Gurus, The Baby Animals, The Black Sorrows, Col Finley and The Viper Creek Band while also appearing at  Australia’s most iconic country music festivals, including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival and Gympie Muster.

With a genuine gift of storytelling, combined with compelling vocals and the ability to connect with a crowd, Will Day is fast becoming one of Australia’s premier rising country artists and one that will undoubtedly be around for many years to come.

Will Day

Head of Music, and Entertainment Business Management (Brisbane)

Gritty. Grounded. Heartfelt. A stand-out performer. From energetic tracks such as the single ‘Countrified’ to emotive ballads like ‘Simple Then’ (with Brooke Schubert), it’s no surprise that Will is making an impact on the country music scene.  2021 has been a wild ride, with single ‘Countrified’ added to iHeartCountry and KIX Country with the song reaching #12 on the KIX Country Charts and ‘Simple Then’ added to ABC Country, reaching #9 on the KIX Country Charts and #5 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Charts. Both tracks are included on Will’s debut album ‘Countrified’ and will be accompanied by a national tour reaching every state over the next 12 months.

Will has opened for the likes of Morgan Evans, Shannon Noll, Diesel, Hoodoo Gurus, The Baby Animals, The Black Sorrows, Col Finley and The Viper Creek Band while also appearing at  Australia’s most iconic country music festivals, including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival and Gympie Muster.

With a genuine gift of storytelling, combined with compelling vocals and the ability to connect with a crowd, Will Day is fast becoming one of Australia’s premier rising country artists and one that will undoubtedly be around for many years to come.

Thomas Combes

Senior Audio Lecturer and Music Lecturer

Music has been a passion of Thomas' since he picked up his first guitar at the tender age of 10. Fast forward 17 years and Tom’s phenomenal finger-style playing, subtle tone and seasoned musical taste push the boundaries of what is possible on an acoustic guitar. His unique style of playing incorporates finger picking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a detailed wall of sound.

Tom has toured nationally as an in-demand session player, played on the main stage of several music festivals and has had his signature guitar playing recorded on several albums. These accomplishments have been complemented with his in-depth Audio Engineering and Production knowledge obtained through his degree in the Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith.

Tom now resides in Brisbane where he lectures Audio classes and teaches guitar at JMC Academy.

Thomas Combes

Senior Audio Lecturer and Music Lecturer

Music has been a passion of Thomas' since he picked up his first guitar at the tender age of 10. Fast forward 17 years and Tom’s phenomenal finger-style playing, subtle tone and seasoned musical taste push the boundaries of what is possible on an acoustic guitar. His unique style of playing incorporates finger picking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a detailed wall of sound.

Tom has toured nationally as an in-demand session player, played on the main stage of several music festivals and has had his signature guitar playing recorded on several albums. These accomplishments have been complemented with his in-depth Audio Engineering and Production knowledge obtained through his degree in the Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith.

Tom now resides in Brisbane where he lectures Audio classes and teaches guitar at JMC Academy.

Simon Gardner

Senior Music Lecturer

Simon Gardner is one Brisbane’s premier rock guitarists and pre-eminent guitar teachers. He is also full-time Theory Lecturer, Guitar Tutor and Ensemble Coordinator at JMC Academy Brisbane. As an artist, Simon has 5 albums and 3 singles . His most recent releases “You Know Why I Asked You Here” and “Reflections on a Winter Sky” are featured in Australian Musician online Magazine and Candyrat Records Youtube channel.

Simon also performs regularly across a range of styles as a freelance guitarist and is Musical Director for theatre rock shows, "Good Morning Vietnam - Music from the Vietnam War Era" and "Simon Gardner's Classic Rock Legends"

Simon Gardner

Senior Music Lecturer

Simon Gardner is one Brisbane’s premier rock guitarists and pre-eminent guitar teachers. He is also full-time Theory Lecturer, Guitar Tutor and Ensemble Coordinator at JMC Academy Brisbane. As an artist, Simon has 5 albums and 3 singles . His most recent releases “You Know Why I Asked You Here” and “Reflections on a Winter Sky” are featured in Australian Musician online Magazine and Candyrat Records Youtube channel.

Simon also performs regularly across a range of styles as a freelance guitarist and is Musical Director for theatre rock shows, "Good Morning Vietnam - Music from the Vietnam War Era" and "Simon Gardner's Classic Rock Legends"

Cameron Bower

Senior Music Lecturer

Cameron Bower is a composer, producer, songwriter and improvising musician from Brisbane. His principle projects include work with Big Dead (2010 -) and Milk Buttons (2015 -) and is the artistic director and principle composer for New Music/Jazz ensemble Cowbird (2016 -).

As a composer he works within a world of improvised and composed forms, electronic and rock music, synthesising his tendency towards jazz and improvised music with the formal structures of contemporary classical idioms and techniques. As a producer he works in electronic/ambient and alternative rock contexts.

Cam teaches composition, piano and guitar as part of the Browning Street Music and Dance Teachers cooperative and works as a Sessional Academic at QUT and JMC lecturing on topics from music theory and composition to history and aural studies.

Cameron Bower

Senior Music Lecturer

Cameron Bower is a composer, producer, songwriter and improvising musician from Brisbane. His principle projects include work with Big Dead (2010 -) and Milk Buttons (2015 -) and is the artistic director and principle composer for New Music/Jazz ensemble Cowbird (2016 -).

As a composer he works within a world of improvised and composed forms, electronic and rock music, synthesising his tendency towards jazz and improvised music with the formal structures of contemporary classical idioms and techniques. As a producer he works in electronic/ambient and alternative rock contexts.

Cam teaches composition, piano and guitar as part of the Browning Street Music and Dance Teachers cooperative and works as a Sessional Academic at QUT and JMC lecturing on topics from music theory and composition to history and aural studies.

Chloe Harrison

Ensemble Coordinator

Previously hailing from Sydney, Chloe Harrison is now a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and voice actor.

Chloe started her career young, starting voice acting at 6 years old, working on hundreds of advertising campaigns for TV, radio, and cinema, as well as two seasons of an animated series that was aired internationally. She later moved towards music, starting work as a session singer.


After completing her undergraduate degree in Composition and Production, she started her own production company, in the first year recording 3 albums, 4 EP’s and several singles for independent artists in both Sydney and Rural NSW. She then embarked on her post-graduate studies in composition, while lecturing, performing, and working as a producer.

More recently, she has moved into working as a composer, sound designer, and voice actor for video games, while continuously working on her own original music.

Chloe Harrison

Ensemble Coordinator

Previously hailing from Sydney, Chloe Harrison is now a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and voice actor.

Chloe started her career young, starting voice acting at 6 years old, working on hundreds of advertising campaigns for TV, radio, and cinema, as well as two seasons of an animated series that was aired internationally. She later moved towards music, starting work as a session singer.


After completing her undergraduate degree in Composition and Production, she started her own production company, in the first year recording 3 albums, 4 EP’s and several singles for independent artists in both Sydney and Rural NSW. She then embarked on her post-graduate studies in composition, while lecturing, performing, and working as a producer.

More recently, she has moved into working as a composer, sound designer, and voice actor for video games, while continuously working on her own original music.

Shannon Brown

Senior Music Lecturer

Former tenor and Musical Director for the internationally acclaimed group The Ten Tenors, Shannon toured full-time for six years, performing an average of 250 shows per year across five continents.

Recorded a Platinum-selling album 'Here's To The Heroes' at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony Orchestra and launched the album performing at the Royal Albert Hall.

Shannon has recorded with Sting’s guitarist, Dominic Miller. American drummer, Vinnie Colaiuta. ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame’ lyricist, Don Black OBE, and Academy Award & Golden Globe winner, John Barry OBE.

Shannon has worked with Australia’s Guy Sebastian and Paulini Curuenavuli. John Foreman OAM, Chong Lim AM, James Morrison AM & Producer, Ken Laing AM. He has toured with Country star Jasmine Rae and been the Musical Director for the 2013 winner of The Voice, Harrison Craig.

Shannon continues to work with Australia’s Got Talent Winner, Mark Vincent, as his Musical Director for over 11 years.

Shannon Brown

Senior Music Lecturer

Former tenor and Musical Director for the internationally acclaimed group The Ten Tenors, Shannon toured full-time for six years, performing an average of 250 shows per year across five continents.

Recorded a Platinum-selling album 'Here's To The Heroes' at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony Orchestra and launched the album performing at the Royal Albert Hall.

Shannon has recorded with Sting’s guitarist, Dominic Miller. American drummer, Vinnie Colaiuta. ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame’ lyricist, Don Black OBE, and Academy Award & Golden Globe winner, John Barry OBE.

Shannon has worked with Australia’s Guy Sebastian and Paulini Curuenavuli. John Foreman OAM, Chong Lim AM, James Morrison AM & Producer, Ken Laing AM. He has toured with Country star Jasmine Rae and been the Musical Director for the 2013 winner of The Voice, Harrison Craig.

Shannon continues to work with Australia’s Got Talent Winner, Mark Vincent, as his Musical Director for over 11 years.

Cassandra Long

Music Lecturer

Cassie is an indie folk singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vocal pedagogist based in Sydney. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Music, concentrated in Songwriting and Music Production, from Berklee College of Music, she aims to help her students hone all aspects of their craft and amplify their artistry.

Cassandra Long

Music Lecturer

Cassie is an indie folk singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vocal pedagogist based in Sydney. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Music, concentrated in Songwriting and Music Production, from Berklee College of Music, she aims to help her students hone all aspects of their craft and amplify their artistry.

Matt Walker

Music Lecturer

Matt Walker is one of the most respected musicians on the Australian scene. His work as a songwriter, guitarist, producer and composer is credited on dozens of albums, films and documentary scores, and among his peers he enjoys the status of a true cult legend. He has toured with people such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Dirty Three, Nick Cave, Tony Joe White, Cat Power, The Black Keys and Joe Cocker. Matt has also written, recorded and performed with an eclectic bunch of outstanding artists including Brod Smith, Mick Harvey, Rob Hirst and Jim Mogine (both from Midnight Oil), Archie Roach, Tex Perkins, Kim Salmon, Henry Wagons and Ashley Davies...the list goes on. His commitment to other projects has, at times overshadowed his own work, but he has nevertheless won an ARIA award for his music, and it goes without saying that, within the Australian music industry, there is much respect for Matt Walker.

Although Matt may currently be found out front of the band, Lost Ragas, a collective of songwriters, he still ventures out to play in solo mode. Experimenting with guitar improvisation and often taking his songs out into cinematic realms. His latest solo album 'In Echoes of Dawn' is a stunning, uplifting piece of work that moves from swamp-soul through to harmony-rich country blues and lilting piano-driven balladry. Matt's voice is haunting, effortless and pure and his songwriting here is nothing short of a revelation.

Matt Walker

Music Lecturer

Matt Walker is one of the most respected musicians on the Australian scene. His work as a songwriter, guitarist, producer and composer is credited on dozens of albums, films and documentary scores, and among his peers he enjoys the status of a true cult legend. He has toured with people such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Dirty Three, Nick Cave, Tony Joe White, Cat Power, The Black Keys and Joe Cocker. Matt has also written, recorded and performed with an eclectic bunch of outstanding artists including Brod Smith, Mick Harvey, Rob Hirst and Jim Mogine (both from Midnight Oil), Archie Roach, Tex Perkins, Kim Salmon, Henry Wagons and Ashley Davies...the list goes on. His commitment to other projects has, at times overshadowed his own work, but he has nevertheless won an ARIA award for his music, and it goes without saying that, within the Australian music industry, there is much respect for Matt Walker.

Although Matt may currently be found out front of the band, Lost Ragas, a collective of songwriters, he still ventures out to play in solo mode. Experimenting with guitar improvisation and often taking his songs out into cinematic realms. His latest solo album 'In Echoes of Dawn' is a stunning, uplifting piece of work that moves from swamp-soul through to harmony-rich country blues and lilting piano-driven balladry. Matt's voice is haunting, effortless and pure and his songwriting here is nothing short of a revelation.

JMC introduced me to an amazing group of collaborators. Using the excellent facilities gave me the chance to explore music production in a way that would have been impossible outside of university.
Harry Phillips - Musician and Singer/Songwriter
Songwriting Alumni
When I came here I knew nothing about the DAW software like Pro Tools, Sibelius or Ableton, but from day one, they started teaching it to me straight away.
Jenna Murray - Freelance Musician and Songwriter
Songwriting Alumni
They give you all the tools to be a more complete musician and succeed in the industry. You do everything from performance to history and even how to communicate with your audio team and band members.
Pedro Vazquez Sanchez - Singer/Songwriter
Songwriting Alumni

Bachelor of Music with major in Songwriting

Seamlessly transition into the bachelor's degree with JMC Academy's modular and integrated courses. 

More on this course

Are you ready to take the next step toward your career in Songwriting?

FAQs

This depends on what outcome you want to work towards, what career you want to ultimately pursue and where your passion lies. If you see yourself performing your music to a live audience and are excited about the thought of doing so then contermporary music performance might be the way to go. Bear in mind that the Bachelor Degree in Contemporary Music Performance does teach two units in Songwriting.

If you love the idea of composing, creating, and telling stories through your music and you're not comfortable with the thought of performing in front of an audience then the song writing course may be a better option for you. 

Of course, if you decide to study the songwriting course, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to perform on your own or within an ensemble.

Yes. However, for those with little or no theory background, we'll teach you what you need to know from the ground up. We also offer a program during orientation week which provides a crash course to help you get started if theory isn’t your strong point.  

This depends where your passion lies. Do you love performing and getting on stage in front of an audience, or do you prefer composing, creating, and telling stories through music? If you get stage fright and the thought of performing in front of a live audience makes you feel weak at the knees, then the songwriting course could be a better option for you. As a songwriter, you’ll still have the opportunity to participate in an ensemble, in order to learn how to develop your musical ideas to be performance ready, but you won’t have to have the spotlight on your own performance.

Yes. The JMC Academy is registered and regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) which is Australia’s independent national regulator of the higher education sector, both public and private.

No, our courses are hands on and practical. Students are required to attend classes to receive ongoing mentorship, learn new skills and work with the equipment provided. We do encourage our students to use online study resources, however our courses would not be as immersive as they are without the practical component.

JMC Academy is broadly recognised and accredited:

  • Registered Higher Education Provider.
  • Accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
  • Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
  • Regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
  • Member of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA).
  • Nationally recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Our strong industry links also ensure that JMC Academy qualifications are recognised within the creative industries.