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 Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
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.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places are available. Complete your application as soon as possible in order to be considered for a place in 2020.
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.
For academic requirements check the Admission Requirements section on this page.
Please make sure you follow the specific audition requirements found in the postgraduate audition requirements PDF located on the right hand side of the Conservatorium's admission website.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 30 November
Semester 2 - 3 August
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 (March)
Semester 2 (August)
International applicants may apply directly to the University's International Office or through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Please make sure you follow the specific audition requirements found in the postgraduate audition requirements PDF located on the right hand side of the Conservatorium's admission website.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 30 November
Semester 2 - 3 August
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 (March)
Semester 2 (August)
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.
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.
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 make sure you follow the specific audition requirements found in the postgraduate audition requirements PDF located on the right hand side of the Conservatorium's admission website.
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.
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.
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.
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.