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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Conservatorium events
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A Velvet Ant, a Flower and a Bird: a Journey through Sonic Ecologies
Wednesday 10 June 2026 7:00pm - 8:30pmA collaboration between EcoAcoustic Music and the Potter Museum of Art Responding to visual works from the recent Potter Museum of Art’s exhibition A velvet ant, a flower and a bird, student composers from Melbourne Conservatorium of Music present new sonic art works with a strong ecological ... -
Melbourne Chamber Music Academy Concert 2026
Sunday 14 June 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pmPlease join us for a concert featuring the young students that took part in the Melbourne Young Chamber Music Academy in 2026. The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music is offering an Chamber Music program for Piano and String students. This is a supplementary extra-curricular course for students age... -
Jazz and Improvisation Winter Camp 2026
29 June 2026 - 3 July 2026We are inviting high school aged instrumentalists and vocalists in years 9-12 to spend a week on campus and explore the world of Jazz and Improvisation. Meet like-minded musicians and develop your playing, skill set and creativity when approaching Jazz music and exploring Improvisation. The w...