Music Education at the Con
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 whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. 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 Semester 2, Year 2.
About this course
Music educators train the musicians of tomorrow. Our professionally recognised music education degree will immerse you in the world of performance, composition and teaching.
Our music education program will prepare you for a career as a music teacher in both the primary and secondary school environments.
You will develop teaching skills through studies in education, music education, choral and instrumental pedagogy and music technology.
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
How to apply
- Click apply above to make a course application
- Complete the teaching questionnaire as part of your UAC application. For more information, visit the UAC website
- Register an audition with 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.
Refer to the UAC website for key dates.
Commencing semesters
Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (August) in the following specialisations:
- Orchestral performance
- Non-orchestral performance
- Historical Performance
- Non-western music
- Composition
- Click apply above to make a course application
- Complete the teaching questionnaire as part of your UAC application. For more information, visit the UAC website
- Register an audition with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Closing dates
UAC applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 October of the preceding year
Semester 2 - 3 August
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements.
Commencing semesters
Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (August) in the following specialisations:
- Orchestral performance
- Non-orchestral performance
- Historical Performance
- Non-western music
- Composition
What you'll study
The Bachelor of Music (Music Education) will develop your teaching skills through studies in education, music education, choral and instrumental pedagogy and music technology.
You choose a study focus in performance, composition, contemporary music practice or musicology and specific music education and pedagogical training. In addition to your studies in music teaching methods, music history and analysis, performance and compositional skills, you will attain information and communication technology competencies and develop an understanding of children with special educational needs.
Work component
Mandatory work component = 580 hours.
This mandatory work component must be completed as part of the award requirements for the course.
Applying for admission
To gain entry, applicants will need:
- a secondary education qualification and three band 5s including English, or approved higher education study, including approved preparation courses
- a brief personal statement. For more information, visit our personal statement FAQ page
- English language requirements where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English
- pass the audition requirement.
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.
LITERACY AND NUMERACY TEST FOR INITIAL TEACHER EDUCATION STUDENTS (LANTITE)
The requirement to complete the LANTITE applies to all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music (Music Education).
All BMus Ed students commencing studies in 2017 and beyond will be expected to sit and pass the test within the first two years of candidature.
For information about teacher-accreditation requirements in NSW, including the testing, visit the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
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.
Recent Student Cohort Data
Recent students in these cohorts achieved three HSC Band 5 results including one in English.
Sample study plan
Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | ||||
| 1 | 1 | Principal Study 1 Aural Perception 1 Harmony and Analysis 1 Musical in Modern Times Ensemble/Performance Key Ideas in Music Education |
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| 2 | Principal Study 2 Aural Perception 2 Harmony and Analysis 2 Musical Worlds of Today Ensemble/Performance Key Approaches in Music Education |
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| 2 | 1 | Principal Study 3 Aural Perception 3 Harmony and Analysis 3 Music in the Classical and Romantics Eras Fundamentals of Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands Music |
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| 2 | Principal Study 4 Aural Perception 4 Harmony and Analysis 4 Psychology of Learning and Instruction Children, Music and Educational Settings Teaching Jazz in Secondary School |
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| 3 | 1 | Principal Study 5 or elective Adolescent Development and Behaviour Popular Music Studies Teaching Junior Secondary Music Free choice elective |
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| 2 | Principal Study 6 or elective Professional Experience 2 Ensemble Pedagogy Composition in Music Education Technology in Music Education |
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| 4 | 1 | Cultural Diversity in Music Education | Senior Secondary Music Education | Composition in Music Education and Performance or Ensemble unit | Music in Modern Times | |
| 2 | Professional Issues in Music Education | Professional Experience 3 | ||||
Course prerequisite
- 3 Band 5s, one of which must be English in the NSW Higher School Certificate
Course opportunities
We focus on popular, classical, Australian, jazz, folk or world musics.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands unit of study incorporates high-profile guests including indigenous performers of note as well as composers and educators.
Technology, creativite exploration and music theory are woven into our units.
Career Pathways
- Music teacher
- Performing soloist
- Chamber musician
- Orchestral/ensemble player
- Community music educator
- Researcher
- Writer
Career information for UAC
Examples include primary and secondary classroom teachers, as studio music teachers and in education officer roles with music performance and development bodies.The world is changing, and university education needs to change too
Domestic students
International students
