Composition
Develop your creative and stylistic individuality in our experience rich, hands-on learning environment.
Join us
Undergraduate
Benefit from the advantage of studying with leading staff in our inclusive conservatoire environment.
You'll:
- attend a weekly composition class which explores matters of technique and repertoire.
- be allocated a different composition tutor each year so you can learn best practice from many talented minds.
- experience one-to-one classes in second and third year.
- have the opportunity to compose for the Elder Conservatorium large ensembles.
- take a range of courses in orchestration, music analysis and music technology.
Postgraduate
Investigate compositional challenges at higher degree levels (MPhil and PhD).
You'll:
- address a significant problem or challenge.
- investigate and document the challenge through the music itself.
- develop a creative portfolio accompanied by an exegesis explaining how the research and its doctoral originality are embedded in the new works created.
What you'll study
Career opportunities
Our graduates go on to all kinds of amazing and rewarding careers. You could:
- Compose music for media and video games
- Use your skills and knowledge as a music curator
- Work in the film and TV industry
- Share your passion and expertise as a music teacher
- Record and perform your own music
Bachelor of Music (Music Composition)
"The creative projects such as composing a portfolio of original musical compositions, and having these works performed makes this degree unique." - Aaron Pelle
Learn from the best
Composition at the Elder Conservatorium has been shaped by two of Australia’s leading composers.
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Professor Charles Bodman Rae
Professor Charles Bodman Rae is a composer, pianist, conductor and author.
As the seventh Sir Thomas Elder Professor of Music he holds the senior academic position at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide. This continuing appointment to Australia's senior professorship in music (established by endowment in 1883) was made in 2001.
He has also led the Elder Conservatorium in the managerial and administrative roles of both Dean and Director (2001-2007).
He currently serves as both Head of Composition and Head of Postgraduate Studies.
How to apply
Audition registrations are now open for Semester 2, 2024 entry.
Register for your audition/interview
Submit your audition/interview application
Pay audition/interview fee
When registering, you must pay a non-refundable audition/interview registration fee via the online shop to be guaranteed an audition (search 'audition').
Bachelor of Music applicants
There is an audition registration fee of $26 for the first audition and $21 per subsequent audition.
Apply to SATAC or International Admissions
Domestic students
You will need to lodge an application through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).
International students
You will need to lodge an application through our International Admissions Service. You do not need to register for an audition.
Current UofA students
You will need to lodge an internal transfer application.
Prepare for your audition/interview
Please ensure you have followed the audition requirements for your specialisation:
Audition requirements by program
The Conservatorium does not provide accompanists except for the Bachelor of Music Theatre auditions. All other auditions that require an accompanist should contact the Accompanists' Guild of SA.
Applicants should contact accompanists as early as possible as auditions cannot be rescheduled to accommodate accompanist availability.
On the day of your audition, please ensure you arrive 15 minutes prior to your audition or interview. You will receive notification of your audition outcome following your audition.
We look forward to meeting you!