Master of Music
The Master of Music research degrees can be taken in the following disciplines:
- Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance)
- Master of Music (Composition)
- Master of Music (Music Education)
- Master of Music (Musicology)
- Master of Music (Performance).
Language requirements for international candidates
An IELTS level of 7.0 with no component below 6.5 is normally required for entry to all Master of Music degrees.
Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance)
The Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) offers candidates broad opportunities for interdisciplinary research at the Conservatorium in the areas of music performance, which may include psychology of music, music perception and acoustics as well as other fields. This research degree may stand alone or serve as preliminary to PhD study in the discipline.
Course structure
The aim is to provide training and supervision to students undertaking research into physiological, psychological, sociological, organisational, economic, industrial, perceptual, acoustic or other interdisciplinary aspects of music performance. The degree aims to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to research into music performance and, where appropriate, to foster links with the music profession and arts industry with the aim of promoting excellence in music performance. It can be completed in either four semesters of full-time study or eight semesters of part-time study.
Candidature includes:
- enrolment in appropriate research methods units
- enrolment in nominated seminar topics
- supervised research on an approved topic
- presentation of research findings at faculty research forums and other conferences as relevant, and
- submission of a thesis of 40,000 words embodying the results of the research.
Candidates complete the following units of study
- PERF5600 Graduate Research Methods
- PERF5611 Graduate Seminar 1
- PERF5612 Graduate Seminar 2
- PERF6613 Graduate Seminar 3.
Master of Music (Composition)
The Master of Music (Composition) offers candidates the opportunity to facilitate the development of advanced compositional skills and to work on compositions of a length and complexity not possible during undergraduate award programs. Candidates are exposed to theoretical, philosophical and sociological aspects of composition.
Candidates are encouraged to develop skills in, and an understanding of, all aspects in the successful completion of a composition project.
Candidates are expected to undertake research into compositional approaches undertaken by other composers, practitioners and artists, and to create musical works based upon the results of this research.
These musical outcomes may take place on the small and larger scales, and should demonstrate the development of a high-level creative approach, substantial composition technique and the initial establishment of a compositional voice within the national music sector.
Course structure
The Master of Music (Composition) can be completed either in four semesters of full-time study or eight semesters of part-time study. There is an expectation that work on both the composition portfolio and the thesis will be pursued concurrently and at an even rate across the duration of the candidature. Demands of candidates in terms of craft skills and imaginative writing are high.
Candidature includes:
- enrolment in appropriate research methods units
- enrolment in nominated seminar topics
- supervised research on an approved topic
- presentation at the Composition Seminar towards the conclusion of the candidature
- submission of a substantial body of original compositions, with accompanying recordings
- submission of a 10,00015,000 word dissertation associated with the candidate’s composition portfolio and the research behind its creation
The following are benchmark examples of portfolio size, and should be referred to by intending students writing the 500-word research summary when applying for entry into the course.
Candidates specialising in instrumental or music theatre composition
A portfolio of compositions of approximately 5070 minutes, including one designated major work. The portfolio should reflect and respond to the area(s) of research undertaken during the candidature. At least half of the music should have been performed, workshopped or publicly presented. Recordings should accompany the folio where possible.
Examples of submissions could include:
- a set of solo saxophone etudes (15 minutes), a saxophone quartet (10 minutes), a piece for large chamber ensemble (10 minutes), a concerto for saxophone and orchestra (25 minutes)
- two chamber works of 12 minutes each for 8 players, an orchestral piece (10 minutes), a piano sonata (19 minutes)
- a 15-minute work for woodwind quintet + CD, a music theatre work of 45 minutes
- a string quartet with didjeridu and erhu (20 minutes), a chamber work for mixed sextet (5 minutes), a work for dancers and chamber ensemble (14 minutes), a sound installation (variable duration), four pieces for large ensemble with jazz quartet (total 12 minutes)
- a music theatre work of 75 minutes.
Candidates specialising in electroacoustic composition
A number of electroacoustic compositions intended for various configurations such as stereo, surround and multi-channel or interactive works that have a collective duration of 12-15 minutes of music per each full-time semester of the candidature, that is 48-60 minutes for the entire candidature.
Examples of works to be included in the portfolio could include:
- one stereo acousmatic composition
- one surround work with a minimum four channels
- a work for 1-3 instruments and tape
a performance for instrument and live electronics - a sound installation
- an interactive multimedia piece for sound and video.
Candidates specialising in music technology
A written thesis between 15,000 and 20,000 words investigating a research topic in music technology. Projects may involve computer programming for musical applications, exploration of advanced signal processing techniques, analysis of existing electroacoustic repertoire, sound recording, digital audio production for visual and interactive media.
Music compositions must demonstrate the aesthetic value of the theoretical investigation and must be included in the submitted portfolio. Where software creation is a significant component of the work then a balance between music composition and software creation shall be negotiated with the supervisor, but a minimum of two 12-15 minute works will be required under any circumstance.
Candidates specialising in jazz composition
A portfolio of compositions as outlined below:
It is expected that the works contain no more than 30 per cent of improvisation with the work being at least 70 per cent fully scored. If a candidate would like to include a greater percentage of improvisation than the 30 per cent standard, this must be negotiated with and approved by the supervisor and Chair. The duration of such works should be at the upper limits of the durations given below.
- four small ensemble works of 6-8 minutes' duration for 8-10 instruments
- two small ensemble works of 6-8 minutes' duration for 8-10 instruments + string group
- two big band works of 68 minutes' duration
one third stream (confluent) work for 34 soloists + rhythm section and chamber group of 810 minutes' duration - ne third stream (confluent) work for 34 soloists and full orchestra (no rhythm) of 810 minutes' duration.
Candidates normally complete the following units of study
- CMPN5001 Principal Study (Composition) 1
- CMPN5002 Principal Study (Composition) 2
- CMPN6003 Principal Study (Composition) 3
- CMPN6004 Principal Study (Composition) 4
- PERF5600 Graduate Research Methods
- PERF5611 Graduate Seminar 1
- PERF5612 Graduate Seminar 2.
Master of Music (Music Education)
The Master of Music (Music Education) program consists of two streams of study. The first stream of study consists of two seminars selected from a range of fields relevant to music teaching and learning. A concurrently running research stream provides instruction in research methodology which underpins the writing of a thesis, the major component of the degree. The term thesis is interpreted loosely in this context, and refers to any form of research-based work approved by the Conservatorium.
Course structure
The Master of Music (Music Education) degree can be completed in either four semesters of full-time study or six to eight semesters of part-time study. The emphasis in the first year is primarily on the development of research skills. In the second year, it focuses on the writing of a thesis.
Candidature includes
- enrolment in the Music Education Research Method courses
- enrolment in two seminars
- supervised research on an approved topic, and
- submission of a thesis of 25,000-40,000 words embodying the results of the research.
Candidates normally complete the following units of study
- MUED5008 Music Education Research Methods 1
- MUED5016 Music Education Research Methods 2
- PERF5611 Graduate Seminar 1
- PERF5612 Graduate Seminar 2.
Master of Music (Musicology)
The Master of Music (Musicology) aims to train students to become independent scholars in musicology and to communicate their findings in appropriate written and spoken forms. This research degree may stand alone or serve as preliminary to PhD study in the discipline. Students in this course carry out research in a variety of fields able to be supported by the staff of the faculty.
Course structure
The Master of Music (Musicology) is normally completed in four semesters of full-time study or up to eight semesters of part-time study.
Candidature includes
- Enrolment in appropriate research methods units
- Enrolment in nominated seminar topics
- Attendance at the Musicology Graduate Symposium and, as required, at Musicology Workshop. Symposiums and Workshops supplement classes and individual research and provide a forum for discussion.
- Candidates will be required to present reports of their research in the Musicology Graduate Symposium.
- Supervised research on an approved topic, and
- Submission of a thesis of 40,000 words embodying the results of the research.
At the end of the first year candidates may be required to take a qualifying examination. This examination is designed to test a number of aspects of the progress of the candidate and to assess his/her preparedness and ability to undertake the intellectual demands of independent research. Candidates will not be permitted to proceed to the thesis without being able to demonstrate that they have integrated and can apply what they have learned thus far in the course, and that their methodological base is sound.
Candidates normally complete the following units of study
- PERF5600 Graduate Research Methods
- PERF5611 Graduate Seminar 1
- PERF5612 Graduate Seminar 2
- PERF6613 Graduate Seminar 3.
Master of Music (Performance)
On successful completion of the Master of Music (Performance), candidates will be able to organise and present performances which demonstrate independence of thought, critical awareness and interpretative capacities, and high potential as a musician and scholar. Candidates will be able to articulate the contribution which their performance makes towards extending the boundaries of the discipline of performance through such means as expanded stylistic or interpretative horizons, investigation of historical performance practice, development of new performance modes, relationships and techniques, or through enhanced critical, historical or analytical perspectives.
Applicants should be prepared to present an audition comprising a 50-minute recital of works at an advanced level of difficulty to a high standard of excellence. The audition panel retains the right to curtail the performance and select excerpts of the works presented as it sees fit. At the interview, candidates should be prepared to discuss their proposed area of research and its relationship to their performance work.
Course structure
The Master of Music (Performance) course is normally completed in two years of full-time study and comprises a major study in an instrument or voice and academic skills. The academic studies component assumes that candidates have a sound basic knowledge of the history and harmonic practice of Western music from at least the Baroque era to the present day.
Candidature includes
- development and presentation of one 5080 minute recital or performance project which demonstrates originality and which investigates and expands the boundaries of the discipline of performance.
- critical notes accompanying the performance which articulate the aim of the performance and its place in the area of the student's research enquiry. (This is the degree recital, where the examination panel must include an external examiner). Candidates can apply for up to 8 hours of rehearsal time plus the recital with a staff accompanist.
- submission (by week 15 of the semester) of a thesis of 15,000 to 20,000 words on a topic relevant to the performance interest, developed with the supervisors.
Candidates normally complete the following units of study
- PERF5001 Principal Study (MMus) 1
- PERF5002 Principal Study (MMus) 2
- PERF6000 Principal Study (MMus) 3
- PERF5600 Graduate Research Methods
- MCGY6602 Performance Thesis
- PERF5611 Graduate Seminar 1
- PERF5612 Graduate Seminar 2.
Master's preliminary course
Candidates who demonstrate through audition, interview and/or portfolio of work that they have a capacity to undertake the Master of Music degree in Performance, Composition, Musicology, Applied Research in Music Performance or Music Education, but whose prior learning is deficient in a specific area may, on the advice of the Graduate Studies Committee be admitted to the Master's Preliminary Course.
Students normally undertake:
- programs within the master's preliminary courses drawn from existing undergraduate units of study within the Conservatorium
- programs delivered by the Student Learning Centre at the University of Sydney
- preliminary research projects in the student's area of research interest (designed to give the student basic research competencies).
Programs are designed around the individual needs of particular students on the advice of the admission panel. The course normally represents 15 credit points per semester and is subject to pro-rata fee payment. Assessment in this course consists of the following:
- completion of assessment requirements of specified undergraduate units of study and Student Learning Centre units as stipulated by the Associate Dean, and
- an essay of 5000 words on a negotiated topic, demonstrating competence in research and academic writing.
Master's preliminary units of study
- PREL4001 Project 1 (6cp)
- PREL4002 Project 2 (6cp)
- PREL4003 Elective A (3cp)
- PREL4004 Elective B (3cp)
- PREL4005 Elective C (3 cp)
- PREL4006 Elective D (3 cp).
Course rules
Master of Music
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the 'HDR Rule'), the Academic Board resolutions relating to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended).
Part 1: Preliminary
1 Course codes
Code |
Course and stream title |
---|---|
QC083 |
Master of Music (Applied Research in Music Performance) |
QC082 |
Master of Music (Composition) |
QC007 |
Master of Music (Music Education) |
QC081 |
Master of Music (Musicology) |
QC080 |
Master of Music (Performance) |