Master of Music

Programme Overview

The Master of Music (MMus) is designed to radically refine creative skills, technical proficiency, and critical thinking across a spectrum of musical styles and applications. Students are encouraged to explore their unique creative identities, engage in independent artistic or academic thought, and critically analyze the cultural, theoretical, and practical frameworks that impact modern music. The program balances deep historical grounding with contemporary production, technology, and pedagogical advancements.

Programme Pathways

The MMus offers two credit structures, both available as either a Research Masters (focused heavily on a single, major creative or academic project) or a Taught Masters (focused on a broader selection of elective papers coupled with a smaller research project):

1. 180-point Pathway: Designed for students entering directly with a standard three-year Bachelor of Music degree.
2. 120-point Pathway: Tailored for students who already hold a Bachelor of Music (Honours) or an approved Postgraduate Diploma in Music.

What You'll Study

Students can select one of six specialized tracks to shape their advanced studies:

• Specialization Streams:
  • Classical Performance / Jazz Performance / Popular Music: Focused on advanced technical development, performance workshops, public recitals, and critical ensemble work.
  • Composition: Covers instrumental orchestration, arranging, digital scoring, and original portfolio building.
  • Musicology: Deep historical, cultural, and sociopolitical analysis of music.
  • Music Education: Explores contemporary pedagogy, studio teaching research, and practical community workshop models.
• Core & Elective Formats:
  • Research Path: Centered around a substantial 90-point or 120-point research portfolio or performance thesis, alongside supporting elective seminars.
  • Taught Path: Combines a minor research project or internship (typically 30 to 45 points) with a highly customized suite of elective courses (such as Studio Pedagogy, Conducting Repertoire, or Advanced Music Analysis).

Why Choose This Programme?

• Elite Specialization Tracks: Provides distinct academic and performance pathways tailored precisely to modern industry disciplines from traditional classical roots to commercial pop and jazz.
• Supervised Independent Projects: Gives creators and researchers dedicated one-on-one professional mentorship to develop a substantial final portfolio or public performance.
• Interdisciplinary Reach: Integrates seamlessly with advanced modules in music technology, pedagogy, or media to maximize employability.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums:
  • For the 180-point track: A Bachelor of Music or an equivalent relevant degree with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.
  • For the 120-point track: A Bachelor of Music (Honours) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Music with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher.
• Audition Portfolio Requirements: Performance, composition, and studio pedagogy applicants must submit a formal creative portfolio or video audition to assist the faculty selection committee.
• Interview Process: Following a successful portfolio review, applicants may be required to complete an interactive interview (via Zoom or in-person) with the School of Music panel.
• Selection Process: Meeting baseline criteria does not guarantee an automatic offer of placement; final acceptance is heavily dependent on creative portfolio review, faculty supervisor capacity, and audition outcomes.