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 Semester 1, 2021.
Some units of study and/or placements relating to this course cannot be delivered remotely or online for students commencing their study in Semester 1, 2021. You will be required to attend in-person on campus from Semester 1, 2022.
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 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 (March)
Semester 2 (August) in the following principal study areas:
- Orchestral performance
- Non-orchestral performance (Classical piano; Collaborative piano; Classical guitar; Organ; Classical saxophone)
- Historical Performance
- Non-western music
- Drum set
- 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 - 3 August
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) in the following principal study areas:
- Orchestral performance
- Non-orchestral performance (Classical piano; Collaborative piano; Classical guitar; Organ; Classical saxophone)
- Historical Performance
- Non-western music
- Drum set
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
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