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
If you want to become a professional composer and specialise in music for the concert hall, this degree is for you. You will focus on art music and study with internationally regarded composers.
The combined Bachelor of Music and Advanced Studies in Composition will extend your knowledge and develop advanced skills, not only in Composition but also in your chosen major from the University's shared pool.
Creating new music is a vital part of studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The Conservatorium’s composition and music technology staff are some of Australia’s most gifted and widely recognised composers. You will learn all facets of musical composition, and we will support you to specialise and create more ambitious work.
Have the opportunity to have your music performed by Conservatorium orchestras, ensembles and guest artists. Get involved with student-led concerts and composing for events with our industry partners.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Refer to the UAC website for key dates.
Semester 1 (March)
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 October
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements.
UAC applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (March)
You will develop the skills to compose electroacoustic music, including sound art, digital music and computer music.
In addition, you will complete core studies in compositional techniques and analysis, instrumentation and orchestration, music theory and aural training and historical & cultural studies.
The Advanced Studies component will allow you to specialise in a major of your choice from the University's shared pool.
The following areas offer majors and minors in the shared pool (Table S):
HSC Music 2 or equivalent notation skills
To gain entry, applicants will need:
Alternatively, applicants may be granted admission on the basis of:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Credit for previous study
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
You will receive individual lessons along with studies in:
You will also have access to diverse electives across the University of Sydney.
Composer Concert music composer Art music composer Arts curator Artistic director Music researcher Composition teacher