Master of Music (Performance)

Throughout their candidature, each student works with the guidance of their supervisory team as agreed on the development and completion of the thesis comprising the final creative work presentation and the written dissertation. Work with the supervisory team includes written research supervision and performance-based supervision (instrumental, vocal, conducting) as appropriate to the needs of the student.

Through enrolment in Creative Work Seminar and in elective units of study during the first full-time year or equivalent, students develop skills and knowledge to support development of research-led performance and scholarship.

Candidates should plan their candidature in consultation with their supervisory team, including the date for presentation of the final creative work.

Progress Plan and course requirements

In addition to the information given below, candidates must fulfil the requirements stated in the Progress Plan, and in the University rule and policies relevant to higher degrees by research.

Candidature includes

• Supervised performance research on an approved topic in preparation of a thesis which comprises both the final creative work presentation and the associated written research research dissertation.
• Completion of units of study as set out below.
• Confirmation presentation in the first year of candidature
• Annual progress review
• The final creative work presentation of 50 to 80 minutes duration in an appropriate format (normally recital, lecture recital, or recording), demonstrating originality and making a contribution to knowledge beyond its aesthetic merits; and production of critical notes to accompany the final creative work presentation, articulating its aims and its place in the area of the candidate’s research enquiry.
• Submission of a thesis comprising the recording of the creative work presentation with critical notes and the associated 10,000-20,000 word dissertation on the approved topic. The dissertation will investigate the topic normally developing one or more hypotheses and placing the research within the relevant body of knowledge.

Units of Study

The University of Sydney introduced a new coursework requirement for Higher Degree by Research students commencing from Research Period 1 2021. Coursework is intended to give students the opportunity to take units of study that expand their existing skills or work toward developing novel capabilities that will complement their research and career development. Units of study students can choose to fulfil the Higher Degree by Research coursework requirement are listed in Table R of the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook. Students can enrol in units of study in Sydney Student and plan professional and academic development activities with their supervisors in the Research Education Candidature System. Award requirements for each degree are outlined in the respective course resolutions.

Students complete the following units of study during the first full-time year or part-time equivalent

• MCGY5111 Creative Work Seminar 1
• MCGY5112 Creative Work Seminar 2
• 6 credit points of elective coursework normally selected from the Conservatorium’s list in Table R or other approved postgraduate electives.

Preparing for thesis submission

The thesis will include the recording of the final creative work presentation with critical notes and the written research dissertation. A preface can be used to introduce the components of the thesis, and students should consider the entire project when choosing the thesis title.

Students should refer to the Current Students website pages on preparing for submission.

Further information

Refer to the Higher Degree by Research pages in the Current Students website and to the relevant policies available in the University Policy Register.