This specialist coursework degree prepares graduates in Western classical and contemporary music as performer-teachers. Our graduates work as instrumental or vocal instructors in schools, studios, community programs, and in private provider and further education settings.
Performance Teaching at the Conservatorium
On this course you will choose between two specialisations:
- The Instrumental Specialisation prepares you for school-based instrumental/vocal teaching. It includes three professional placements and a specific focus on conducting and orchestration.
- The Studio Specialisation prepares you for private studio-based instrumental/vocal teaching. It includes two professional placements and a focus on instrumental pedagogy.
We offer advanced music performance tuition, second instrument studies and ensemble participation alongside the pedagogy of performance teaching. Professional practice takes place in various settings, including community organisations, schools, studios and Suzuki classes. Elective subjects are offered in practical, theoretical and research areas.
Completing the Instrumental Specialisation enables you to obtain advanced standing with a range of education providers, leading to Victorian Institute of Teaching registration after an additional period of study.
This course also offers a pathway into the PhD after completing the Professional Research Project elective.
Visit the University of Melbourne course site to find out more on graduate courses
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News
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Conservatorium events
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The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Stravinsky’s Petrushka
Sunday 23 August 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pmDrama, passion and spectacle take centre stage in the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s third concert of 2026. The evening opens with Richard Strauss’s exhilarating Don Juan, an orchestral tour de force that sweeps audiences into the legendary hero’s... -
Melba Hall 12: Horn Ensemble
Monday 24 August 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pmThe much-loved Melba Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series returns for Semester 2 2026. Each week will feature a different instrument or area, performed by undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and facilitated by academic staff. Join us for an intimate ... -
Australian Wind Quintet perform Gounod, Klughardt and Coleman
Tuesday 25 August 2026 7:30pm - 8:40pmCelebrate an exciting moment in Melbourne’s musical community with the Australian Wind Quintet in a vibrant concert marking the commencement of new flute lecturer Catherine Gregory at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The program features Gounod’s charming Petite Symphonie, performed alo...