Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Music (Performance Studies) is an intensive, skill-based degree focused on traditional approaches to classical or jazz performance, designed to refine your artistic abilities to the highest standards of professional performance.
You learn advanced performance techniques, develop a deep understanding of music theory and enhance your interpretative skills, mastering advanced techniques in both solo and ensemble performance.
The degree has you explore the works of groundbreaking 20th-century and contemporary composers, and prepare and present engaging concert programs.
Teaching includes personalised one-on-one weekly lessons with performance staff, and the program draws on partnerships with leading industry partners, including a collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
The program totals 96 units — 72 units of core courses and 24 units of electives — over two years at the Adelaide City Campus, with February and July intakes.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

$36,300 (indicative)

Duration

2 years full-time

Intakes

February, July

Study Mode

Full time or part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
SATAC code: ACM177
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria. A completed Bachelor of Music or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
• Additional requirements — Applicants must submit a high quality DVD of varying and contrasting work of 25 minutes duration to the Elder Conservatorium of Music. The DVD should include four or more music pieces of different styles or by different composers and a letter of verification from the music teacher or qualified person confirming that the performance is a true representation of the applicant's own work. Classical voice applicants must present works in four languages: English, French, German and Italian. The recording must clearly state the date on which the recording was made and whether it represents a live performance, commercial release or radio broadcast.

International students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum entry requirements:
• Additional requirements — Applicants must submit a high quality DVD of varying and contrasting work of 25 minutes duration to the Elder Conservatorium of Music. The DVD should include four or more music pieces of different styles or by different composers and a letter of verification from the music teacher or qualified person confirming that the performance is a true representation of the applicant's own work. Classical voice applicants must present works in four languages: English, French, German and Italian. The recording must clearly state the date on which the recording was made and whether it represents a live performance, commercial release or radio broadcast.
English language requirements (achieved within the two years before admission):
• IELTS Overall 6.5
• IELTS Reading 6
• IELTS Listening 6
• IELTS Speaking 6
• IELTS Writing 6

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Careers are diverse and could also include:
• Conductor
• Orchestral musician
• Jazz musician
• Music critic
• Music journalist
• Music educator
• Singer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units12 units

MUSI5004

Negotiated Project IV

MUSI5005

Minor Recital IV

MUSI5006

Major Recital IV

MUSI6004

Major Recital V

MUSI5007

Music Creative Practice Major Project

MUSI5008

Music Creative Practice Research Project

MUSI5009

Music Creative Arts Portfolio

MUSI6003

Minor Recital V

MUSI6005

Ensemble V

MUSI6006

Research Project V

MUSI6007

Professional Project V

MUSI6008

Music Internship (PGCW)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Master of Music (Performance Studies) at Adelaide University?

Adelaide University publishes an indicative annual tuition fee of AU$49,700 for international students commencing in 2027, which is AU$99,400 across the two-year program. No additional non-tuition fees are listed.

How long does the Master of Music (Performance Studies) take to complete?

The Master of Music (Performance Studies) at Adelaide University has a duration of 104 weeks.

Where is the Master of Music (Performance Studies) delivered?

The course is delivered at Adelaide University's Adelaide City Campus, located in Adelaide, South Australia. The campus is owned and operated by the provider.

Is the Master of Music (Performance Studies) eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

To be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights, a course must be registered, be a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor, Masters or PhD), have a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and its narrow Field of Education must align with the Skills Level 1 priority list while not being in the Management and Commerce broad field. This course is a Masters degree of 104 weeks in Performing Arts, so it may meet several of these criteria, but eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review.

What field of education does the Master of Music (Performance Studies) fall under?

The Master of Music (Performance Studies) falls under the broad field of Creative Arts (Field 10), with a narrow field of Performing Arts (1001) and a detailed field of Music (100101).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $45,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Music ProducerRecording Artist / PerformerAudio / Sound EngineerSongwriter and ComposerMusic Director

Key Skills

Live music performance and stagecraftStudio recording, mixing, and masteringMusic composition and arrangementProficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro ToolsSongwriting and lyrical development

Full Course Overview

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