Overview
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 can commence their studies remotely if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Remote study is not available for some units of study and/or placements essential to this course and you will be required to attend in-person on campus from the date specified in the offer made to you by the University. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The Master of Music Studies (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music will extend your technical mastery of your chosen 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, jazz and contemporary music. You will undertake recitals, participate in conducted ensembles and chamber groups, and attend seminars with a performance theory focus.
The Master of Music Studies (Performance) will provide you with a command of relevant performance technique and the ability to communicate through musical performance.
Subject areas
Students can apply for study in any of the following principal study areas: Historical Performance; Jazz Performance; Non-Orchestral Instrumental Performance; Orchestral Instrumental Performance; Voice (classical). There are also options in piano for qualified students to undertake an Accompaniment or Repetiteur stream.
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the Admission Requirements section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
- Submit an online application direct to the University of Sydney by clicking apply from this page
- Take note of the application number (IPU or student ID)
- Register audition directly to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
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.
Standard 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.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
- Submit an online application direct to the University of Sydney by clicking apply from this page
- Take note of the application number (IPU or student ID)
- Register audition directly to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Standard 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.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Research areas
The required units of study for this award indicate the practical focus placed on performance as both a soloist and member of a musical ensemble. Students are required to complete MCGY5610 Research Skills for Music Performance as part of their first year.
What you'll study
You will study 4-5 units of study (subjects) in each semester, including one unit per semester in your principal study. In the second and third semesters, you will have the opportunity to complete a dissertation or other elective seminars which relate to your specific area of study.
You will also complete two recitals, participate in conducted ensembles and chamber groups, and attend all required seminars.
Applying for admission
- Submit an online application direct to the University of Sydney by clicking apply from this page. International applicants can apply through a University overseas representative (education agent) if they wish
- Take note of the application number (IPU or student ID)
- Register an audition using your application number via the Sydney Conservatorium of Music website.
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.
Completion requirement
To qualify for the award, a candidate must complete 72 credit points, comprising: 60 credit points of core units of study and a further 12 credit points of elective units of study.
Assumed knowledge
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 requirement
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants in the order in which complete applications are received, and according to the admissions criteria. A successful application for admission to the Master of Music Studies (Performance) requires:
(a) a master's degree in an appropriate discipline as determined by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; or
(b) a pass bachelor's degree with a credit average, or an honours bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline as determined by the Conservatorium; or
(c) an award of graduate diploma from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification in an appropriate discipline as determined by the Conservatorium; or
(d) completion of the requirements of the embedded graduate diploma in this discipline from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; and
(e) successful completion of an audition.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Master of Music Studies (Performance) reach the levels of excellence demanded by the music profession, and are prepared for careers as performing soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral/ensemble players.The world is changing, and university education needs to change too
Domestic students
International students
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for eligible domestic students
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
