Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance at the University of Adelaide is a four-year conservatorium degree for aspiring performers who want to build exceptional technical, artistic and professional skills. Through intensive one-to-one tuition, ensemble performance, music studies and research, you'll graduate ready for a career as a professional musician or for advanced study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You'll establish a strong musical foundation through Principal Study, Music Theory and Aural Training, and Creative Music Technology. Alongside developing your instrumental or vocal technique, you'll strengthen your musicianship and performance confidence.

Year 2
Your skills continue to grow through advanced Principal Study, Ensemble Performance, and Music History and Culture. You'll refine your artistic interpretation while gaining valuable experience performing with other musicians.

Year 3
The third year focuses on advanced performance and creative development through Principal Study, Chamber Music, and Professional Practice. You'll broaden your repertoire and gain a deeper understanding of the music industry.

Year 4 (Honours)
In your honours year, you'll combine high-level performance with independent research. Through Honours Principal Study, Research Project, and a Public Recital, you'll demonstrate your artistic maturity and prepare for professional performance or postgraduate study.

Focus areas (in a string):
Classical performance, instrumental or vocal performance, ensemble performance, chamber music, music theory, aural training, music history, research, professional practice, creative music technology.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Advanced performance skills, artistic interpretation, musicianship, collaboration, critical listening, research, communication, creative problem-solving, professional practice, performance confidence.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree. Entry requires meeting academic requirements and successfully completing an audition.

Reputation (employability):
The University of Adelaide is a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities. The Elder Conservatorium of Music is Australia's oldest university music school and is internationally recognised for excellence in music education and performance.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance at the University of Adelaide is built around practical performance from your very first year. At the Elder Conservatorium of Music, you'll refine your craft through individual tuition, ensemble rehearsals, public performances and collaborative projects while learning in professional music facilities. Throughout the program, you'll work with experienced performers and academics in an environment that closely reflects the professional music industry:

Receive one-to-one tuition with specialist instrumental or vocal teachers to develop advanced performance techniques.
Perform regularly in solo recitals, chamber ensembles, orchestras and public concerts, building confidence and stage experience.
Collaborate with fellow musicians in ensemble and chamber music projects, strengthening teamwork and professional performance skills.
Study in the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Australia's oldest university music school, with access to dedicated rehearsal rooms, performance venues and teaching studios.
Use specialist music technology through units such as Creative Music Technology, incorporating digital tools and music production software into your studies.
Present a major Honours Research Project and Public Recital, combining scholarly research with professional-level performance.
Access the Barr Smith Library, which offers extensive music scores, recordings, journals, research databases and multimedia resources to support your studies.
Benefit from masterclasses, guest artists and professional performances hosted by the Conservatorium, providing valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance leave with advanced performance skills, professional stage experience and a strong academic foundation, preparing them for careers across the music and performing arts industries. Whether you aspire to become a Classical Performer, Orchestra Musician, Music Teacher or Composer, the program equips you with the artistic and professional skills needed to succeed. To support your transition into the industry, the University of Adelaide provides a range of career-focused opportunities:

Access the University's Career and Employability service, offering personalised career advice, resume support, interview preparation, networking events and employer engagement opportunities.
Build professional connections through the Elder Conservatorium of Music, which regularly hosts guest artists, masterclasses, concerts and collaborations with leading musicians and arts organisations.
Gain valuable professional experience through public performances, ensemble work and industry-facing projects integrated throughout the degree.
Graduate with an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree, a highly regarded qualification that enhances opportunities for professional performance, teaching and postgraduate study.
While the University does not publish course-specific employment or salary figures, graduates develop advanced technical, creative and collaborative skills that are highly valued across orchestras, ensembles, schools, arts organisations and the wider music industry.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduation, you can continue your studies with a Master of Music, specialised postgraduate programs in performance, composition or music education, or pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music. The honours qualification also provides an excellent pathway into advanced research and academic careers within the performing arts.