Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) (MC-MUSORP) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a bachelor degree in music, or equivalent in a non-cognate area; or
• 6 years documented, relevant work experience; and
• portfolio; and
• an audition; and
• an interview (shortlisted applicants only).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic achievement; or
• documented professional experience; and
• portfolio; and
• performance in an audition; and
• performance in an interview (shortlisted applicants only).

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Notes:

• Details for the portfolio, audition, and interview can be found on the Fine Arts and Music Study website: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/study-with-us
• Students who discontinue from the Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) but have successfully completed the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Orchestral Studies will be eligible to apply to receive the Graduate Diploma as an exit award.
• Successful admission to the degree is dependent on a suitable spread of instruments across all sections of the orchestra; consequently, places will be available based on available places in that instrument group at the time of selection.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music welcomes applications from Students with disabilities. It is University and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music policy to take reasonable steps to make adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s programs.

The Music degree involves acquisition and refinement of musical knowledge and practice. All students of Music must possess intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

A student for the Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) degree must have abilities and skills that include the following:

Well-developed proficiency on a musical instrument:

• This proficiency is measured by an entry audition to assess a well-developed level of physical control of the instrument.

Well-developed music literacy:

• Students must be capable of reading music notation fluently either in standard musical notation or Braille musical notation.

Aural discrimination skills:

• Students need to have well-developed listening skills to ensure that the aural requirements essential to the study of music can be met.

The ability to comprehend complex music information and material independently:

• Students need to possess an appropriate level of cognition to deal with required material relating to the theory and history of music.

The capacity to communicate clearly a knowledge and application of music principles and practice in assessment activities and the ability to function as part of a musical team:

• Students must possess the emotional health required for full use of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities required by the course.
• Students need to be aware of their personal limitations and when and where to seek professional advice or supervision.
• Students must be able to function effectively under potentially stressful situations in rehearsals, private study and performance.
• Students must also be able to function effectively as part of a musical ensemble, to adapt to changing environments, and to display flexibility.

Behavioural and Social Attributes

• Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment.
• Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning.
• Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of others.
• Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who have a disability which may prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact Student Equity and Disability Services https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/student-equity-and-disability-support  

Last updated: 10 November 2023