Diploma in Music: Admissions 2025, Colleges, Eligibility, Course, Syllabus, and Scope

A Diploma in Music helps the students in expanding their knowledge of sound engineering and music which are utilized in the television and film industries. It is a University Grants Commission (UGC) recognized 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 a period of two years. Institutes like AAFT and CQ University also offer online courses for 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 recognized board. Admission can be on merit basis, by conducting auditions or through entrance exams such as KMMC Entrance Exam and BHU BPA. Fee ranges 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. Average starting salary for freshers of Diploma in Music range between 2 - 6 LPA.

Diploma in Music: Course Highlights

What is a Diploma in Music?

A Diploma in Music falls under the field of Musicology. It equips students with essential skills and qualifications required for building a career in music. Aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds are supported and enabled to enhance their knowledge through a combination of practical training and musicological studies. 

Students pursuing a Diploma in Music will gain insights into music history, analysis, and structure, along with hands-on experience in compositional techniques and an in-depth understanding of harmony. Diploma in Music can be pursued in online, offline as well as part- time mode.

Why pursue a Diploma in Music?

A Diploma in Music provides specialized knowledge about various subjects related to music such as practical harmony, music marketing and other competitions, film composing and documentary, etc. The main aim of teaching a Diploma in Music is to ensure students gain technical skills in composition and related practice in the area of music and to develop students' creative capacity with a critical understanding of theoretical and conceptual issues related to music. Candidates after completing a Diploma in Music can land jobs in the music sector as a music director, bandleader, program coordinator, etc.

Diploma in Music Eligibility

To pursue a Diploma in Music, students must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualifying exam from a recognized board to be eligible. While no specific subject specialization is required, candidates with a background or interest in music may be given preference. Additionally, some institutes may conduct auditions or entrance exams as part of the admission process. The selection criteria for admission to Diploma in Music may vary depending on the institute and its specific requirements.

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.

Diploma in Music: Syllabus

Diploma in Music syllabus at KM Music Conservatory (KMMC), Chennai:

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:

Diploma in Music: 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:

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 interested 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.

Diploma in Music: Frequently Asked Questions