The Bachelor of Music Studies provides a major practical study in Composition, Music Technology, Performance and Pedagogy (music teaching) or permits a mix of Classical instrumental studies to be taken in conjunction with studies in Ethnomusicology and Musicology, providing different perspectives on the cultural study of music. Students can take part in the Conservatorium's various large ensembles (choirs and orchestras) as an extension of their practical study.

Specialisation in Compostion develops skills in a broad range of stylistic approaches. There are opportunities for ensemble performance across a range of music styles, interdisciplinary approaches and workshops. 

The specialisation in Integrated Studies provides different perspectives on the cultural study of music with a mix of Classical instrumental or vocal studies. Musicology offers an introduction to the history, philosophy and science of music. The course provides skills in the transcribing, editing and criticism of early and more recent music. Ethnomusicology explores methods and issues for studying music in its cultural context and seeks to understand the relationship between musical cultures.

A Music Technology specialisation provides academic and practical studies in composition, studion recording and digital media.

Performance and Pedagogy will help students acquire a balance of skills and knowledge in performance, theory and instrumental  or vocal teaching that can lead to a portfolio career in music. It is recognised internationally that pedagogy forms an important element in such a career.

A range of complementary electives are also available including From Elvis to U2 , Musics of the World, Sound and Media and the broader range of ensemble  and other courses.

The program includes 12 hours tuition in a Practical Study (classdical instrumental or vocal). A mix of 1:1 tuition and workshops is provided in Composition, Music Technology and Performance and Pedagogy. A component of core studies common to the three Bachelor degrees is also taken.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to incur some additional costs as part of their program. These include locker hire, 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: 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 
• Keyboard:  Lucinda Collins, BMus(Hons), ARCM
• Music Technology: Stephen Whittington, BMus(Hons) 
• Percussion:  Amanda Grigg, MMus (Perf), GradDipEd
• Performance and Pedagogy: Rodney Smith, DipRAM, FRCO, ARCM, LRAM, LGSM, MIMT, MACE
• Strings:  Keith Crellin OAM, BMus, GradDipMus
• Voice:  Guila Tiver, BA, Diploma International Operastudio, Fellowship Diploma in Speechcraft 
• Woodwind:  Elizabeth Koch OAM, BMus(Hons), MMus 

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