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

The major in Jazz Performance aims to develop technique on the principal instrument, together with an advanced understanding of the jazz idiom. The program includes individual instruction (24 hours per year) in the principal instrument as well as ensemble performance through participation in large jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Jazz Choirs) and small ensembles (trios, quartets, etc) offered over 24 weeks. Improvisation is also a major component of the program.

An exciting feature of the teaching program in Jazz 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

At each level of the Bachelor of Music program students will select a large Jazz Ensemble specialisation worth 3 units. The specialisation may be chosen from the following:

• A Kind of Blue (Parts 1 & 2)
• Adelaide Connection (Parts 1 & 2)
• Big Band One (Parts 1 & 2)
• Big Band Two (Parts 1 & 2)
• Big Band Three (Parts 1 & 2)
• Jazz Guitar Band One (Parts 1 & 2)
• Jazz Guitar Band Two (Parts 1 & 2)

An elective(s) may be presented in lieu of a large Jazz Ensemble when an ensemble is unavailable.

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.

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