Graduate Diploma in Music (Practical Music)

The Graduate Diploma in Music is designed for university graduates in any field who wish to undertake university-level study in music. The program draws together subjects from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music's existing degree programs, and may be taken part-time or full-time.

Through the Graduate Diploma in Music (Practical Music), students will develop instrumental, vocal or conducting technique to a level appropriate to a fourth year of study and a sophisticated awareness of the stylistic and interpretative characteristics of the repertory studies. Students will also take a number of ensemble electives to expand their practical experience. Subjects in Music Language, Aural Studies and historical, cultural and contextual studies add breadth and depth to the musical studies.

Students will gain a general understanding of the key concepts and issues in a music specialisation and develop relevant academic and applied musical skills and knowledge.

The Graduate Diploma in Music (Practical Music) requires the successful completion of 100 points comprising subjects in:

• Practical Music
• Music Language
• Aural Studies
• Ensemble (or applied skills) electives
• Academic and Music Studies electives

Students normally undertake a course of study as follows:

Sample Course Plan

Semester 1

• Practical Study 1 12.5
• A Music Language subject 12.5
• Music Studies Elective 12.5
• Aural Studies 6.25
• Ensemble (or applied skills) elective 6.25

Semester 2

• Practical Study 2 12.5
• Academic Elective 12.5
• Music Studies Elective 12.5
• Ensemble (or applied skills) elective 6.25
• Ensemble (or applied skills) elective 6.25

Music Language subjects

Students take one of the following subjects, as determined in induction, based on prior experience.

Electives

Click here to view Ensemble (or Applied Skills), Academic and Music Studies Electives.

This program is designed for graduates of undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than music.

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criterion –

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent at a pass level with an average of H2B (70%) in the major; or
• at least five years of documented professional experience relevant to the specialisation.

2. Selection into the Practical Music specialisation will be subject to a successful audition.
3. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews, or may call for written work, referee reports, or employer references to elucidate any of the above.

Application Procedure

Detailed information is available via www.conservatorium.unimelb.edu.au/graddipmus

All applicants are required to undertake a 30 minute audition.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music offers a wide range of study options including:

Graduate Research programs:

• Master of Music - specialisations available in Performance, Conducting, Composition, Musicology, Ethnomusicology and Music Therapy.
• Doctor of Philosophy - Music

Graduate Coursework programs:

• Master of Music (Performance Teaching) - a new specialist coursework degree enabling graduates in Western classical and contemporary music to work as performer-teachers in a variety of situations including community, private provider and further education settings and as instrumental/vocal instructors in schools.
• Master of Music (Opera Performance) - a new specialist coursework degree, offered in conjunction with Victorian Opera, delivering elite-level training for opera performers.
• Master of Music Therapy - a coursework program leading to professional registration as Music Therapists (RMT) with the Australian Music Therapy Association (Inc.).

For full details of graduate courses offered by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, see www.conservatorium.unimelb.edu.au/grad

For other graduate courses offered by the University, see www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

University of Melbourne postgraduate coursework degrees seek to develop graduates who demonstrate a capacity for contemporary professional practice and/or specialist knowledge and theory. Postgraduate coursework degrees have multiple purposes. They are designed to provide students with the opportunity for advanced knowledge and understanding in a specialist area; to enhance professional knowledge and skills; and to engage with new and emerging fields of study.

Graduates should also have developed the following skills:

• A sound attitude towards undertaking life-long learning in music;
• A well-developed capacity to understand and participate as an individual and in collaborative teams as a leader or as a team member;
• A sophisticated level of written, verbal and musical communication skills;
• An ability to think critically and analytically about the musical experience in all its facets: as performance, as composition, and as historical-sociocultural document.