Master of Music Studies by Coursework(Composition)

The Master of Music Studies is a professional coursework degree, in which candidates can select a specialisation in musicology, ethnomusicology, performance/teaching, early music or composition, supported by appropriate advanced elective subjects as chosen by the candidate. Total weighting for the course is 100 points; the degree takes one year full-time (two years part-time) to complete.

All candidates are required to complete satisfactorily a study in one of the specialisations, following the study plans detailed below.

On completion of this course, students should:

• Have acquired a high standard and an advanced level of competency, skills and expertise relevant to their professional need;
• Have acquired appropriate ancillary skills in research and writing;
• Have expanded their knowledge of scholarship in music in a range of specialisations;
• Value and participate in projects requiring team-work;
• Recognise and respect the highest international standards in their chosen area of specialisation in music;
• Pursue an informed program of independent further study in their chosen area of specialisation in music;
• Have developed the capacity to apply the knowledge and experience gained in their training to the musical needs of society;
• Provide leadership in the profession in their chosen area of specialisation in music.

Plus THREE of:

Total points for course = 100

To be accepted into the Master of Music Studies students should normally have at least an H2A Honours year result in a Bachelor of Music or a Bachelor of Arts with a music major, or the equivalent to an Honours degree in terms of professional experience. In addition, acceptance into the Composition specialisation will be subject to the satisfactory assessment of a composition folio.

Application Procedure

Application forms are available via the Faculty of Music website: http://www.music.unimelb.edu.au/future/forms/index.html

Students are encouraged to provide as much detailed information in support of their application as possible and to discuss their application with a member of the Academic Staff prior to submission.

Certified transcripts of academic records at any tertiary institution other than The University of Melbourne must be forwarded with the application. If the transcription is not in English, a certified translation must also be provided.

Folio

Applicants for the Composition stream are required to submit a folio of original works with their application. The folio should comprise a number of works reflecting various compositional styles and media and should contain at least one sustained work of over 10 minutes' duration. Recordings of MIDI versions are acceptable, however it is advisable to submit at least one example of a live performance. Electro-Acoustic works should be submitted on CD.

The University expects its postgraduate coursework graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• An advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
• An ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline
• Advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
• Well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach;
• Advanced competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or scholarship;
• A capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
• An advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area;
• An appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
• A capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
• A profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
• An appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
• The capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;
• An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
• A capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society; and
• Where appropriate, advanced working skills in the application of computer systems and software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new technologies.