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 some subject areas in this course in 2021 and 2022 are required to commence their studies in-person on campus. Remote study is not available for the following subject areas:
- Music Theatre
Applicants will be eligible for admission for these subject areas only if they are able to demonstrate they are physically present in Australia on the date specified in the offer made to them by the University.
For all other subject areas students will be required to be physically present from Semester 1, Year 2.
About this course
If you can see yourself as a professional performer (in an orchestra, opera, jazz ensemble or Musical Theatre), you can specialise in this widely recognised, four-year degree.
Begin your professional career in music performance through individual and ensemble tuition from our industry experts, many of whom also perform as soloists and chamber musicians in highly regarded orchestras and jazz ensembles around the world.
We offer world-class venues and superb facilities, including more than 100 practice rooms, extensive library resources and the latest in music technology. As a performer, you will find various opportunities for international tours with professional orchestras, bands and chamber music groups.
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 an audition with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Refer to the UAC website for key dates.
Commencing semesters
Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (August) - places are limited. Please email con.apply@sydney.edu.au
- Click apply above to make a course application
- Register an audition with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Closing dates
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 31 October
Semester 2 - 30 June
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 (March)
Semester 2 (August) - places are limited. Please email con.apply@sydney.edu.au
What you'll study
You will combine your chosen principal study with orchestral studies and chamber music, or other relevant ensemble studies. Other core studies will be in music skills, analysis, history and culture.
Principal study areas:
Brass (orchestral)
Drum set (non-orchestral)
Guitar, organ, piano (non-orchestral)
Non-western music (non-orchestral)
Sample study plan
Bachelor of Music (Performance)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Principal Study 1 | Music Theory and Aural Skills units | Orchestral Studies 1 | This is Music |
| 2 | Principal Study 2 | Music Theory and Aural Skills units | Orchestral Studies 2 | Analysis, History and Culture Studies foundation unit | |
| 2 | 1 | Principal Study 3 (extended) | Music Theory and Aural Skills units | Orchestral Studies 3 | Analysis, History and Culture Studies foundation unit |
| 2 | Principal Study 4 (extended) | Music Theory and Aural Skills units | Orchestral Studies 4 | Analysis, History and Culture Studies foundation unit | |
| 3 | 1 | Principal Study 5 (extended) | Orchestral Studies 5 | Chamber Music 1 | Teaching Music/Pedagogy |
| 2 | Principal Study 6 (extended) | Orchestral Studies 6 | Chamber Music 2 | Recital Preparation or free choice elective | |
| 4 | 1 | Principal Study 7 | Orchestral Studies 7 | Music Specialist Project or ICPU | |
| 2 | Principal Study 8 | Orchestral Studies 8 | Music Specialist Project or ICPU | ||
Assumed knowledge
HSC Music 2 or equivalent
Admission criteria
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.
Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme
Domestic applicants undertaking a current recognised high school (Year 12) qualification and applying via UAC, may be eligible for an early offer of admission prior to the release of ATARs or equivalent score under the University’s Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme. Eligible applicants will be assessed based on a combination of academic performance and audition requirements.
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
All students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music participate in masterclasses with visiting artists, public recitals and performances in world class venues. Students may participate in international performance tours each year and may undertake exchange study at an overseas university as an integral part of their course.Career Pathways
- Performing soloist
- Chamber musician
- Orchestral/ensemble player
- Artist agent
- Arts administrator
- Audio engineer
- Chamber/orchestral musician
- Composer
- Concert manager
- Concert soloist
- Conductor
- Contemporary musician
- Digital music composer
- Ethnomusicologist
- Event producer
- Festival or venue manager
- Film score composer
- Interactive music designer
- Jazz musician
- Music journalist
- Music producer
- Musicologist
- Opera singer
- Orchestra manager
- Piano accompanist
- Private studio teacher
- School music teacher
The world is changing, and university education needs to change too
Domestic students
International students
