• Best of luck to the class of 2024 for their HSC exams. You got this!
    Let us know your thoughts on the HSC exams here
  • YOU can help the next generation of students in the community!
    Share your trial papers and notes on our Notes & Resources page
MedVision ad

What A Conservatorium of Music Degree Involves (1 Viewer)

ur_inner_child

.%$^!@&^#(*!?.%$^?!.
Joined
Mar 9, 2004
Messages
6,084
Gender
Female
HSC
2004
doo doo doo

okay here we go, it's just the handbook we got on the day, but it was just so disorganised, cuz the day we got it, was the day we had to choose our subjects :S even though its never too late, here we go:

Compulsary Subjects:
some of the compulsary subjects are: aural perception (jazz ear training for Jazz Majors), harmony and analysis (jazz harmony and arranging for Jazz majors), music history, music technology, historical and cultural studies (although you could probably do some of them in other years/semesters.

The following subjects I am about to outline is about the FIRST semester of the subject:

Aural Perception involves a lab tutorial, stuff like melody/rhythm dictation, chord progressions, interval work. As well as this tutorial, you have what you call a solfege class, where you learn to pitch intervals, scales, tap rhythms, conduct...

these classes are streamed according to your skills shown in the test you take that is followed after your entry audition/interview to the con.

Harmony and Analysis - (the non jazz one) this is also streamed according to your skills in the initial test. You learn about the structural harmonies in relatively traditional music, as in like, Bach styles. Not much I can say here without scarying you to what really isnt that hard...

Music Technology - you get to learn programs such as Cubase, Pro-tools, Finale etc as well as learn about the recording process, etc. And to use a Mac computer! hahaha.

Historical And Cultural Studies - The only non music related subject! you study about culture, power and encounter in European history from the medieval era to the dawn of the modern age. The course seeks out to analyse the basis of Europe's cultural and historical identity and to place that indentity within a global context. You will really enjoy this subject. The teachers are fantastic!

For jazz people:

Jazz Harmony and Arranging - Students will review clefs, key signatures, note values, dynamics articulations and learn copying and rehearsal techniques. In addition instruction will include the range of and transpositions for the various instruments, chord symbols, scale-chord relationships and rhythmic section scoring. This unit deals with the study of the harmony of standard jazz repertoire. Students will learn to understand and use basic harmonic rules and the typical harmonic devices, diatonic progression and chord patterns which are learned with a view to generating a creative sense of jazz harmony and the ability to write small combo arrangements.

Jazz Ear Training - Offers a systematice study of all simple intervals up to and including one octave, triadic harmony, four note chords in closed position and voice leading within these concepts, focusing on common harmonic movements that occur in a jazz repertoire. (Sounds like Aural Perception with a bit of Jazz in it I assume)


Bachelor of Music (Performance)

As the focus is the development of performance skills, performance specialists must take a vocal or instrument Principal Study at the Major Level of study. Performance specialists in jazz take Jazz Performance as their Principal Study. Principal study is taken together with Chamber Music or Jazz Ensemble (For Jazz Majors), orchestral studies (for those playing an orchestral instrument) and other performance related studies.

Some performance subjects include; creative music skills, chamber music, orchestral studies, some sort of education/pedagogy unit, and some room for free choice.

(For jazz guys....some jazz subjects include Big Band, Jazz small Ensemble, Music Education units, Sound Recording....)

Bachelor of Music (Composition) (the one I'm doing)

The major focus is the development of compositional skills, together with work in Electronic Music, and studies in Compositional Techniques and Analysis. Students work with performers in Composer-Performer Workshops (though you do so in later years) where they have the opportunity to hear and refine the music they write.

(Basically you have a 3 hour tutorial with a teacher, it gets rather personal, the way it should be. You swap teachers each semester, and eventually you get to choose. The best thing I get from this course is the fact that you have a lot of good musicians within your reach all over the con, and they can play through your composition etc. There are plenty of opportunities to get your work performed, as quickly as your first semester if you wish, I believe; First Year Composer Concert. (Right phanatical?)

Some other composer-like subjects besides the compulsary are Australian Music Research, Performance Practice, and there's some room for free choice... and every wednesday, we go to a Seminar in which we listen to Composers, professionals, or doing their masters, explain their concept, technique etc. It's quite inspiring, and there is room for debate etc.) anyways, there is room for free choice subjects.

(Yes I'm aware I gave more info about this course, naturally. You can't blame me!)

Bachelor of Music (Musicology)

Students concentrate on the development of skills in researching, thinking and writing about music. Musicology specialists enrol in Musicology Workshop, units in the history and analysis of music, palaeography, as well as the compulsary subjects....

Some of Musicology subjects are.... Creative music skills, Studies in the History and Analysis of Music, (a performance unit excluding another Principal Study), Music education unit or a pedagogy unit, as well as some room for free choice....

I don't know much about THIS course, so I'll delve into it a little later....

B Music (Education)

these guys seem to have so much fun! I see them clapping and making little songs, so adorable...

anyway, seriously now: The major focus in on developing teaching skills through studies in education, music education, choral and instrumental pedagogy and music technology. In the third and fourth year, students undertake extended Practice Teaching sessions in schools supported by both highschool teachers and experienced music education lecturers from the Conservatorium.

Music education specialists also develop practical, compositional, or research skills by taking a minimum of 6 semesters of Principal Study in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology (ie do some of the degrees above for a lil while) or Minor Level depending on your ability. Students also take part in Choir, Wind Symphony pr Orchestra and other performance units, plus the compulsary subjects...

Some education subjects are Music History, Creative Music Skills, Large Ensemble, Practicum, actually I can't name them all, the Education unit is quite amazing, quite interesting, so much you can learn here, and some room for free choice.


(oh my god I've written so much)

Bachelor of Music Studies

this degree is for students seeking a broad musical education and its structure facilitates creative interdisciplinary links within music disciplines and between music and other subject areas in The University Of Sydney. The course develops broadly educated musicians who are able to apply their knowledge, skills and attitudes creatively and flexibly in a variety of music and music related professions.

All students take a Principal Study in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology, compulsary subjects, and other units of their own choice.

You guys have it good!!!

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music Studies

ie, you're doing a bachelor of Arts at the Sydney Main Campus as well as B Music Studies at the Con. Your timetable won't be mean. Lecturers can set out seperate classes for you guys so you don't have to walk to and from!

Anyways, ujuph, maybe you should sticky this?
 

Phanatical

Happy Lala
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
2,277
Location
Sydney
Gender
Male
HSC
2003
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers the following Tertiary courses at Undergraduate Level:

Bachelor of Music
- Performance
- Performance (Jazz Studies)
- Composition
- Musicology
- Music Education
Bachelor of Music Studies
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Studies
Diploma of Music
Diploma of Opera


Bachelor of Music:
A four year full time specialised degree in Performance, Performance (Jazz), Composition, Musicology or Music Education. Honours is available through third and fourth year.

Students considering a Principal Study in Performance (BMus (Perf.)) are expected to have a superior standard of performance, generally in line with an AMusA (though AMEB qualifications are NOT a prerequisite).

Students considering a Principal Study in Composition are required to present a portfolio of previously completed work in lieu of an audition. It is highly encouraged that students have previous experience in Composition - it is recommended that HSC students take Composition Elective (2u) and/or Composition Extension (3u) in the Music course. Likewise with Musicology.

It is also recommended that HSC Composition students take specialised composition lessons in the lead up to the HSC, and in preparation of their portfolio to the Conservatorium. The Sydney Eclectic Composers Society is able to put you in contact with a composition teacher in your area - email me at andrew.quah@secsmusic.org for assistance in this area.

Bachelor of Music Studies:
A three year full time degree with a broader focus than the Bachelor of Music. Students take a Principal Study of Performance, Composition or Musicology at either Major or Minor level for six semesters. Honours is not available for the BMusStudies.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Studies:
A five year full time Combined degree coordinated jointly by the Faculty of Arts and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Students will take two Arts majors, one of which must include Arts Music at the Seymour Centre, in addition to the course requirements of the Bachelor of Music Studies. Honours is currently available after an additional year of study (though it is likely to be absorbed into the fifth year).

Diploma of Music:
A two year full time diploma, including Principal Study in Performance, Composition or Musicology up to semester 4.

Diploma of Opera:
A three year full time diploma, with a focus on performance. Applicants must be a minimum age of 21 in the year of application.
 
Last edited:

Phanatical

Happy Lala
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
2,277
Location
Sydney
Gender
Male
HSC
2003
Undergraduate Conservatorium students will also have the opportunity to participate in activities run by the University of Sydney Union, the University of Sydney Students Representative Council and Sydney University Sport. Many of these activities are at the main campus of the University of Sydney, but the Conservatorium has its own student organisations that students are encouraged to participate in.

The Conservatorium Students Association (CSA)
The official representative organisation for Conservatorium students, all students are automatically a member. The CSA holds occasional free drinks nights (over 18's only), pizza and muffin days, and classes in Alexander Technique (posture). Con students can access services of the Student Representative Council through the CSA office, including welfare assistance. Advice and academic advocacy is offered through the CSA for students in Performance, Musicology and Music Education who may have a conflict with the University.

The Sydney Eclectic Composers Society
The resident association of Composition students at the Conservatorium, SECS holds concerts and educational events for students, providing practical opportunities for students in all musical disciplines. A number of Performance students have premiered new compositions through SECS concerts. The Society's education program (SECS ED) will (from late 2005) partner education students with HSC students in a series of seminars and lectures, and from next year students will be able to publish articles in our new magazine, "Con Artist". SECS Also holds free drinks nights. Advice and advocacy is offered through SECS for students in Composition and Arts Music who may have a conflict with the University.

The Conservatorium Christian Group
A branch of the USYD Evangelical Union, the Con Christian Group meets regularly for Bible discussion and social events.
 

JoeysBoy

Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
196
Location
Port/Newcastle
Gender
Male
HSC
2005
Go teaching! Thanks inner and phanatical =) You guys are da bomb :cool: Cept where's Newcastle :p Tis cool anyway...
 

Phanatical

Happy Lala
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Messages
2,277
Location
Sydney
Gender
Male
HSC
2003
The Newcastle Conservatorium of Music and Drama was established in 1952 as a branch of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music. In 1990 as part of the Dawkins Reforms, the NSW State Conservatorium was broken up, with the Sydney branch becoming part of the University of Sydney, and the Newcastle branch becoming part of the University of Newcastle.
 

bumhead

Random Insults
Joined
Feb 20, 2006
Messages
42
Location
Georges Hall
Gender
Male
HSC
2007
how difficult is it to get into courses..
and is there a course for beginners? (just wondering)
or do you already have to have a high knowledge in musical theory and practical skills...
 

ur_inner_child

.%$^!@&^#(*!?.%$^?!.
Joined
Mar 9, 2004
Messages
6,084
Gender
Female
HSC
2004
I'd say you need a good knowledge etc. ie read music, understand chords etc

Are you being modest? How much of beginner are you? And what course would you like to do? Would you major in Performace/Composition etc?

If you're beginning in the sense that you can strum basic guitar chords and that's it, you're pretty much not cut for the con...
 

ur_inner_child

.%$^!@&^#(*!?.%$^?!.
Joined
Mar 9, 2004
Messages
6,084
Gender
Female
HSC
2004
UPDATE:

This degree has changed!!! Quite significantly!

I will update you on what exactly has changed soon!

Keep an eye on this thread!
 

humiliation

New Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2007
Messages
15
Gender
Male
HSC
2008
how conservative ('scuse the pun) is the composition course? The performance ones seem to revolve solely around classical music (and jazz of course) which is great and all but i really wanted more contemporary styles aswell
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top