How to apply
Applications for entry in 2009
All applicants must apply separately for admission and for an audition. The application process for admission depends on whether you are a 'local' or 'international' student. All applications for audition come directly to the Conservatorium. You can download an audition application form here (pdf 115kB). Details about all of our programs are available in the Program Information Leaflet. You can view that here.
Local students are defined as those who were born in Australia or have citizenship or have permanent residency status or are currently studying a full-time year 12 program here in Australia. See the table below for details if you are a local student.
International students need to contact the International Office for full details about admissions and apply directly to the Conservatorium for an audition.
If you would like a copy of the Powerpoint presentation made during Open Day, please email music@adelaide.edu.au. To hear the talk provided on Open Day, you can go to the link for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences here.
| Program | Application process for local students | Closing date for admission applications | Closing date for audition applications |
| Bachelor of Music |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until eary early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Bachelor of Music Education |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Bachelor of Music Studies |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Honours in any of the three Bachelor degrees |
Direct to Conservatorium for both admission and an audition |
30 November 2008 |
30 September (unless prior arrangement with Head of Studies) |
| Diploma of Instrumental Music |
Direct to Conservatorium for both admission and an audition |
Mid-February 2009 (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
30 September 2008 (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
| CIII in Music |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| CIV in Music (Classical) |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| CIV in Music (Jazz) |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| CIV in Music (Technology) |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Diploma in Music (Classical) |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Diploma in Music (Jazz) |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Diploma in Music (Sound Engineering) |
SATAC and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
30 September for 'on time' applications however late applications will be accepted until early December on payment of a late fee |
30 September |
| Single Studies (Non-award) |
Direct to Conservatorium for both admission and an audition |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Music (Performance) |
Direct to the Conservatorium for both admission and an audition |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Music (Performance & Pedagogy) |
Direct to the Conservatorium for both admission and an audition |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
| Masters of Music (Performance and Pedagogy) |
Direct to the Conservatorium for both admission and an audition |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
30 September (but applications can be considered outside this timeframe) |
| Masters of Music by research |
The Adelaide Graduate Centre and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
Any time |
Any time |
| Doctor of Philosophy by research |
The Adelaide Graduate Centre and an application for audition made directly to the Conservatorium |
Any time |
Any time |
Audition Information
Auditions Overview
Entry to all Music programs is subject to satisfactory academic achievement and audition. Quotas may be imposed in each area of specialisation and if you have multiple specialisations, you may audition in each of them to ensure consideration in more than one quota group.
The audition process involves a performance/interview/portfolio with an audition panel for instrumental, vocal, composition and music technology areas, and an aural/theory test (pdf 691kB). The audition aims to assess each applicant's skills and potiential for future studies.
Applicants will be informed in late December of the outcome of their audition. Please note however, that formal offers to the majority of the Conservatorium Undergraduate programs are made through SATAC during their standard offer rounds.
All applicants for instrumental or vocal places in the certificates, diploma and degrees (ie, any of the Undergraduate programs offered by the Conservatorium) are required to prepare three works contrasting in tempo and style, with a total duration of 10-15 minutes for their audition (see individual sections for full details and any specific requirements). Performance from memory is encouraged but is not essential.
The audition panel will expect the performance to be of an advanced standard and will look for musical achievement, potential and suitability for the requirements and standards of tertiary study. Please note that applicants will attend a single audition for each area of specialisation (instrument or voice) they wish to be considered in, regardless of the number of Music programs they wish to apply for.
Whilst applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the audition in person at the University, it is possible for interstate applicants to submit a high quality recording in lieu of a live audition. Such applicants are asked to provide both audio and video recordings. It is important that the repertoire presented conforms to the requirements outlined below. A letter of verification should also be enclosed.
Applicants are also requested to supply a list of pieces studied over the past two years on the Audition Application form.
Program Specific Audition Requirements
Brass
Candidates should prepare three contrasting pieces showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement. The panel will look for good tone quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation. Technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
Composition
Composition applicants should submit a folio of original works including three recently completed compositions, using different resources and demonstrating musicianship and technical competence.
Integrated Studies
Integrated Studies applicants should audition for their instrument or voice as outlined in the relevant section.
Jazz (Instrument or Voice)
Three pieces should be prepared illustrating the applicant's interpretation of the idiom. It is recommended that applicants provide their own rhythm sections for accompaniment (if this is not possible, a tape recording may be used). Major and minor scales will be requested.
Applicants will be given sight reading and aural tests. An ability to read a simple chord chart and improvise in an appropriate jazz style will be tested.
Keyboard
Piano: Applicants must prepare three pieces covering three major periods of the pianoforte literature. These must include one study or piece of a technical nature and one polyphonic piece (Bach, Hindemith, Shostakovich, etc). Familiarity with some scales and arpeggios will be expected. Sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
Organ: Applicants should include three contrasting works totalling not more than 15 minutes. Technical work should include two or three pedal solos such as JS Bach Toccata in F, BWV 540 (first pedal solo, bars 55-82) or Toccata in C, BWV 564 (pedal solo, bars 13-32) or F Mendelssohn Sonata in D Minor, Opus 65, No. 6 (pedal part of the 12/8 variation).
Applicants for all other keyboard instruments (harpsichord, etc) must prepare three contrasting pieces and technical work (such as scales and arpeggios). Sight reading and aural ability may also be tested.
Music Technology
Music Technology applicants should submit a folio of original works, which should include recently completed recordings, compositions and/or an instrumental audition and/or CD or video. The audition should demonstrate musicianship and/or technical competence in music technology.
Percussion
Applicants will be required to perform two contrasting works selected from the following percussion categories:
Group 1: Vibraphone, Xylophone, Marimba
Group 2: Timpani, Snare Drum, Multipercussion
The pieces can be performed with or without an accompanist and duration need be no longer than 10 minutes. Technical exercises are required demonstrating major scales and arpeggios, one to two octaves played at quavers equalling 120mm. Basic snare drum rudiments, e.g. single and double stroke rolls at various dynamic levels, are to be performed.
Sound Engineering
Music Technology and Sound Engineering applicants should submit a folio of original works, which should include recently completed recordings, compositions and/or an instrumental audition and/or CD or video. The audition should demonstrate musicianship and/or technical competence in music technology.
Strings (including Classical Guitar)
Candidates should prepare three contrasting pieces showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement. The panel will look for good tone quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation. Technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
Voice (Classical)
Candidates should prepare three contrasting pieces of classical vocal music. The panel may ask a student to demonstrate his or her musicianship by singing scales, arpeggios and intervals. Some sight reading may be required. (Note: you will require an accompanist.)
Woodwind
Candidates should prepare three contrasting pieces showing musicianship, technical facility and current musical achievement. The panel will look for good tone quality, clear articulation, precise rhythm and accurate intonation. Technical work (such as scales and arpeggios), sight reading and aural ability may be tested.
Accompanist
All applicants attending a live audition should arrange their own accompanist.
Aural/Theory Test
This test is an integral part of the audition process which all applicants are required to complete. Overseas applicants who are auditioning via recordings may be excused from the aural/theory test, however a description of their theoretical background and copies of any recent certificates should be included with their audition application.
Test sessions will be scheduled at 12 noon each day during the audition period. Applicants may attend any session - booking is not necessary. Please bring a pen and photo ID with you.
The aural/theory test aims to assess the applicant's general level of musicianship, which involves the ability to identify and recognise musical concepts within aural, written and theoretical contexts. The test comprises:
- aural questions covering rhythm, tonality, melody and harmony
- score interpretation questions about a given short piano extract
- theoretical questions such as keys, major and minor scales, intervals and chords
Click here (pdf 691kB) to view a sample test.
The test is also similar in content to the SACE Stage 2 Musicianship exam (Applied Theory section). Past SSABSA Musicianship exam papers are available at: www.ssabsa.sa.edu.au (go to ‘Teachers & Schools’, then to ‘Subject Information’, and scroll down to last years 'Examination papers' to ‘Musicianship’).
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