Undergraduate Courses
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers the following courses for enrolment in 2008.
- Diploma of Music
- Advanced Diploma of Opera
- Bachelor of Music (Composition)
- Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
- Bachelor of Music (Musicology)
- Bachelor of Music (Performance)
- Bachelor of Music Studies
- Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Arts (Major in Music)
Options
If you enrol in the Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Studies you can generally chose from subjects common to both courses with the option to transfer at the end of the first year. Both degrees allow for study in other faculties at the University of Sydney if you wish to pick up subjects in non-musical disciplines.
The combined degree Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Arts will allow you to acquire musical skills in performance, composition, music education or musicology together with expertise in an arts discipline within a broad humanities context.
The Diploma of Music is a specialised vocational course that will prepare you for a career as a professional musician.
The Advanced Diploma of Opera will teach you to sing with technical proficiency and to perform with a sense of musical style and dramatic interpretation, but you need to be at least 21 years old on 1 March of your first year.
Detailed descriptions of all units of study for undergraduate courses and typical enrolment patterns for each semester, with unit of study names and credit point values, will appear in the 2008 Conservatorium Handbook. They can also be found on the University's Faculty Handbooks website.
| Principle Study# | Course | Years | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument (Classical) * | B Music (Performance) ^ | 4 |
|
| Voice (Classical) | Diploma of Music | 2 | |
|
|
B Music (Music Education) ^ | 4 | |
|
|
B Music Studies | 3 | |
|
|
B Music Studies/BA |
5 | |
|
|
B Music Studies/ Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery | 7 |
|
| Musicology | B Music (Musicology) ^ | 4 |
|
|
|
B Music (Music Education) ^ | 4 | |
|
|
B Music Studies | 3 | |
|
|
B Music Studies/BA | 5 | |
|
|
Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery |
7 |
|
| Jazz Performance | B Music (Performance) Jazz ^ | 4 |
|
| - Instrument (Jazz) | B Music (Music Education) ^ | 4 | |
| [areas of bass, brass, drums, guitar, piano, vibraphone, woodwind] | Diploma of Music | 2 |
|
| Jazz Voice | B Music (Music Education) ^ | 4 |
|
|
|
B Music Studies | 3 | |
|
|
B Music Studies/BA | 5 | |
|
|
Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery |
7 |
|
| Composition | B Music (Composition) ^ | 4 |
|
|
|
B Music (Music Education) ^ | 4 | |
|
|
B Music Studies | 3 | |
|
|
B Music Studies/BA | 5 | |
|
|
Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery |
7 |
|
| Voice (Opera) | Advanced Diploma of Opera | 3 |
|
| # Principal Study - Enrolment in a Principal Study is compulsory in all Conservatorium courses. Principal Study is instrumental or vocal lessons and concert practice, or small group study Level - Principal Study in the Bachelor of Music, Diploma of Music, or Advanced Diploma of Opera requires a high level of |
* Instruments (Classical)
|
||
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music is a degree for musically and academically talented students aspiring to a professional career in music performance, composition, musicology or music education. It is taken over four years or eight semesters of full-time study or can be taken on a part-time basis.
The goals of the Bachelor of Music are:
- To develop musicianship whether in the area of performance, musicology, composition or music education.
- To develop students’ ability to see themselves, their musical art and their educational activities in a wide cultural perspective.
- To develop the generic attributes of graduates of The University of Sydney.
Principal Study
You will need to select a Principal Study that will consist of instrumental or vocal lessons as well as concert practice or small group study and plenty of chances to perform. You can choose from brass, keyboard, organ, strings, woodwind, percussion, jazz performance, voice (opera, classical or jazz), composition or musicology.
Specialisations
The degree is offered in four areas of specialisation:
- Composition
- Musicology
- Music Education
- Performance [including Jazz Studies]
You will need to apply for admission to one of the above specialisations for the Bachelor of Music degree. You can change specialisation [for example, from Music Education to Performance] at the end of your first year. This will be subject to satisfactory progress and a successful audition / interview / submission for the new area of specialisation.
Core Studies
The course is structured to allow students to achieve a high standard in their area of specialisation and to undertake other study central to the development of the professional musician.
There are six compulsory core studies:
- arts & cultural inquiry
- history and analysis of Music
- music skills
- performance
- teaching music
You can then select other subjects, either from within your specialisation, in another area of musical study at the Conservatorium or in another faculty of The University of Sydney.
Honours
The Bachelor of Music is awarded at both Pass and Honours level. Honours commences in either in Semester 5 (Composition, Musicology and Music Education specialisations).or Semester 7 (Performance specialisation).
Bachelor of Music (Composition)
In this specialisation, you will develop experience and skill in a range of compositional styles. You will need to select a Principal Study in Composition together with the core studies, plus four additional components:
- Compositional techniques and analysis - a program of listening, score reading, research and discussion which offers a detailed study of the techniques and processes associated with a broad range of art music repertoire from the twentieth century, with particular focus on music since 1945.
- Electroacoustic music composition - a study of compositional techniques using technology as an essential tool in music production.
- Composer-performer workshop - a series of workshops in which students of composition and performance work together towards concert presentation of new work. Composers become familiar with new sounds and new playing techniques, gain experience in conducting ensembles and have the opportunity to hear their work performed.
- In senior years students specialise in either electroacoustic or traditional instrumental/vocal composition.
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Music (Musicology)
In this specialisation you will need to take Musicology at the Major level as the Principal Study, concentrating on the development of skills in researching, thinking and writing about music. As well as the core studies, you will enrol in
- Musicology Workshop: Musicology Workshop brings together students from all years enrolled in the musicology principal study and provides them with a forum to discuss their musicological research, as well as expanding their experience of the discipline.
- Further units in the history and analysis of music determined largely by your interests. These may be chosen from a range of topics including various aspects of western art music, popular music, and non-western music.
- Free choice units. With permission, these may include units taught in other faculties.
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
The major focus in the Music Education specialisation is on developing teaching skills through studies in education, music education, choral and instrumental pedagogy and music technology. In the second, third and fourth years our students take extended Practice Teaching placement in schools, supported by both school teachers and experienced music education lecturers.
Music Education specialists also develop performance, compositional, or research skills by taking a minimum of 6 semesters of Principal Study in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology. Students also take the core studies plus Choir, Wind Symphony or Orchestra and other performance units
For Music Education specialists, Principal Study is in:
- Brass (french horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba);
- Composition
- Early Music (harpsichord, lute, baroque flute, recorder, viola da gamba)
- Jazz Performance ( in areas of bass, brass, drums, guitar, piano, vibraphone, woodwind)
- Jazz Voice
- Keyboard (piano)
- Musicology
- Organ
- Percussion
- Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin)
- Voice(Classical)
- Woodwind (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone).
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Music (Performance)
The major focus in the Performance specialisation is the development of students’ performance skills in their chosen Principal Study (instrument, voice or jazz). The Principal Study is taken at the Major level of study. As well as the core studies you will take:
- Chamber Music or Jazz Small Ensemble
- Orchestral Studies (for those playing an orchestral instrument)
- Other performance-related studies
Principal Study is offered in:
- Brass (french horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba)
- Early Music (baroque flute, lute, recorder, viola da gamba, harpsichord)
- Jazz Performance (in areas of bass, brass, drums, guitar, piano, vibraphone, woodwind)
- Keyboard (piano)
- Organ
- Percussion
- Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin)
- Voice
- Woodwind (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone)
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Music Studies
The Bachelor of Music Studies is a degree for students seeking a broad musical education. Its structure facilitates creative interdisciplinary links within music disciplines and between music and other subject areas in The University of Sydney. The course develops broadly educated musicians who are able to apply their knowledge, skills and attitudes creatively and flexibly in a variety of music and music-related professions. It is taken over three years or six semesters of full-time study and may be taken on a part-time basis.
The goals of the Bachelor of Music Studies are:
- To develop general musical abilities in the areas of performance, musicology, composition and music education.
- To develop students’ ability to see themselves, their musical art and their educational activities in a wide cultural perspective.
- To develop the generic attributes of graduates of The University of Sydney.
Course Structure
The degree is structured to allow you flexibility in your choice of units so you may pursue your own combinations of musical and non-musical disciplines. You may choose units of study (up to 28 credit points in total value) taught at another faculty of The University of Sydney or take units of study taught only within the Conservatorium. The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.
All students take a Principal Study in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology at either a Major or a Minor Level. Your core units are in music skills, music history, music teaching and technology plus other units of your choice.
Principal Study is offered in:
- Brass (french horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba)
- Composition
- Classical Voice
- Early Music (baroque flute, lute, viola da gamba, harpsichord)
- Jazz Voice
- Keyboard (piano)
- Musicology
- Organ
- Percussion
- Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin)
- Woodwind (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone).
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Arts
The aim of the combined Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Arts is to allow students to acquire musical skills in performance, composition, music education or musicology, together with expertise in an arts discipline within a broad humanities context. The combined degree program facilitates creative interdisciplinary links both within music disciplines and between music and other humanities disciplines to develop broadly educated musicians who are able to apply their knowledge, skills and attitudes creatively and flexibly in a broad cultural and social context. The course caters for a wide variety of music and music-related careers including arts administration, journalism, music teaching, arts policy, performance and composition (depending on appropriate majors). It is taken over five years or ten semesters of full-time study and may be taken on a part-time basis.
The goals for students of the Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Arts are to develop:
- Specific musical abilities in an area of performance, musicology, composition and music education including one area of particular focus which shall be the student’s area of Principal Study.
- The ability to see themselves, their musical art and their educational activities in a wide cultural perspective.
- An ability to communicate orally, in writing, and through their chosen musical specialisation.
- An analytical and critical competence in the knowledge, language and forms of argument of several fields of enquiry, and an understanding of the connections between them.
- A knowledge of the major theoretical approaches in music and other relevant fields.
- An awareness of cross-cultural issues, involving if possible the study of another language.
- An ability to live within a complex intellectual domain, using that domain to criticise familiar contexts and assumptions.
- An understanding of ethical issues associated with the acquisition of knowledge.
- The capacity to extend the acquired knowledge and skills beyond the university. the generic attributes of graduates of The University of Sydney.
Course Structure
Almost half the combined course is taken at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the other half within the Faculty of Arts. Candidates complete a Principal Study and core studies requirements at the Conservatorium and one major in the Faculty of Arts.
Bachelor of Music Studies component - all students take a Principal Study at the Conservatorium in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology over six continuous semesters, as well as core units in music skills, music history, music teaching and technology and other units of their own choice to a total of 114 credit points.
Principal Study is offered in
- Brass (french horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba)
- Composition
- Early Music (baroque flute, lute, viola da gamba, harpsichord)
- Keyboard (piano)
- Musicology
- Organ
- Percussion
- Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin)
- Voice (Classical & Jazz)
- Woodwind (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone)
The Major in the Bachelor of Arts component must be selected from the table of units of study for the Bachelor of Arts Part A. Students may be interested in studying a language, history or philosophy or one of almost sixty other subject areas, each of which offers several units of study. Full descriptions of these areas, including their credit point value and degree regulations are available in the Faculty of Arts Handbook.
For additional information on the Bachelor of Arts component contact the Faculty of Arts, tel (02) 9351 3129, fax (02) 9351 2045 or .
Honours
The combined BA/BMusStudies may be awarded at Honours level after a further 2 semesters of full-time study in the Faculty of Arts.
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Arts (Major in Music)
Arts is a generalist degree with wide career potential. A large number of students undertake specialised research training in a subject and go on to gain an honours degree followed by a higher degree or postgraduate diploma. You can major in music as part of the Bachelor of Arts course. Duration: 3 years (4 years honours). Courses cover a selection of western and non-western genres, including a wide range of musicology, performance and composition options.
2009 Arts Music Units pdf
First year music courses accommodate a wide range of skills in musical literacy placing significant emphasis on critical listening. It is possible to begin music study without any prior knowledge of notation although literacy as well as aural skills are developed in an appropriate musical language course during the first year. Successful completion of 12 junior credit points in Music permits access to a wide range of Senior units of study including courses in Musicology (both western and non-western), Composition and Performance. Media and technology courses are also available.
A full Music major and Honours program are available and can be taken as part of a B.A. or combined Arts degree in many faculties of the University (Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Nursing and Science).
Students should consult the Arts Faculty for further details on admission and degree requirements.
Course Database | Admission Requirements | How to Apply |
Diploma of Music
The Diploma of Music is a specialised vocational course in music performance which will prepare students for a career as professional musicians. It is taken over two years or four semesters of full-time study and can be taken on a part-time basis.
Principal Study at the Major level is selected from
- Brass (French horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba)
- Early Music (harpsichord, baroque flute, lute, viola da gamba)
- Keyboard (piano)
- Percussion; Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin)
- Voice (Classical only)
- Woodwind (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone)
- Jazz Performance.
Course structure
In addition to Principal Study, students enrol in performance units including either Orchestra or Jazz Big Band or other instrument specific subjects, Chamber Music or Jazz Small Ensemble or other ensemble units together with core studies in aural perception, harmony and analysis and music history.
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Advanced Diploma of Opera
The Advanced Diploma of Opera prepares graduates for the various demands of the profession. At the end of the course students will sing with technical proficiency and perform with a sense of musical style and dramatic interpretation. Study of the vocal and physical aspects of performance will be complemented by a general awareness of professionalism and the practicalities of theatre, its requirements and environment. The course is taken over three years or six semesters of full-time study and cannot be taken on a part-time basis.
During the course, students will acquire a thorough understanding of musicianship, the capacity to sing in the major operatic languages, perform movement and dance sequences, and learn to build a character on developed stagecraft skills.
Course structure
Students follow a pattern of study which includes individual vocal lessons (Opera Voice), coaching, study in movement and stagecraft, production skills, opera languages and repertoire.
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
This program will allow students to combine their demonstrated interests in the music as well as medicine. The successful applicant will be offered a Bachelor of Music Studies/Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery scholarship and will be required to maintain an annual average mark of 80 or greater across each year of the Bachelor of Music Studies course. They will also be required to complete 5 zero credit point subjects in medicine during the Music degree, as well as 3 subjects in the Science Faculty (Biology, Physics and Chemistry). Scholarship holders will not have to sit for the GAMSAT to enter the medical program. Students are guaranteed a place in the medical program based on UAI, interview and audition at point of entry into the degree program;; the interview is similar to the one used for the graduate entry program.
Course Structure
Students will complete the Bachelor of Music Studies requirements over six semesters followed by four years in the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery. All students undertake Principal Study in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology. See the Music Studies entry for details on Principal Study.
Your core music units are in music skills, music history, music teaching and technology plus other units of your choice. You are also required to undertake medicine preparatory units throughout the first three years.
Principal Study is available in:
- Brass (french horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba)
- Composition
- Early Music (harpsichord, lute, baroque flute, viola da gamba)
- Classical Voice
- Jazz Voice
- Keyboard (piano)
- Musicology
- Organ
- Percussion
- Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin)
- Woodwind (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone).
Course Database | Admission Requirements | Audition Requirements | How to Apply |
