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Music Education

Studies in the field of Music Education are available through the 4-year Bachelor of Music Education program which progressively combines studies in music and education over its 4-year duration. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and the qualification is recognised throughout Australia and internationally. 

It is expected that graduates of the Bachelor of Music Education program will demonstrate proficiency as both executant musicians and effective teachers who are able to use a range of innovative classroom teaching practices, to direct ensembles, and to prepare stimulating music curricula and instrumental programs.

The Bachelor of Music Education program enables the development of practical music skills (in performance, composition or music technology) while at the same time increasing the depth and breadth of musical knowledge and developing the necessary skills and understandings to become a successful music educator. 

Within the Music Education subjects, students have the opportunity to develop a wide range of functional musical skills such as arranging and conducting as well as a working knowledge of string, woodwind, brass, percussion and rhythm section instruments. Students develop teaching skills during levels 2, 3 and 4 through planning and preparing curriculum materials and through observation visits and practice teaching.  The Music Education Band and Choir provide opportunities to develop writing and conducting skills and to add to ensemble experiences.  In addition to these practical aspects students become familiar with literature in the music education field where research into music learning and key historical and philosophical issues are considered. 

Students may add a fifth year which takes them to Honours level (BMusEdHons).

Music Education is also a significant feature of the Conservatorium's research profile. Appropriate research topics may lead to the degrees of Master of Music or Doctor of Philosophy within the Elder Conservatorium of Music. There are currently several doctoral research projects in progress, representing different areas of Music Education.

In 2001 the Conservatorium hosted the annual conference of the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME), and in 2002 it hosted the annual conference of the Australian Association for Research in Music Education (AARME). In 2005 the Conservatorium hosted the conference of the Australian Piano Pedagogy Association.

The Conservatorium is also active in the field of Pedagogy, in particular as applied to the training of skills in musical performance at tertiary and pre-tertiary levels. Pedagogy is also offered at the Honours level.

Head of Program for Music Education: Dr Jenny Rosevear