Overview
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students. The Master of Music (Performance) provides a unique opportunity to develop high-level skills in the production of research-based creative work in music performance. The final thesis embodying the results of the research will include the final creative work presentation and a written dissertation of 10,000 to 20,000 words.
Within the degree structure, candidates receive training and supervision to support development of their performance-based creative work and associated dissertation. Candidates organise and present their creative work (recital, lecture recital, recording or other appropriate form) demonstrating independence of thought, critical awareness and interpretative capacities, and high potential as a scholarly musician.
Candidates will be able to articulate the contribution which their performance makes towards extending the boundaries of the discipline of performance through such means as expanded stylistic or interpretative horizons, investigation of historical performance practice, development of new performance modes, relationships and techniques, or through enhanced critical, historical or analytical perspectives. For information about specific areas of study, please see the Conservatorium's website here.
Subject areas
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
Applications are open all year round. Apply at least 6 weeks prior to your start date to allow for a timely response to your application. If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Follow the applying for admission instructions on this course page. Apply before the following closing dates:
Research Period 2: 31 October
Research Period 3: 30 April
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply. See the website for more information.
Starting dates
Research period 2: March - June.
Enrol between 1 February and 31 March. Commence no later than the census date: 31 March.
Research period 3: July - September.
Enrol between 1 April -31 August. Commence no later than the census date: 31 August.
Applications are open all year round. Apply at least 6 weeks prior to your start date to allow for a timely response to your application. If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Follow the applying for admission instructions on this course page. Apply before the following closing dates:
Research Period 2: 31 October
Research Period 3: 30 April
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply. See the website for more information.
Starting dates
Research period 2: March - June.
Enrol between 1 February and 31 March. Commence no later than the census date: 31 March.
Research period 3: July - September.
Enrol between 1 April -31 August. Commence no later than the census date: 31 August.
What you'll study
Master of Music (Performance) students will complete 12 compulsory credit points of coursework (MCGY5111 Creative Work Seminar 1 and MCGY5112 Creative Work Seminar 2) and 6 elective credit points from the University pool of units. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students. Refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies handbook.
There is no separate tuition fee cost for the coursework units of study you will undertake, it is part of the tuition fee for the course. See the 'Your Fee' section for fee information. Additional non-tuition course costs vary depending on the units of study.
You will be able to see and enrol in any of the units available, subject to capacity constraints and your own background. Note that your faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given doctoral degree pathway.
Applying for admission
- Determine your eligibility for admission by reading through the eligibility requirements listed below and by attending a Preparing for a Research Degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Online Workshop. See the faculty admissions page for details on how to register for a workshop.
- Develop a preliminary research proposal of at least 1000-1500 words that outlines the subject area, objectives, introductory literature review, method proposed, significance and schedule of your proposed research project. For tips on writing a compelling research proposal, visit our guide.
- Contact at least two supervisors whose fields align with your proposed research project. Browse potential supervisors on our Academic staff webpage. Provide an overview of your academic/educational background and research experience, a copy of your proposal, and an explanation of how your research project aligns with their particular expertise.
- Once you have gained agreement from a supervisory team of at least two eligible supervisors, obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. We recommend that you use our template for the referee reports.
- If you intend to study part-time (international student visa holders must enroll full-time), you will also need to supply evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time enrolment; and a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
- Submit your application along with your research proposal, CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts, a recording of a program on your principal instrument at graduating undergraduate standard or higher, supporting evidence (where required) and other supporting documents such as identification and evidence of residency status. Applications are made via the University's online application portal
- When you are ready to apply, click Apply on the right hand side of this page.
- Following receipt of the application, the Conservatorium will invite prospective candidates whose applications articulate a viable research area to attend a Zoom interview., The Chair of your admissions panel may require a demonstration of the performance skills required to deliver your proposed research project during your interview. If a demonstration of performance skills is required at the interview, the specifics of this request will be communicated to you in advance.
Completion requirement
Requirements and examination procedure as set out in the School resolutions for this course, and in the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011.
Admission requirement
To be eligible for admission, you must have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in music with a major in performance.
In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean may admit an applicant who does not meet this requirement provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.
The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.
Domestic students
International students
