Program Overview
Study Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a comprehensive program in composition, providing students with the opportunity to learn the art of composition and find their musical voice. The program is designed to support students in specializing and creating ambitious, informed, well-crafted, and individual work.
Program Overview
In this degree, students will learn all facets of musical composition, including compositional techniques and analysis, creativity, improvisation, repertoire, instrumentation and orchestration, music technology skills, music theory and aural training, and historical and cultural studies. Students will also have the opportunity to have their music performed by Conservatorium orchestras, ensembles, and guest artists, and get involved with student-led concerts and composing for events with industry partners.
Faculty and Staff
The composition program is taught by a team of expert staff, including:
- Professor Matthew Hindson AM
- Professor Liza Lim AM
- Associate Professor James Humberstone
- Associate Professor Damien Ricketson
- Associate Professor Daniel Rojas
- Associate Professor Paul Stanhope
- Dr Benjamin Carey, Senior Lecturer
- Mr Carl Vine AO, Senior Lecturer
- Dr Natalie Williams, Senior Lecturer
- Dr Ivan Zavada, Senior Lecturer
- Dr Daniel Blinkhorn, Lecturer
- Dr Natalie Nicolas, Lecturer
- Dr Amanda Cole, Associate Lecturer
- Ms Ella Macens, Associate Lecturer
- Dr Cyrus Meurant, Associate Lecturer
- Dr Peggy Polias, Associate Lecturer
- Emerita Professor Anne Boyd
- Honorary Associate Dr David Kim-Boyle
- Honorary Adjunct Professor Ross Edwards AM
Why Study Composition with Us?
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a unique and supportive environment for composition students, with opportunities to:
- Study one-to-one with some of Australia’s most gifted and widely recognized composers
- Learn composition in a nurturing community with ample opportunity to perform your work
- Form collaborative links with other musicians and performers at the Conservatorium and throughout the University
- Gain exclusive access to composition opportunities in the professional arts industry
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the composition program can pursue a range of career paths, including:
- Composer
- Art music composer
- Concert music composer
- Orchestrator and arranger
- Music librarian
- Music copyist
- Arts curator
- Artistic director
- Festival director
- Music researcher
- Composition teacher
Study Options
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in composition, including:
- Diploma of Music
- Bachelor of Music (Composition)
- Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Composition)
- Bachelor of Music
- Composition for Creative Industries
- Digital Music and Media
- Master of Music (Composition)
- Doctor of Musical Arts (Composition)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)