In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in 2021 and 2022.
Students commencing this course in 2021 and 2022 are required to commence their studies in-person on campus. Remote study is not available for this course. Applicants will be eligible for admission only if they are able to demonstrate they are physically present in Australia on the date specified in the offer made to them by the University.
About this course
The Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music is designed to extend your technical mastery of your instrument or voice while deepening your knowledge of repertoire and performance practice.
The course may be taken in any of the Conservatorium's instrumental areas, including orchestral and solo instruments, early music and jazz.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 31 October of the preceding year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited.
Please check the scholarships website for separate closing dates.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 31 October of the preceding year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited.
Please check the scholarships website for separate closing dates.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Entry is by audition, which is held at the Conservatorium. If you are unable to attend in person, you may upload a video audition in the audition application.
Please follow the specific audition requirements in the downloadable PDF, located on the right side of the Conservatorium's admission website.
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance) a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(a) 42 credit points of core units of study; and
(b) six credit points of elective units of study.
Applicants who do not have a recognised tertiary award but who demonstrate an equivalent musical ability and maturity at the audition and interview, and who can show considerable performing experience may be admitted.
Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance) requires:
(a) a bachelor's degree of higher award from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline as determined by the School; or
(b) a graduate certificate from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline as determined by the School; or
(c) completion of the requirements of an embedded graduate certificate in an appropriate discipline, as determined by the School, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or
(d) in exceptional circumstances the Head of School and Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Conservatorium, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award; and
(e) successful completion of an audition.
Graduates reach the levels of excellence demanded by the music profession, and are prepared for careers as performing soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral/ensemble players.