New Music Theatre program launched at the Con
Everything you need to know about the new Music Theatre program
Wondering how to apply to study Music Theatre at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music? What will you learn? How hands-on is the program? Or interested to find out where Music Theatre can lead you? All your questions answered in this FAQ.
How do I study Music Theatre at the Con?
Music Theatre is available in two courses:
- Bachelor of Music (Performance), 4 years full-time
- Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Performance) (or BAS as commonly known), 5 years full-time
How do I get into BMus (Performance) or BAS (Performance) in Music Theatre?
Short answer: Audition.
You’ll need to submit an audition video of your work before September 21, 2021. We may then ask you for a call-back audition/interview. Follow the specific requirements in the downloadable PDF, right side of the website.
Is it true that I can now get into the Con without an ATAR?
Short answer: Yes, if you are eligible!
Under the new Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (CASAS), domestic applicants undertaking a current recognised high school (Year 12) qualification and applying via UAC may not need to wait for their ATAR results to receive an unconditional offer, with admissions now based on audition and interviews.
What will I learn?
Short answer: Lots! You will become a triple-threat performer.
Principal Study |
Individual one-to-one lessons and studio classes |
Music Theatre Experience |
Dance technical, artistic movement skills with ensemble acting studies |
Performance |
Weekly stagecraft and repertoire performance classes leading to public performances |
Music Skills |
Aural and harmony training using dictation and sightsinging exercises, and tonal repertoire |
Analysis, History and Culture studies |
Music Theatre history, exploring different ways of thinking about music and the culture of the Conservatorium of Music |
Popular Music studies |
Choose from a range of popular music subjects, delve into the history of various traditions in popular music |
Final Year Project |
Capstone experience, collaborative work culminating in a presentation of professional and creative musicianship |
This year is all about building your technical skills in music theatre to equip you for ensemble work in later years.
You’ll begin by developing your practice in the studio with your one-on-one voice lessons, studio classes and performance workshop. The bulk of your time is spent in ensemble class which focusses on dance, acting and ensemble scenes. You will also learn about music theory and music theatre history with students from other performance disciplines at the Conservatorium.
This is where you’ll start to explore your own ideas and creative voice.
Your singing studio lessons, ensemble work and dance training will equip you for a cabaret or scenes performance. Our tailored, hands-on workshops will develop your ability to research and contextualise your music theatre practice through studying advanced music theory and history. Your electives can include other ensembles, choir, composition, or contemporary units.
This is where everything you've learned in music theatre comes together and you produce a full-scale musical (the “banner” musical) for the public and industry professionals.
You will work with tutors from the industry in module-based units focussing on different aspects of music theatre while preparing the banner musical. You will also have the opportunity to pursue electives in another area of interest across the university, which will help to broaden your creative practice.
This is your project year, where you explore your own music and story ideas, whether as performer, composer, conductor, designer, stage manager or producer and present them in student led collaborations known as Final Year Projects.
This can be the development of a live show or recording. This is an outward facing year, where you create industry connections while working collaboratively with your peers on industry-centred work.
Interested in a second major?
With the Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Performance) combined degree, you can specialise in another subject area of your choice alongside Music Theatre from the University’s shared pool (Table S). Choose a major that can compliment your performance studies and deepen your critical thinking skills through advanced coursework and real-world industry challenges.
Click here to see over 100 majors.
What are the facilities like at the Con?
Short answer: We’re one of the best-equipped music schools in the Southern Hemisphere.
We now have two campuses, one based on the main university campus in Camperdown, Old Darlington School/Seymour Centre, and one based at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Macquarie Street in the heart of the city. Classes take place in both settings.
The Con is a purpose-built music venue with world class performing and recording halls. The Seymour Centre is a stable independent theatre in Sydney with three dedicated theatres, two dance studios and a cabaret venue.
What sort of jobs can I get with a Bachelor of Music (Performance) or BAS (Performance) in Musical Theatre?
Short answer: A diverse range of careers and roles.
Our degrees provide you with the training and knowledge to thrive not only in a contemporary music environment but in the broader workforce. Music theatre training enables creative leaders with energy and innovation, who are able to work under high pressure in ensemble environments.
Our grads are employed across a wide range of careers and roles, including: singer, dancer, actor, performer, instrumentalist, composer, director, producer, stage manager, designer, arts journalist, arts administrator, creative director, cultural officer, program manager, curator, digital producer, educator (with further tertiary qualifications), film producer or filmmaker, studio engineer or technician.
Click here to see where a music performance degree has taken some of our grads.
For more information on course details, visit Bachelor of Music (Performance) and Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Performance).