Bachelor of Music (B-MUS) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

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

(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education, including VCE Units 3 and 4 – either a study score of at least 25 in one of English, English Language or Literature, or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language;

(b) the International Baccalaureate Diploma, including at least Grade 4 in English or English B (Standard Level or Higher Level); or

(c) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program, or equivalent approved by the Academic Board, including appropriate English language studies.

Applicants are also required to complete an audition, test, interview, workshop, portfolio or folio presentation, as prescribed by the Academic Board for the Major to which entry is sought.

Composition Major

• folio audition; and
• prior academic performance

Interactive Composition Major

• folio audition; and

• set creative task; and
• performance audition; and
• prior academic performance

Jazz and Improvisation Major

• performance audition; and
• prior academic performance

Musicology & Ethnomusicology Major

• performance audition; and
• prior academic performance

Music Studies Major

• performance audition; and
• prior academic performance

Performance Major

• performance audition; and
• prior academic performance

Performance (ANAM) Major

• admission to the Australian National Academy of Music, and
• performance audition; and
• prior academic performance

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

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

• performance in an audition; and/or
• performance in folio audition; and
• prior academic performance, and

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. For applicants who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the undergraduate English language requirements must be met.

Notes

• For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre, “middle-band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.
• Details for the performance audition and folio audition requirements can be found on the Fine Arts and Music Study website https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/study-with-us

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, especially the Bachelor of Music.

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.

Students in the Bachelor of Music must have abilities and skills that include the following:

Well-developed proficiency in at least one musical instrument (or voice) or composition

• This instrumental or vocal proficiency is initially measured at the application stage by audition into the Bachelor of Music and requires satisfactory demonstration of a well-developed level of physical control of the instrument or voice.

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 needs to have well developed-hearing 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 needs to possess an appropriate level of cognition to deal with required material relating to the theory and history of Music; this material may be in written, aural or schematised forms.

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 tolerate physically taxing musical practice and to function effectively under stress and isolation in musical preparation.
• 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 feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact Student Equity and Disability Support.

Last updated: 17 April 2025