A Diploma in Music helps students expand their knowledge of sound engineering and music, which are utilised in the television and film industries. It is a University Grants Commission (UGC) recognised diploma.A Diploma in Music is typically a one-year, two-semester course offered by prestigious institutions such as T-Series Stageworks Academy. However, colleges such as PSTU Hyderabad and UNIPUNE offer a Diploma in Music over two years. Institutes like AAFT and CQ University also offer online courses for a Diploma in music that last for 6 months to a year.
To pursue a Diploma in Music, the aspirant should have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualifying exam from a recognised board. Admission can be on a merit basis, by conducting auditions or through entrance exams such as the KMMC Entrance Exam and the BHU BPA. Feeranges are varied for a Diploma in Music, as Government institutions such as BHU offer this course for INR 20,000- 30,000 per annum. However, in many acclaimed private academies such as Shankar Mahadevan Academy, fees can range from INR 50,000 to 1,50,000 depending on the mode of education. The average starting salary for freshers of a Diploma in Music ranges between 2 - 6 LPA.
- Diploma in Music Course Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Music?
- Why Pursue a Diploma in Music?
- Diploma in Music Eligibility
- Diploma in Music Admission Process
- How to prepare for admission to Diploma in Music Course?
- Diploma in Music Colleges in India
- Diploma in Music Syllabus
- Diploma in Music v/s BA in Music Course Comparison
- Diploma in Music Course Job Profiles
- Diploma in Music Future Scope
- Diploma in Music FAQs
Diploma in Music Course Highlights
Given below are the highlights of Diploma in Music course:
Feature | Details |
Duration | 6 months – 2 years |
Eligibility | 12th pass |
Admission Process | Entrance exam, audition, or direct admission |
Common Entrance Exam | BHU BPA Entrance, DU Music Entrance, KMMC Entrance Exam |
Top Institutes | Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Delhi School of Music, T-Series Stageworks Academy, Shankar Mahadevan Academy, Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music |
Average Fees | ₹20,000 – ₹4,00,000 per year (lower brackets for Government institutions) |
Career Options | Musician, Playback Singer, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer |
Average Salary | INR 2 – INR 6 LPA (for freshers) |
What is a Diploma in Music?
A Diploma in Music is a course of study that comes under Musicology. It prepares students with the needed skills and qualifications for career development in music. Talented musicians from various walks of life are facilitated and enabled to deepen their knowledge through practical training in combination with studies in musicology.
Students who are opting for a Diploma in Music will learn music history, analysis, and structure and will have practical experience in compositional methods as well as a close understanding of harmony. A Diploma in Music can be done through online, offline as well as part-time mode.
Why Pursue a Diploma in Music?
A Diploma in Music provides a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance. Given below are the reasons to pursue it:
- Offers practical training in vocal or instrumental specializations
- Encourages discipline, creativity, and individuality through structured learning
- Plays students into music performance, teaching, or composition professions
- Provides opportunity to perform, collaborate with, and associate with professionals
- A stepping stone for advanced studies in music or music-related disciplines
Diploma in Music Eligibility
In order to pursue a Diploma in Music, one should have passed 10+2 or an equivalent entrance examination conducted by a legitimate board. Specialization in no subject is required, but individuals with a history or interest in music may be given importance. Auditions or entrance tests may also be conducted by certain colleges as part of the admission procedure. The admission process for Diploma in Music may vary with the institution and its individual needs.
Diploma in Music Admission Process
The admission procedure for a Diploma in Music involves a series of steps that may vary depending on the institute’s selection criteria.
- Submission of Application Form: Offline/online submission of application form to the desired institute.
- Audition-Based Selection: Institutes such as Mumbai Music Institute provide direct admission based on auditions.
- Entrance based selection: Institutes such as KMMC conduct KMMC entrance exam for admissions to Diploma in Music course.
How to prepare for admission to Diploma in Music Course?
As there are some colleges that admit students on an audition basis, it is required to know the basic requirements for the admission. Following are a few tips an aspirant for a Diploma in Music can follow:
- Study music theory, notation, harmony, and rhythm in order to lay a solid groundwork.
- Rehearse vocals or instruments on a daily basis and practice audition pieces confidently.
- Develop your pitch, rhythm, and melody ear along with your sight-reading abilities.
- Learn music history, composition methods, and technical elements for entrance examinations.
Diploma in Music Colleges in India
Given below is a list of colleges in India offering a Diploma in Music along with their admission process and varied fee structures.
College Name | Location | Admission Process | Fees (Approx.) |
T-Series StageWorks Academy | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Direct admission, audition-based | INR 1,75,000 |
Shankar Mahadevan Academy | Online & Offline in Bengaluru | Direct admission | INR 85,000- 1,50,000 |
Mumbai Music Institute | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Direct admission, personal interview | INR 1,50,000 |
Delhi School of Music | New Delhi | Audition-based admission | INR 60,000 |
KM Music Conservatory | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | KMMC Entrance Exam + Audition | INR 3,15,000 |
Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music | Tamil Nadu | Audition + Personal Interview | INR 4,20,000 |
Bharati Vidyapeeth's School of Performing Arts | Pune, Maharashtra | Direct admission, audition-based | INR 1,25,000 |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | BHU BPA Entrance Exam + Practical Test | INR 22,000 |
Diploma in Music Syllabus
Diploma in Music syllabus at KM Music Conservatory (KMMC), Chennai:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Creative Practice (Performance/Composition/Production) | Portfolio (Advanced Specialization in Chosen Field) |
Core Musical Skills (Advanced Theory & Musicianship) | Composition & Arranging II |
Improvisation Skills | Education & Community Music |
Audio Production | Arts Administration |
Songwriting | Advanced Applied Musicianship |
Ensembles & Chamber Performance | |
Music & Arts | |
Composition & Arranging I |
Diploma in Music v/s BA in Music Course Comparison
Below tabulated is the comparison between Diploma in Music and BA in Music to help students make a better informed decision:
Criteria | Diploma in Music | Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music |
Duration | 6 months – 2 years | 3 years (Full-time) |
Course Structure | Practical-heavy with basic music theory | Balanced mix of practical performance, music theory, and historical studies |
Depth of Study | Covers fundamental concepts and skills | Covers advanced topics, including musicology, harmony, and ethnomusicology |
Career Scope | Entry-level jobs in performance, teaching, or production | Higher career prospects in academia, research, performance, and production |
Salary Range | 2 - 6 LPA for freshers | 3 - 7 LPA for freshers |
Job Roles | Performer, Music Teacher, Studio Assistant, Sound Technician | Music Composer, Music Director, Musicologist, Academic Researcher, Professor |
Diploma in Music Course Job Profiles
This table provides an overview of career opportunities and salary ranges for professionals in music-related fields post the completion of a Diploma in Music:
Job Profile | Description | Average Annual Salary |
Music Producer | A music producer’s job is to oversee the recording and production of music tracks. | INR 4,00,000 |
Sound Engineer | Sound Engineers manage the technical aspects of sound during recordings and live performances. | INR 6,00,000 |
Music Teacher | Music teachers educate students in music theory and instrument proficiency. | INR 3,20,000 |
Booking Agent | Schedules and organises live performances and tours for artists. | INR 2,00,000 |
Audio Engineer | Audio Engineers operate and maintain recording equipment for optimal sound quality. | INR 5,80,000 |
Sound Technician | The role of a Sound Technician is to assemble and operate equipment for recording and reproducing sound. | INR 5,50,000 |
Diploma in Music Future Scope
Post the completion of a Diploma in Music, students can pursue other specialisation courses to hone their skills in their field:
- Bachelor of Performing Arts that focuses on vocal/instrumental performance, musicology, and stage techniques, and is a 3-4 year-long course.
- MBA in Music Business/Entertainment Management focuses on the business side of music, including marketing, copyright, and artist management, and takes 2 years to complete, however, it requires a bachelor’s degree, and hence a BA in Music is advised. It can also be followed by a PhD in Music
Diploma in Music FAQs
Can one pursue a Diploma in Music if one has no background in music?
Yes, most schools that offer a Diploma in Music have a foundation course that covers the fundamentals of music theory, instruments, and vocals. While experience is always a plus, it is not strictly necessary.
Is a Diploma in Music offered online?
Yes, many websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare provide an online Diploma in Music and teach all types of topics ranging from music production to performance, composition, and theory.
Is a Diploma in Music helpful in securing government jobs?
Yes, diploma graduates may work in state-owned cultural centres, schools, and music academies, applying for music jobs. Musicians are hired by government agencies as teachers, composers, or performers in government projects and events.
For a Diploma in Music, what is utilised?
A Diploma in Music typically exposes students to music production and sound engineering, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro, FL Studio, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live. Some classes also teach students to use notation software like Finale or Sibelius for composing and arranging music.
Can I establish my music studio or business after getting a Diploma in Music?
Diplomas in music offer the option to establish their recording studios, independent music teachers, or solo artists with further studies in music production, business administration, and marketing. Having an understanding of copyright laws, licensing, and branding helps build a successful career.
