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 offers eight specialisations: Classical Performance, Composition, Jazz Performance, Music Education, Musicology, Performance and Pedagogy, Popular Music and Creative Technologies, Sonic Arts. For all specialisations, a range of complementary music electives is available, including a broad range of ensembles and other courses.

This program is divided into the eight areas of specialisation outlined above, each supported by academic and professional studies. The program is designed to equip students for careers in many fields through the development of technical mastery and musical artistry, based on a solid academic foundation.

Each year, students will undertake courses in three areas: their Specialisation, Supporting Studies and Music Elective courses. Specialist courses, including complementary ensembles or other relevant studies, ensure a solid grounding in each student’s chosen field. Supporting studies provide a theoretical and historical background to the student’s chosen specialisation. Electives enable students to pursue other aspects of their chosen specialisation or to broaden their musical horizons.

Classical Performance: Students will undertake intensive professional training in their instrument or voice, supported by aural, theoretical and historical studies, together with a range of complementary ensemble work and chamber music. 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, weekly technique and repertoire classes, performance forums and a comprehensive range of ensemble, choral and orchestral activities. The vocal curriculum includes language studies and stagecraft. 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.

Composition: Composition students at the Elder Conservatorium of Music study a range of techniques and styles as they strive to develop their own compositional “voice.” The Elder Conservatorium has a variety of composition lecturers, with specialists in a number of fields (such as film composition), with a particular focus on teaching the mastery of the craft. Composition students of the Conservatorium are afforded numerous opportunities to have their works performed, including student concerts and composers’ workshops.

Jazz Performance: Students will undertake intensive professional training in their instrument or voice supported by aural, theoretical, historical and improvisation studies, together with a range of complementary ensemble work. Jazz sits within the 'Jazz Performance' specialisation, with complementary ensembles and related specialist skills 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 Jazz Performance curriculum includes individual performance lessons, weekly technique and repertoire classes, jazz forums and a comprehensive range of ensemble activities.

An exciting feature of the teaching program in Jazz Performance is the Elder Conservatorium's fine array of large ensembles. The big bands, orchestras, wind ensemble, choirs, 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.

Musicology: This specialisation examines music in its cultural, social, historical and stylistic contexts. Students will develop knowledge and skills in music theory and analysis, music history and repertoire, and in writing about music. Coursework develops research-related skills and perspectives from the co-disciplines of musicology and ethnomusicology as applied to traditional and contemporary examples of Western and Non-Western music. Students will also be able to pursue a wide range of interdisciplinary studies. Participation in selected ensemble activities is also available.

Music Education: The Music Education specialisation enables students to explore key concepts involved in music learning in a range of educational settings whilst also developing practical music skills. Students develop a range of practical, functional skills such as arranging and conducting, as well as an understanding of issues relating to various facets of music education. In order to become eligible to apply for teacher registration, graduates will need to complete a postgraduate qualification in Education.

Performance and Pedagogy: Designed for students who wish to work as instrumental or vocal teachers, this specialisation offers the opportunity to study performance with instrumental or vocal teaching, supported by aural, theoretical and historical studies, together with a range of complementary ensemble work. This specialisation will help students acquire a balance of skills and knowledge in these areas that can lead to a portfolio career in music. It is recognised internationally that pedagogy forms an important element in such a career.

Popular Music and Creative Technologies: The Conservatorium's Popular Music and Creative Technologies specialisation focuses on composition and other creative work within a range of popular and rock music styles. It includes the application of digital and analogue techniques in performance (including ensemble) composition. Popular Music and Creative Technologies responds to the current demands of the music industry and equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as music professionals. Practical studies in Contemporary Popular Music, Composition and Music Technology are taken in conjunction with a range of supporting studies in Music Theory and Style Studies.

Sonic Arts: The focus of this specialisation is on creative work within a music technology framework. Students will undertake academic and practical studies in composition, studio recording and digital media, together with a range of supporting studies in music and technology.