Vivid New Music at the Con
Overview
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied 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.
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
- Advanced Coursework: Enhance your leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and increase your employment prospects. You will undertake challenging coursework and a substantial real-world project individually or in collaboration with other students.
- Honours: Develop deep analytical skills and prepare yourself for further research opportunities, such as pursuing a PhD. You will undertake a supervised but independent research project as well as connected discipline-based and/or research-focused coursework. Admission to the honours pathway is subject to meeting the specified WAM and additional entry requirements. Check with your faculty for details.
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.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Admission, fees and how to apply
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
Your fee
Your funding & scholarships
How to apply
- Click apply above to make a course application
- Register a portfolio and interview with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Refer to the UAC website for key dates.
Commencing semesters
Semester 1 (February)
- Click apply above to make a course application
- Register a portfolio and interview with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 October of the preceding year
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
Commencing semesters
Semester 1 (February)
What you'll study
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):
- Architecture and Interaction Design
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Business and Commerce
- Education and Social Work
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Health, Medicine and Dentistry
- Music
- Science, Agriculture, Environment and Veterinary Science.
Assumed knowledge
HSC Music 2 or equivalent notation skills
Admission requirement
To gain entry, applicants will need:
- a secondary education qualification or approved higher education study, including approved preparation courses
- English language requirements where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English
- pass the audition requirement.
Alternatively, applicants may be granted admission on the basis of:
- having successfully undertaken tertiary studies in music at or above Diploma level to the equivalent of at least one year of study.
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.
Course opportunities
You will receive individual lessons along with studies in:
- compositional techniques and analysis
- music technology skills
- music theory and aural training
- historical and cultural studies.
You will also have access to diverse electives across the University of Sydney.
Option to combine with
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Domestic students
International students
