Graduate Diploma in Music Performance

Present programs of major repertoire

Our Graduate Diploma in Music Performance challenges you to reach the highest standards of professional performance. It’s a one-year, skill-based degree focusing on traditional approaches to classical or jazz performance.

What will you do?

  • Advance technical mastery within your specialisation.
  • Benefit from weekly one-to-one lessons with performance staff.
  • Prepare one major and one minor recital.
  • Negotiate your own learning outcomes and modes of assessment for an individualised creative project.

Where could it take you?

You might travel the globe as an orchestral musician. You could grace the stage of every jazz venue in New Orleans and New York. Perhaps you’ll curate concerts, teach in private studios or find international stardom as a soloist.


  • Advance your technical mastery in 1:1 lessons with experts
  • Pursue dual careers in music performance and education
  • Gain hands-on experience through teaching practise

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GD028
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants must submit a high quality DVD (or electronic file via Dropbox or Youtube) of varying and contrasting work of 25 minutes duration to the Elder Conservatorium of Music. It should include four or more music pieces of different styles or by different composers and a letter of verification from the music teacher or qualified person confirming that the performance is a true representation of the applicant's own work. Classical voice applicants must present works in four languages: English, French, German and Italian. The recording must clearly state the date on which the recording was made and whether it represents a live performance, commercial release or radio broadcast. Conducting applicants: Applicants will be given the opportunity to do a live audition but may instead submit a video recording of their conducting. This recording must include two contrasting pieces, may be with an orchestra or ensemble, or should that not be possible, with two pianos playing an orchestral reduction. Audition duration: 15 minutes. For information regarding audition requirements, please visit the Elder Conservatorium of Music - https://able.adelaide.edu.au/music/study/auditions.
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree in Music or equivalent.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $33,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The negotiated projects allow the student to select an activity that complements their major study with negotiated learning outcomes and modes of assessment. Graduates from this degree have various performance opportunities in public and private practice, and often undertake teaching in the private studio.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Degree Structure

This program comprises performance tuition through preparation of a major recital, a minor recital and negotiated projects. The recitals provide the opportunity to present a program of works in the major study and may include solo works, chamber music, orchestral material, concerti or accompaniment.

The negotiated projects allow the student to select an activity that complements their major study with negotiated learning outcomes and modes of assessment.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Assessment

Assessment includes recitals and negotiated projects.

Related Degrees

Master of Music (Performance Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance and Pedagogy)
Master of Music (Performance and Pedagogy)
Master of Arts

Graduate Certificate in Music Teaching
Master of Teaching (Middle and Secondary)

Further Study

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023