Why should I study a music degree with AMPA in Sydney?
Unlike larger universities, AMPA courses provide a highly specialised focus and are based on the mentor relationship between student and teacher. Students benefit from more extensive individual programs compared to other providers, with exclusive access to industry practitioners as part of your degree. This includes weekly Principal Study lessons in your major instrument and additional Second Study lesson to diversify your skillset (eg. choose guitar as principal with second study in music production to learn how to record and produce your own music). Live performances are also scheduled weekly in a professional theatre environment, essential for learning to work with professional audio and lighting, along with ensemble classes to improve group performance skills. AMPA degrees are flexible and can be tailored specifically to meet your strengths, while being immersed in a close and like-minded community helps to provide you with industry opportunities and collaborative projects. To learn more, go to the Why AMPA page.
Why should I study a dance degree with AMPA in Sydney?
While many “full-time” dance programs (Cert IV or Diploma) are offered by local dance studios, the AMPA BDance is the only performance oriented degree that provides an undergraduate Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7). The higher qualification provides AMPA students with a distinct advantage upon graduating, including the option to choose broader career paths or move onto postgraduate study where required (eg. secondary teaching).
More than just learning to follow routines, AMPA BDance students use artistic concepts and critical thinking to produce dance compositions, projects and collaborative works to gain experience and develop a much wider skill set. At the core of the program rigorous dance training takes place at the AMPA Performing Arts Centre, a hub for professional theatre and dance companies in Sydney with access to 7 purpose-built dance studios. External showcases are also held three times per year in a professional theatre. To learn more, go to the Why AMPA page.
Why should I study music theatre at AMPA in Sydney?
Students studying music theatre at AMPA undergo technical training across the three core areas: singing, dancing and acting as part of their degree. In addition to individual lessons with an industry practitioner music theatre students have access to a professional theatre for weekly performances and ensembles, essential for gaining performance experience with live audio and lighting. Rigorous dance training and acting classes takes place at the AMPA Performing Arts Centre, a hub for professional theatre and dance companies in Sydney with access to 7 purpose-built dance studios. AMPA degrees are flexible and can be tailored specifically to meet your strengths, while being immersed in a close and like-minded community helps to provide you with industry opportunities and collaborative projects. Graduates are equipped to enter a highly competitive and demanding music theatre industry.
Does an AMPA degree have the same standing as a university degree?
Yes. AMPA is an accredited higher education provider under the same regulatory body as all universities in Australia, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Both private and public providers are registered with TEQSA and adhere to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
What happens in an audition?
To download the full audition guidelines for each AMPA degree, please visit the 'How to Apply' section of this website, or click here to go there now.
I would like to study Music Production. Do I need to audition?
Applicants for Music Production do not need to perform live, but will need to demonstrate a genuine interest and/or experience in the area. This will usually happen through a consultation process where you can show 2 examples of recent work or projects and discuss your composition processes.
Am I required to have music theory knowledge to enter a music performance degree?
While knowledge of music theory is recommended, there are a number of course options if this is not your "forte". This includes ensuring that you start in the right course to ensure that you are supported through your course progression journey, as well as a short course to help prepare for your first day.
I am overseas or interstate and can't get to AMPA for the audition. What are my options?
International or interstate students will be invited to submit a video audition. Applicants may be required to sit an online audition and interview. Once we receive your application, a member of the AMPA Admissions team will get in touch with you to arrange a suitable option. Prospective students residing in remote NSW may also be eligible to audition via video. Please let your This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. representative know if you would like to do this.
When do I need to apply by?
There are three intakes for entry into AMPA: January, May and September. AMPA conducts auditions year-round and students are recommended to audition at approximately 6-8 months prior to their chosen intake where possible. For individual advice please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
I am unable to pay tuition fees upfront, what options do I have?
Eligible students can access FEE-HELP to cover the full tuition fees at AMPA, a government program that is generally available to Australian citizens and Permanent humanitarian visa holders. For further details on Fee-Help, please visit the Study Assist page.
Students paying upfront fees can request an instalment plan to spread payments out to a manageable schedule (eg. weekly or monthly).
How do international students pay their fees?
International students must pay the first trimester in full before enrolment can be processed. A Certificate of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued as part of the enrolment process.
Does AMPA provide accommodation?
AMPA does not provide accommodation directly, however, there are many options for students planning to stay in Sydney. Here's a list of accommodation options to look into. Some AMPA students choose to share living arrangements, while many connect on the AMPA Billboard to connect with other students for advice. For general advice please feel free to get in touch with AMPA Admissions on 02 9310 3111 or through email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How do I get to AMPA?
The main AMPA campus is conveniently located next to Central Railway Station.
By train:
Get off at Central Station (Southern Concourse exit). Then it's just a 2 minute walk as you turn right onto Chalmers St.
By bus:
Bus services operate directly to AMPA or to Central Station from most areas of Sydney.
Click here to view a map and further details.
To get to the Alexandria Performing Arts Centre, a free shuttle bus is available from Central Station. This is a free service for all AMPA students.
