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Music Courses

Find the best Music Courses

Doctorate (PhD)

Clayton
Further your music development with a Doctor of Music PhD from Monash Arts, examining music across genres from early styles to improvisation and real-time machine music.
Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
International Tuition Fees
$36,400 per year / $145,600 total
Graduate Satisfaction
66.70%

Doctorate (PhD)

Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music may be pursued in composition, creative work in music, ethnomusicology, musicology, music education, and performance studies.
Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Conservatorium), you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area: bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours or, master's degree by research or, master's degree by coursework with an independent research component such as a thesis, dissertation or research project. These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and Dean or Associate Dean, and access to supervision remains highly competitive. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
83.90%

Doctorate (PhD)

South Bank
As an experienced musician, this degree will provide you with the opportunity to upgrade your skills and qualifications through research based on your practice. This program emphasises work-based learning and will utilise your experience and working environment.
Entry Requirements

For admission as a candidate, an applicant will:

  • hold a bachelor degree with first-class or second-class honours (Division A) or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution or
  • hold a masters degree from a recognised institution or equivalent qualification deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a bachelor degree with second class honours (Division A) or
  • possess a record of research or a qualification granted by a professional or other body, deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a bachelor degree with second-class honours (Division A)
  • have been enrolled in a research Masters degree at the University for not less than one year as a full-time candidate and two years as a part-time candidate and will have had their work as a research Masters candidate certified by the Dean to be of a standard required for candidature in a professional doctorate.

Students admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts program will normally have at least five years professional experience.

A portfolio assessment and/or interview will be part of the admission process. If specialist equipment or computer programs are required, this must be stated within the application. In cases where the candidate does not meet all formal criteria, the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School can establish equivalence on the basis of curriculum vitae, portfolio and publications.

The following University policy will apply to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs:

  • Higher Degree Research Policy
Scholarships

Applicants wishing to commence in Research Intake 1 should lodge their application prior to the closing date listed at the top of this page. Applicants applying to commence at any other time should submit their application at least four months before their preferred intake date. Refer to the Scholarship Key Dates for further information.

Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
International Tuition Fees
$34,500 per year / $138,000 total
Graduate Satisfaction
89.80%

Graduate Certificate

South Bank
In this degree you will choose from a wide variety of possible course combinations and customise your studies to suit your needs and professional goals. You will develop superior skills in your musical profession.
Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants will require the following:

  • hold a Bachelor of Music or equivalent degree from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing); and
  • successfully undertake an audition and interview; and/or
  • submit a folio of creative works
  • OR

  • have extensive experience in music with a minimum of five years equivalent work experience in one of the specialised fields offered (composition, performance, conducting, pedagogy, music studies) and
  • successfully undertake an audition and interview; and/or
  • submit a folio of creative works.

Degrees from overseas institutions must be assessed as equivalent to a recognised Australian bachelor-level degree.

Duration
0.5 year full-time, 1 year part-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Tuition Fees
$11,750 per year / $11,750 total
International Tuition Fees
$17,250 per year / $17,250 total
Graduate Satisfaction
89.80%

Masters (Coursework)

Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students.
Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission, you must have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in music with a major in composition.

In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean may admit an applicant who does not meet this requirement provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
83.90%

Masters (Coursework)

Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students.
Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission, you must have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in music with a major in composition.

In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean may admit an applicant who does not meet this requirement provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
83.90%

Doctorate (PhD)

Southbank
Course Description The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.
Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
83.20%

Masters (Research)

South Bank
This degree, designed for the most promising performers and music industry professionals in the country, will help you develop high-level skills in musical practice and research. You will receive advanced musical training and be encouraged to adopt a reflective professional practice.
Entry Requirements

Students will be admitted on the basis of an audition, interview and/or folio of creative works. Admission as a candidate to the Master of Music Research will be contingent on applicants holding:

  • a Bachelor of Music degree with at least Second Class Honours OR an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.

Consideration may also be given to graduates of accredited three-year diploma programs in an appropriate area of study and an accredited postgraduate diploma program in music with appropriate professional experience. Potential candidates may be asked to attend an additional interview and/or submit evidence of written scholarly work.

In addition to the academic qualifications required for candidature as described above, the following criteria need to be satisfied prior to recommendation for admission:

  • the proposed program is appropriate for the higher degree research and is consistent with the academic aims and objectives of the QCGU;
  • QCGU provide the necessary resources and facilities within the element's budget including consideration of whether the host element has a Research Training Scheme funded place;
  • there are two qualified members of staff holding confirmed, continuing or fixed-term appointments of sufficient length for the purposes of supervision;
  • the proposed program of work can be completed within the maximum period of candidature for the degree;
  • that a suitable level of contact with the University supervisors will be maintained if the candidature is being undertaken away from Griffith University;
  • where the applicant is in employment, capacity to meet the timelines and other requirements of candidature;
  • the proposed research does not reproduce research that has previously been submitted for the award of a degree or diploma;
  • that the proposed program conforms to the University's ethical guidelines on research involving humans and animals;
  • where the intellectual property rights of the applicant may be a consideration, a suitable agreement protecting the rights of the student has been signed. Should a student be unwilling to sign an agreement, the research proposal may not be approved and the student may be required to choose another program of study in an area which is not commercially sensitive;
  • whether the inclusion of confidential or sensitive material in the thesis is justified;
  • the applicant has no outstanding financial obligation with the University and in the case of an International applicant is able to verify the necessary financial capacity to undertake the program;
  • that the applicant possesses sufficient English language proficiency as described below.

The following University policy will apply to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs:

  • Higher Degree Research Policy
Scholarships

Applicants wishing to commence in Research Intake 1 should lodge their application prior to the closing date listed at the top of this page. Applicants applying to commence at any other time should submit their application at least four months before their preferred intake date. Refer to the Scholarship Key Dates for further information.

Duration
1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
International Tuition Fees
$32,500 per year / $48,750 total
Graduate Satisfaction
89.80%

Doctorate (PhD)

Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students.
Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission, you must have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in music with a major in composition.

In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean may admit an applicant who does not meet this requirement provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
83.90%

Doctorate (PhD)

Clayton, Caulfield
Monash Arts PhD is an unrivalled graduate research degree that brings big picture thinkers together with world-leading academics, field experts and sector partners to uncover the change that needs to be made in our world, and the PhD (Theatre performance) is considered one of the most outstanding...
Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
International Tuition Fees
$36,400 per year / $145,600 total
Graduate Satisfaction
66.70%

Music Courses overview

A career in music allows you to convert your passion into your profession.

Working in the field of music can take many forms, from conducting, to composition, performance, education, and everything in between.

Is music for me?

Careers in music are ideal for those who can’t help but play, create and seek out music of all persuasions. Often those who work in the music industry have natural abilities that help them such as perfect pitch, but for those who wish to pursue a career they will also need to have the discipline to practice for hours each day to develop these natural talents to their highest potential.

Study pathway

Becoming a professional in the music industry does not always require a degree. If you have a musical spark in you, others may recognise it and connect you to the people and tools you need to start your musical career.

However, depending on what kind of career in music you crave, you could need very specialised and technical knowledge, the kind that can only be gained from furthering your education. For example, if you wish to be an opera singer or classical musician in an orchestra, you will need to undergo extensive coaching to develop the skills required to perform at a professional level.

It is possible to work as a private music teacher without any formal qualifications. However, if you wish to work within school systems or in tertiary academia, you will be required to have a Bachelor’s degree in education specialising in music and arts, as well as the recently introduced requirement of a two year Master of Teaching degree. To learn more about the study pathway for a music teacher, click here.

Employment options & specialisations

Professional musician

A professional musician is a broad term that refers to anyone who is paid to their musical skills. It could refer to composition skills, performance ability, and many other avenues (read more).

Music teacher

Music teachers can work in both individual and group settings, in both private and governmental capacities. It is their job to improve the musical abilities of others, so they should have good organisational and interpersonal skills (read more).

Opera singer

Opera singers require extensive training in order to produce the desired tones of voice that operatic productions call for (read more).

Composer

Composers write music for many audiences, including for theatrical productions, for commercials, and for mass consumption (read more).

Conductor

It is the job of a conductor to keep time and ensure that all members of a musical ensemble cohesively play together (read more).

Advice for Music Courses


TAL Australia Office Tour

Concierge desk at 363 George Street

GradAustralia is rebranding to Prosple

We're thrilled to announce next month (May 2023), we'll be rebranding as Prosple! Our new name will reflect our ongoing rapid global growth and our mission to help every student get the best possible start to their career.

Arup Melbourne Office

Take a sneak peek inside Arup's office facilities in Melbourne, where new graduates start their careers!

Arup Sydney Office

Take a virtual tour inside Arup's office at Barrack Place, 151 Clarence St, Sydney.

Your ultimate guide to negotiating salary as a fresh grad

You’ve spent years working your way through university. You chose a major, studied hard (hard enough, anyway), got good grades, and earned your degree. Now you’re eager to start your first graduate job — and you’ve got an offer letter on the table.

TAL Australia Office Tour

Concierge desk at 363 George Street

GradAustralia is rebranding to Prosple

We're thrilled to announce next month (May 2023), we'll be rebranding as Prosple! Our new name will reflect our ongoing rapid global growth and our mission to help every student get the best possible start to their career.

Arup Melbourne Office

Take a sneak peek inside Arup's office facilities in Melbourne, where new graduates start their careers!

Arup Sydney Office

Take a virtual tour inside Arup's office at Barrack Place, 151 Clarence St, Sydney.

Your ultimate guide to negotiating salary as a fresh grad

You’ve spent years working your way through university. You chose a major, studied hard (hard enough, anyway), got good grades, and earned your degree. Now you’re eager to start your first graduate job — and you’ve got an offer letter on the table.

Institutions offering Music Courses