Program Overview

Study Contemporary Music Practice

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a program in contemporary music practice, designed for music makers who want to learn the craft of songwriting, either as a solo singer/songwriter or with bands, and how to produce it. This program is for singers, songwriters, and members of bands who want to learn inventive approaches to writing, performing, and producing contemporary music.

Program Description

The program focuses on inventive approaches to songwriting, producing, and performing music. Students will have access to a diverse range of practitioners, including pioneering DJ and producer Dr. Paul "Paul Mac" McDermott, pop music expert Dr. Jadey O'Regan, and internationally renowned musician and academic Dr. Toby Martin. The program will help students find their sound, nurture their skills, and expand their creativity.

Areas of Study

The program covers a range of areas, including:

• Analysis
• History and culture
• Music skills
• Music technology
• Performance

Electives

There are also plenty of additional electives open to students, including the opportunity to study a major, minor, or electives from the University's shared pool of majors and minors.

Faculty

Students can study contemporary music practice with:

• Associate Professor Charles Fairchild
• Dr. Toby Martin, Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Jadey O'Regan, Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Paul (Mac) McDermott, Academic Fellow
• Dr. Bree Van Reyk, Associate Lecturer

Benefits

By studying contemporary music practice, students will:

• Work with industry professionals
• Have access to the latest facilities, including sound technologies and professional recording studios
• Choose from a wide range of music electives
• Study at both the Conservatorium and the University's Camperdown/Darlington Campus
• Apply for experiences with international contemporary music education partners

Career Opportunities

The program is designed for students interested in a career in the music industry, including:

• Singer/songwriter
• Contemporary musician
• Music producer
• Performer
• Concert manager
• Music journalist
• Event producer

Study Options

The University offers the following study options for contemporary music practice:

• Undergraduate courses:
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Music Studies (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
  • Diploma of Music
• Postgraduate research:
  • Master of Music (Performance)
  • Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)