Overview
Where performance, composition, musicology and ethnomusicology come together
Founded in 1965, the School has over 350 students from undergraduate to PhD levels. Students are encouraged to integrate their learning in the critical areas of performance ,composition, musicology and ethnomusicology , including professional practice/pedagogy, and may choose to specialise in one or more areas. The School's research in ethnomusicology and musicology is especially distinguished, as are its concert and composition activity.
The School of Music Conservatorium offers sequences in the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Performing Arts degrees. It also offers a number of double degrees: the Bachelor of Music/Arts, the Bachelor of Music/Commerce, the Bachelor of Music/Education, the Bachelor of Music/Law, and the Bachelor of Music/Performing Arts. The School also offers the Masters degree in musicology, performance and composition and the PhD in musicology and composition. There is also a Graduate Diploma of Arts in Music. The School can offer supervision of research and practical work in most areas of music.
A major focus of the teaching offered in the School is to teach students how to relate to the music industry and the community; and it offers them a wide choice of careers after completion of their course (e.g. in composition, music technology, performance, instrumental or vocal teaching, classroom teaching, music archival work, music criticism and journalism, tertiary teaching and research careers).
The Performing Arts Centre, which houses the School of Music, contains a delightful recital hall as well as a drama theatre, music technology studios, an Early Music Room, an Asian Orchestras Room, a suite of practice studios and many other facilities (see the photo gallery). The School has an active program of concert performances by staff and students in a wide range of ensembles and musical genres. It is renowned for its lively concert and theatre life and can boast some of the best performing arts venues in Australia.