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Performance: Classical

The following instruments may be taken as a Principal Study within the classical performance strands of the Certificate, Bachelor's or Master's programs: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, Percussion, Harp, Piano, Organ, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass, Guitar, Lute. Principal Study is also available in Voice.

For students 'majoring' in classical performance the main focus of the training lies with the one-to-one lesson (normally one hour per week over thirty teaching weeks). The teacher is allocated by the appropriate Head of Studies (see lists of staff) taking into account the particular needs of the student (eg, development of technique, repertoire, and so forth). Prospective students may request a particular teacher, and every effort is made to accommodate such requests where possible. The Conservatorium does not guarantee, however, to fulfil all such requests because the Head of Studies also needs to consider the teacher's schedule and availability.

Each vocal and instrumental area also organises masterclasses and workshops given by eminent visiting musicians, including from overseas. Such visits often relate to a concert which may be a promotion of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the State Opera of South Australia, a Festival (eg, Adelaide Festival of Arts, WomAdelaide, etc), Musica Viva, or some other organisation.

In 2004 the Elder Conservatorium became the first institution in Australia to offer a first-level research doctorate by examination in Musical Performance.  This new PhD scheme is a research degree (as opposed to a so-called 'professional doctorate') and comes within the Commonwealth supported Research Training Scheme (RTS).  The Conservatorium also offers a similar scheme at the Master's level (MMus by research through Musical Performance).  For further details please consult the web pages on our postgraduate programmes.

The Elder Conservatorium is one of the few insitutions in the world that is able to offer the higher doctorate of music (DMus) by examination in all three of the main discplines of music: Composition, Performance, or Musicology (or any combination of these three). It should be noted that this is the highest of all academic awards and is appropriate only for those outstanding and experienced individuals who are widely recognised as eminent in their particular field.

Heads of Performance Studies:

Head of Keyboard: Ms Lucinda Collins

Head of Strings: Mr Keith Crellin

Head of Brass: Mr Howard Parkinson

Head of Percussion: Mr James Bailey

Head of Vocal Studies: Mr Keith Hempton

Head of Jazz: Mr Bruce Hancock

Head of Woodwind: Ms Elizabeth Koch OAM