Prepare for a specialist career in instrumental performance.

The Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) is an exciting new practice-based coursework degree integrating orchestral, chamber and solo repertoires.

This two-year program connects you with professionals in the industry with partnerships between the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and a selection of local and regional professional orchestras, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian World Orchestra. You’ll participate in ensembles and classes at the Conservatorium as you gain industry experience with professionals in side-by-side projects, as well as in elective placement opportunities with our industry partners.

You’ll enjoy comprehensive opportunities to develop as a well-rounded performer in solo, orchestral, and chamber music performance: all students study all three repertoires as a core part of this program, and you can pursue additional orchestral or chamber music training through electives.

With individual lessons in every semester of your degree, you’ll receive high-level training that refines your orchestral instrument performance skills. Then you’ll showcase your talents in end-of-semester performances, including concerto performances and recitals of solo and chamber works.

You’ll also advance your specialised skills in orchestral performance as you:

• Participate in symphonic ensembles throughout the program
• Undertake targeted preparations for the orchestra audition process in core and elective subjects
• Enrich your knowledge and interpretational perspectives on the orchestral repertoire.

Rehearse and perform in the world-class facilities of the Ian Potter Southbank Centre in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct – then graduate as a highly trained musician with the experience, skills, knowledge and insight to transition into a sustainable orchestral career.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) is designed for students looking to enhance their performance skills to prepare for careers as orchestral musicians.

With elite-level training and industry experience, you’ll engage with the full spectrum of repertoire and performance contexts relevant to modern symphony orchestras.

This is a two-year full-time degree.

Progression from first year to second year requires a passing mark for Orchestral Performance Practicum 1.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills and be able to:

• Achieve a professional level standard in their orchestral ensemble performance and recording skills as required of an elite professional orchestral instrumentalist
• Achieve a professional level standard in rehearsal conduct and etiquette
• Become a highly-skilled and highly-aware ensemble musician, with a thorough knowledge of performance styles and current practice
• Critically evaluate past and present performance practices
• Develop a depth of familiarity with the symphonic canon
• Develop artistic flexibility and appreciation for alternative interpretations
• Develop an understanding of how to perform in situations in which the orchestra performs an accompanying role (e.g. concerto, opera, ballet, and film repertoire)
• Understand how to learn and prepare new works
• Understand and develop the mental and emotional capabilities necessary for consistent skill execution and positive performance experiences
• Demonstrate team-work and collaborative music making
• Develop communication skills towards ensemble cohesion and respect
• Establish entrepreneurial skills for early career orchestral musicians, and develop and expand outreach projects that engage various communities (e.g., amateur musicians, music students, general public)
• Develop complementary skills, knowledge, and understandings of the roles and responsibilities of various aspects of orchestral administration (e.g., artistic development, philanthropy, music library, education outreach, labour negotiations, and contracts)
• Develop the confidence necessary to perform under pressure in audition, recording, and performance settings
• Gain the ability to intelligently and persuasively promote an appreciation of the orchestra as an artistic vehicle; and
• Identify, prevent and manage health risks resulting from playing an instrument for extended time periods

Generic Skills

The University expects its postgraduate coursework graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• An advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area
• An appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area
• The capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work
• An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry)
• A capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society
• An ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline
• Advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline
• Well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach
• Advanced competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or scholarship
• A capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in presentations
• An advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area
• A capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work
• A profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship

Sample course plan

View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this coursework.

200 credit points

2 years full-time

• Become a highly-skilled and highly-aware ensemble musician, and achieve a professional standard in your orchestral ensemble performance through a practical internship
• Develop the confidence to perform at your peak under pressure in audition, recording, and performance settings
• Understand and develop the mental and emotional capabilities necessary for consistent skill execution and positive performance experiences
• Establish the entrepreneurial skills to assist you in your early career as an orchestral musician
• Learn to identify, prevent, and manage health risks associated with playing your instrument for extended time periods

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;

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.