Vice-Chancellor and President Mark Scott said the expansion reflects the University’s commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change. 

“We know it’s a challenging time for music education in Australia. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta – a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and we’re committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators.”

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said the NSW Government is proud to support the Conservatorium of Music’s Parramatta facility. “Strategic partnerships like this one foster cultural equity and ensure that the creative industries in Western Sydney continue to thrive. 

“We already know that much of our next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of commuting into the Sydney CBD to access a world-class education, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.

“And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city.” 

Kirsten Andrews, Vice-President (External Engagement), said the new music offering reflects the University’s long-term commitment to Western Sydney.

“We’re excited to be growing our presence in Parramatta and deepening our connection with Western Sydney. This is a community full of energy, talent and ambition – and we’re proud to be part of it. Supporting music here means investing in the cultural life of the region and making sure students have access to world-class opportunities close to home.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Martin Zaiter said Parramatta is the natural home for the new Sydney Conservatorium of Music teaching space. “As the geographical heart of Sydney and Western Sydney’s cultural capital, we are proud to welcome the Con to our City, to open new doors for the next generation of amazing musicians.

“The City of Parramatta is home to a vibrant and expanding music sector, shaped by both professional and broad community participation. From grassroots performers and music educators, to professional producers, composers and sound engineers, Parramatta’s music ecosystem plays an important role in our community’s identity.

“With this truly landmark announcement today, the future for music and musicians in Parramatta and across Western Sydney is brighter than ever.”

The SCM Parramatta will play a vital role in strengthening the NSW contemporary music industry and responds to the growing demand in Western Sydney not only for contemporary music education but also contemporary music infrastructure. 

Internal modelling estimates the initiative will contribute $164m to gross state product over ten years and generate 400 full-time equivalent jobs across the state. Over its first decade, up to 590 additional paid music professionals are expected to enter the arts sector, in roles ranging from performers to producers, educators, sound engineers and arts administrators (within three years of their graduation). 
 
“This new space will allow us to train the next generation of contemporary music artists using cutting-edge facilities and a curriculum that reflects the realities of today’s music industry,” said Professor Anna Reid, Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

“SCM Parramatta represents a bold step forward in our mission to make world-class music education more accessible. We are proud to be expanding into Western Sydney, a region rich in cultural diversity and musical talent,” said Professor Reid. 

Students will have access to advanced recording studios, rehearsal rooms and a purpose-built performance auditorium. The teaching space will support up to 180 students by its fourth year and will offer a curriculum focused on songwriting, performance and digital music production. Students will be trained to enter the Creative Industries with strong technical skills and industry knowledge.

Parramatta will become a vibrant space for Bachelor of Music students participating in units of study in Contemporary Music Practice, Composition for Creative Industries and Digital Music Composition programs: 
 
Contemporary Music: for singers, songwriters and members of bands who want to learn inventive approaches to writing, performing and producing contemporary music (pop, rock, dance, electronic).  

Composition for Creative Industries: focused on training digital music artists writing music for screen arts, including feature films, animation, television, documentary, video games and online media, as well as live events, such as theatre, dance, fashion shows, commercial and special events.

Digital Music Composition: designed exclusively for students who want to write and produce music with computers and other electronic devices. It takes full advantage of the Conservatorium’s multifaceted art music perspectives and its unique take on the 21st-century music industry. 

The new teaching space will create new opportunities for collaboration between the music industry and the University of Sydney. SCM Parramatta will connect artists and professionals with the Conservatorium’s academic staff and research programs, as well as with multidisciplinary initiatives across the University. These include partnerships in music and health, digital sound research and cultural studies. Visiting international researchers will also be able to present and develop their work at the new location.

“SCM Parramatta is more than a place of learning. It is a space for collaboration, performance and community engagement. It will connect students, artists and researchers with the vibrant music scene of Western Sydney,” said Professor Reid.

SCM Parramatta aligns with the NSW Government’s Contemporary Music Strategy and Sound NSW objectives. It will grow and promote contemporary music in the state, support employment pathways and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive music industry. 

The new teaching space is across the road from Parramatta train station and a 10-minute walk from the ferry.

Hero photo: Sydney Conservatorium of Music students in Parramatta. Photo: Fiona Wolf/University of Sydney