Bachelor of Music majoring in Creative Practice

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music majoring in Creative Practice at Adelaide University is a great fit for students who want to turn their passion for music into a creative career. Students can explore Composition, Popular Music or Sonic Arts, while building practical skills in songwriting, recording, music technology, sound design and performance.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
The first year builds a strong foundation through subjects such as Life in Music and Music Technology Foundations, alongside introductory studies in composition, musicianship or sonic arts. Students begin developing both their creative ideas and technical understanding of sound and music technology.

Year 2:
Students move into more specialised and practical work through subjects such as Song Writing & Performance 2A, Sonic Arts in Practice 2 and Sound Engineering Live. There are also opportunities to explore areas such as sound design for film and contemporary music production.

Year 3:
The final year is about developing professional-level creative work through subjects such as Advanced Sound Engineering 3, Song Writing & Performance 3 and Sound Design for Games III. Students can also undertake a Music Internship and complete a major creative project that brings together their skills and experience.

Focus areas

Composition, songwriting, popular music, sonic arts, music technology, recording and production, sound engineering, film and game sound, performance and emerging technologies.

Learning outcomes

Students graduate with practical skills in creating, recording, producing and performing music, alongside an understanding of music technology and the wider creative industries. The course also develops skills in presenting creative work, entrepreneurship and working with audiences.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The degree focuses on professional creative practice rather than a regulated professional accreditation. Students gain industry experience through practical projects, performances, mentorship, business coaching and opportunities such as the Music Internship.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Students study through the Elder Conservatorium of Music, one of Australia's established music institutions. The combination of specialist music training, technology, creative practice and industry experience prepares graduates for opportunities across music, film, gaming, events and other creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is all about learning by doing. Students get to create, record and perform their own music while exploring composition, songwriting, sound production and music technology. With access to professional music facilities and guidance from experienced practitioners, students can turn their ideas into real creative projects and build practical skills for the music industry.

Students get hands-on experience through:

Professional music facilities: Access to recording studios, rehearsal spaces, performance venues and digital audio facilities.
Music technology: Work with digital audio, MIDI, electronic music and emerging technologies while developing practical production skills.
Sound for film and games: Explore sound design for film, computer games and other digital media.
Creative projects: Develop and present original compositions, recordings and performances as part of your studies.
Industry guidance: Learn from experienced music professionals through mentorship and business coaching.
Collaborative work: Work alongside other musicians and creatives to develop and bring projects to life.
Music internship: Gain experience in a professional music setting through the Music Internship.
Elder Conservatorium: Learn within a specialist music environment covering contemporary music, composition, sound design, music technology and creative practice.
Emerging creative technologies: Explore areas such as immersive experiences, AI and other new technologies shaping the future of music.

Facilities: Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts provide dedicated spaces and resources for music performance, production and creative practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Music majoring in Creative Practice gives graduates the creative and practical skills to build careers across music, entertainment and digital creative industries. Whether you want to create music, work behind the scenes in production or explore new music technologies, the degree gives you a strong foundation to shape your own career path.

Typical career options include: Music Producer, Composer, Songwriter, Sound Engineer. Other possibilities include working as a contemporary recording artist, music technologist, content creator, orchestrator, radio broadcaster or music educator.

Here’s how the university can help you move from study into your career:

Career support: Access career appointments, workshops, mentoring, employer events and job opportunities through Adelaide University’s career services and CareerHub.
Real industry experience: The Music Internship gives students the opportunity to work with businesses, not-for-profit organisations and university organisations on projects involving areas such as audio engineering, digital editing, production and marketing.
Industry connections: The Elder Conservatorium works with leading music organisations, including the Australian String Quartet, which is an Adelaide University Quartet-in-Residence and tertiary partner.
Professional networking: Students can connect with working musicians and industry professionals through guest teaching, mentoring, performances, networking opportunities and Conservatorium events.
Graduate outcomes: Adelaide University tracks graduate employment and further-study outcomes, although a specific employment rate or average salary for this particular Creative Practice major is not currently published.
Professional development: The degree is focused on professional creative practice rather than a regulated professional licence, making it particularly suited to students building careers as independent artists, producers, composers and music professionals.
Teaching pathway: Students who want to become secondary-school music teachers can continue into the Master of Teaching (Secondary) through the university’s combined pathway.
Global opportunities: Graduates of the Elder Conservatorium have gone on to work across performance, composition, education, scholarship and music administration in Australia and internationally.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor’s degree, students can continue into the Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Creative Practice to develop more advanced skills in composition, songwriting, recording, production, sonic arts and music technology. Students interested in research can progress further into an MPhil or PhD in Creative Practice, while those interested in teaching can pursue the Master of Teaching (Secondary).