Course description
After a common first year, students may choose to focus their studies in one of the following areas of specialisation.
Music Performance
This is a major component of the BMus degree, offering one-to-one instrumental/vocal tuition, regular master-classes and many performance opportunities. There is an extensive chamber music program, including 3 Chamber Orchestras and over 70 chamber groups, and over 15 different ensembles on offer including two symphony orchestras, a Javanese Gamelan, Big Band, Wind Ensemble, World Music Choir, Piano Duet and many instrumental, vocal and early music ensembles.
Composition
Composition studies continue to offer one-to-one tuition, leading to the development of an extensive composition folio. The works of our composition students are regularly performed, with some Faculty ensembles designed specifically for this purpose. Composition students are heavily involved in the organisation and management of composition concerts.
Musicology/Ethnomusicology
For students wishing to give their degree a highly academic focus, specialist studies in musicology/ethnomusicology are available. These students usually remain involved in our practical programs however, through participation in ensemble and chamber music activities. The musicology/ethnomusicology focus provides the research skills necessary to specialise at honours level, leading to studies at research higher degree level.
First year
All students take the following subjects in the first year
Music Performance 1 12.5
Music Performance 2 12.5
Music Language 1: The Diatonic World 12.5
Writing About Music: Australian Issues 6.25
Aural Studies 1 6.25
Medieval and Early Modern Music 12.5
2 Applied Skills Electives 12.5
Breadth Subjects* 25
*to include ESL subject(s) as directed
Second and Third year
Students commence a specialisation sequence of study from second year, retaining some flexibility and capacity to move between specialisations and keeping postgraduate options open.
Performance Specialisation
Second year
Music Performance 3 12.5
Music Performance 4 12.5
Music Language 2: Chromaticism and Beyond 12.5
Aural Studies 2 6.25
Music since the French Revolution 12.5
Academic or Applied Skills Electives 18.75
Breadth Subjects 25
Third year
Music Performance 5 12.5
Music Performance 6 12.5
Music Language 3: Modern Directions 12.5
Applied Skills Electives 12.5
Academic or Music Studies Electives 25
Breadth Subjects 25
Composition Specialisation
Second year
Composition 1 12.5
Composition 2 12.5
Music Language 2: Chromaticism and Beyond 12.5
Aural Studies 2 6.25
Music since the French Revolution 12.5
Electro Acoustic Music 12.5
Applied Skills Elective 6.25
Breadth Subjects 25
Third year
Composition 3 12.5
Composition 4 12.5
Music Language 3: Modern Directions 12.5
Orchestration 12.5
Academic or Applied Skills or Music Studies Electives 25
Breadth Subjects 25
Musicology/Ethnomusicology Specialisation
Second year
Music Language 2: Chromaticism and Beyond 12.5
Aural Studies 2 6.25
Music since the French Revolution 12.5
Academic or Applied Skills Electives 43.75
Breadth Subjects 25
Third year
Music Research AND/OR Ethnography of Music 12.5 [25]
Academic or Applied Skills or Music Studies Electives 62.5 [50]
Breadth Subjects 25
