The Bachelor of Music provides the intensive professional training required for employment in the music industry. It seeks to provide a challenging and stimulating learning environment in which all students may achieve their full potential as performers. It aims to develop educated, flexible and imaginative graduates who possess the knowledge and skills required to function effectively in a wide range of professional contexts. The program is currently undergoing major revisions with a view to integrating and introducing a number of specialisations for 2012. Please check for information as the formal approval process takes place and full details can then be provided.

For 2011, the program provides a major study in Classical Performance, with complementary ensembles and related specialist skills are also offered. The remainder of the program consists of core studies and some elective courses.

Entry to the Performance major is subject to audition and quotas may be imposed on each instrumental/vocal area.

The Classical Performance curriculum includes individual performance lessons totalling 28 hours a year. In addition there are weekly technique and repertoire classes, performance forums and a comprehensive range of ensemble, choral and orchestral activities offered over 24 weeks. The vocal curriculum includes language studies and stagecraft. Specialised studies may also be undertaken in accompanying and orchestral performance.

An exciting feature of the teaching program in Classical Performance is the Elder Conservatorium's fine array of large ensembles. The orchestras, wind ensemble, choirs, big bands, percussion ensemble, new music and early music groups perform regularly to public and critical acclaim, within the University and in the community. A range of electives including ensembles, accompaniment, conducting, technology and popular music studies are also available.

The program serves as a preparation for various graduate awards that lead to professional recognition in music, teaching and arts administration. A fourth year of study to the honours level is available and encouraged.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to incur some additional costs as part of their program. These include performance tour costs, concert visits, instrument purchase or hire, purchase of a RCD if using electrical equipment, recording, text books and scores, purchase of microphones, etc.

Accompanying

Some financial assistance is provided to help with the cost of essential accompaniment in examinations. Students need to budget for any additional accompaniment.

Select Staff List

Director of Elder Conservatorium of Music: Associate Professor Carl Crossin OAM, BMus(Hons), DME (Syd Con)

Elder Professor of Music: Professor Charles Bodman Rae, MA (Cantab), PhD (Leeds), DMus (Adel), ARCM, FCLCM, FRSA

Head of Undergraduate Progams: Dr Jenny Rosevear BMus(Hons), DipEd, GradDipT(JazzEd), MMusEd(UWA), PhD(Adel), AMusA, MACE 

For advice about the following specialisations, please contact the following staff members:

• Brass:  Howard Parkinson (Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Section Principal)
• Composition: Professor Graeme Koehne, BMus(Hons), MMus, DMus
• Jazz:  Bruce Hancock, BE
• Keyboard:  Lucinda Collins, BMus(Hons), ARCM
• Percussion:  Amanda Grigg, MMus (Perf), GradDipEd
• Strings:  Keith Crellin OAM, BMus, GradDipMus
• Voice:  Guila Tiver, BA, Diploma International Operastudio, Fellowship Diploma in Speechcraft 
• Woodwind:  Elizabeth Koch OAM, BMus(Hons), MMus 

This program is divided into two areas of specialisation: classical and jazz performance.  Each specialisation is supported by a core academic component much of which is common to other undrgraduate degrees offered by the Conservatorium.  The program is designed to equip students for careers in performance and related fields through the development of technical mastery and musical artistry, based on a solid acadermic foundation.

The classical performance specialisation provides for intensive studies in peformance and is supplemented by courses in aural development, history, theory and analysis.  It includes a comprehensive range of ensemble actitities; chamber music, choral and orchestal programs and operat studies.  The vocal curriculum includes language and stagecraft.

The jazz specialisation has its own core courses and places an emphasis on performance and ensemble activities with a range of large and small ensembles.

Music in other degrees: the Bachelor of Arts permits the study of music as a broad cultural course without the requirement of instrumental or vocal skills. Selected Music courses in music studies (eg popular music and media) may be taken as part of a BA. See the entry for the Bachelor of Arts (314071) or www.music.adelaide.edu.au.

A full range of Honours music programs are available incorporating one year of a major study focussed on your area of specialisation.

A double degree is available with the Bachelor of Arts and any of the three degree programs offered by the Conservatorium (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education or Bachelor of Music Studies). Students will graduate with both qualifications at the end of their study. Undertaking the double-degree option will add two more years on to the time required to complete. If you are interested in this possibility, you will need to apply for the combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music program through SATAC (course code 314081), audition as usual and then subsequently enrol in the appropriate Music program if you receive an offer of admission. For full details about each program, please consult the separate entries for the Bachelor of Arts and the various specialisations in Music.

As part of a 'stand alone' Bachelor of Arts program, students are permitted to study courses offered by the Elder Conservatorium of Music which do not require instrumental, vocal or other performance skills. Admission to those particular courses are therefore not subject to audition.

Music programs at the University of Adelaide seek not only to lead students towards the highest standards of personal achievement but to encourage flexibility, creativity and confidence which are essential ingredients of a successful career. Graduates can follow a variety of professional pathways and the majority combine two or more different activities through most of their working career.

Performance studies can lead to employment in the professional music field as a soloist, accompanist, chamber musician, orchestral player or a studio teacher. Majors in other areas may lead to employment in the fields of music education, composition, broadcasting or research. Graduates may also be employed as arts administrators, community musicians or academics. Jazz musicians may be employed in bands or other performance ensembles.

Elder Conservatorium of Music Undergraduate Program Rules

• Music Program Information Leaflet
• Elder Conservatorium
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Student Centre enquiry form