Program Overview

Introduction to Chinese Instrumental Performance

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a unique program in Chinese instrumental performance, combining the study of Chinese music with the benefits of an outstanding English-language education in musical inquiry. This program encompasses the study of ancient works alongside contemporary compositions and collaborations, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Chinese music.

Program Overview

Chinese instrumental performance looks to both the past and the future, encompassing music of both the Han Chinese and diverse minority Chinese cultures. Students will learn to play instruments that have a history stretching back millennia, and yet are refashioned in the modern era to accommodate today's levels of technical and artistic brilliance. The program includes principal study tuition in historical vocal practices and historical instruments, such as:

• Dizi (horizontal bamboo flute)
• Erhu (two-string bowed fiddle)
• Guzheng (21-string zither)
• Pipa (four-string plucked lute)
• Yangqin (hammered dulcimer)
• Zhongruan (lower-pitched four-string plucked lute)

Faculty and Research

Students in the Chinese instrumental performance program will have the opportunity to study with renowned faculty members, including:

• Dr. Lu Liu, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Music Performance and Ethnomusicology
• Mr. Brad Lucas, Lecturer, Chinese Music Ensemble Coordinator
• Dr. Nicholas Ng, Associate Lecturer in Chinese Music Ensemble

Program Benefits

Studying Chinese instrumental performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music provides a wealth of opportunities, including:

• Individual training with Australia-based and international experts in the field of Chinese traditional performance
• Masterclasses and workshops delivered by local and international artists
• Chamber music training and experience through the Chinese Music Ensemble
• Academic studies in Chinese music and ethnomusicology
• Performance opportunities in unique concert venues and state-of-the-art recording studios
• Collaborative musical opportunities with members of the musically diverse student and staff community
• Mentorship and collaboration opportunities with international artists

Career Opportunities

As a student specializing in Chinese instrumental performance, you will learn skills to become:

• A professional instrumental soloist with an international perspective
• A member of a world-class chamber and/or orchestral ensemble specializing in Chinese music performance
• A member of a collaborative or intercultural music performance ensemble
• A researcher in Chinese instrumental performance
• A Chinese instrumental performance educator at both pre-tertiary and tertiary levels
• A musician who can initiate or participate in artistic exchange projects
• A curator who can develop and organize concerts and musical events

Study Options

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a range of study options in Chinese instrumental performance, including:

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