Read About the Music and Dance Courses and Colleges in Australia....
Mar 06, 2025 03:13:30
Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney)
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, PhD
Specializations: Performance, Composition, Music Education, Musicology, Jazz
Location: Sydney, NSW
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (University of Melbourne)
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, PhD
Specializations: Classical, Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition, Music Therapy
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, PhD
Specializations: Performance, Popular Music, Musical Theatre, Composition
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA - Edith Cowan University)
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Diploma in Music, Master of Arts
Specializations: Classical, Jazz, Contemporary, Composition
Location: Perth, WA
Australian Institute of Music (AIM)
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Diploma of Music, Master of Music
Specializations: Contemporary Music, Classical Music, Music Production, Composition
Locations: Sydney & Melbourne
Monash University - Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, PhD
Specializations: Classical, Jazz, Popular Music, Ethnomusicology
Location: Melbourne, VIC
JMC Academy
Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Diploma of Music
Specializations: Contemporary Performance, Music Production, Songwriting
Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA - University of Melbourne)
Degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Master of Fine Arts
Focus: Contemporary dance, choreography, performance
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA - Edith Cowan University)
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (Dance), Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance)
Focus: Ballet, Contemporary, Choreography
Location: Perth, WA
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) - Dance Faculty
Degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Master of Fine Arts
Focus: Contemporary dance, performance, choreography
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Australian Ballet School
Degrees: Diploma in Dance, Advanced Diploma of Dance
Focus: Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance
Location: Melbourne, VIC
National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Dance College
Courses: Diploma of Professional Dance Performance
Focus: Indigenous Australian dance, contemporary dance
Location: Kariong, NSW
Brent Street Performing Arts School
Courses: Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), Certificate IV in Dance
Focus: Commercial Dance, Musical Theatre, Contemporary
Location: Sydney, NSW
Sydney Dance Company - Pre-Professional Year
Course: Full-time dance training program
Focus: Contemporary dance, performance training
Location: Sydney, NSW
Many institutions also offer certificates, diplomas, and short courses in both music and dance, such as:
TAFE Institutes (TAFE NSW, Box Hill Institute, WAAPA)
Private Dance Schools & Music Academies
Online Music & Dance Programs
Bachelor of Music (Performance, Composition, Music Education, etc.)
Master of Music (Performance, Musicology, etc.)
Doctor of Musical Arts
Bachelor of Music (Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition, etc.)
Master of Music (Opera Performance, Conducting, etc.)
PhD in Music
Bachelor of Music (Popular Music, Jazz, Classical Performance, etc.)
Master of Music Studies
Doctor of Musical Arts
Bachelor of Music (Classical, Contemporary, Jazz, Composition, etc.)
Bachelor of Music Theatre
Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
Bachelor of Music (Performance, Composition, Ethnomusicology, etc.)
Master of Music Performance
PhD in Music
Bachelor of Music (Performance, Composition, etc.)
Master of Music
PhD in Music
Bachelor of Music (Classical, Jazz, Sonic Arts, etc.)
Master of Music
Doctor of Philosophy (Music)
Bachelor of Arts (Dance)
Bachelor of Arts (Dance & Bachelor of Secondary Education)
Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
Master of Dance
PhD in Dance Research
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance Performance)
Master of Fine Arts (Dance)
Bachelor of Dance Education
Bachelor of Applied Dance
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Dance Practice and Performance
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance)
Master of Arts (Dance)
Australian Ballet School (Melbourne) – Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Dance
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) – Offers movement & performance training related to dance and theatre
George Henderson Scholarship – For outstanding undergraduate music students.
Sydney Scholars Awards – Up to AUD 10,000 for high-achieving domestic and international students.
Conservatorium Scholarships – Various merit-based scholarships for music students.
Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship – Covers full tuition and additional allowances.
Ormond College Music Scholarship – Accommodation and financial support for music students.
Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship – For outstanding vocal students.
Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarships – Covers full or partial tuition fees.
Queensland Conservatorium Equity Scholarships – For students facing financial hardship.
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship – 50% tuition fee coverage for international students.
WAAPA Music Scholarships – Various scholarships for music students, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
ECU International Scholarships – Up to 20% tuition fee reduction for international students.
ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences Music Scholarship – Financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Christel Larko Music Scholarship – For classical music students.
Elder Scholarship – Based on academic and musical excellence.
Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship – 50% tuition fee reduction for high-achieving students.
VCA Access Scholarships – Provides financial assistance for dance students.
Frances Quinn Arts Scholarships – Supports high-achieving arts students, including dance.
Creative Arts and Music Scholarships – Various scholarships for outstanding dance students.
WAAPA Dance Scholarships – Various merit-based and financial aid scholarships.
ECU Equity Scholarships – For students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
QUT Creative Industries Scholarships – Offers financial aid to dance students.
International Merit Scholarship – Covers up to 25% of tuition fees.
Creative Arts Scholarship – For outstanding students in dance and performing arts.
Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship – Covers full tuition fees for top-performing students.
Elite Athlete and Performer Program – Offers financial aid for elite dancers.
ACPE Equity Scholarship – Supports students facing financial difficulties.
Australia Awards Scholarships – Funded by the Australian government for international students.
Destination Australia Scholarships – Supports students studying in regional areas.
Creative Australia (Australia Council for the Arts) Grants – Funding for artists, musicians, and dancers.
Australian Ballet School Scholarships – Financial assistance for elite ballet students.
NIDA Scholarships – Supports performing arts students, including those in dance.
One of the most prestigious music schools in Australia.
Offers programs in classical music, jazz, composition, musicology, and music education.
Strong industry connections and international collaborations.
Part of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
Offers diverse music programs, including performance, composition, and interactive composition.
Strong focus on research and innovation in music.
Known for programs in classical music, jazz, contemporary music, music technology, and musical theatre.
Home to some of Australia's top-performing arts graduates.
Offers a wide range of music programs, including classical, contemporary, jazz, and composition.
Recognized for its music theatre program, producing successful performers.
Specializes in classical, jazz, and ethnomusicology.
Strong focus on research and contemporary music production.
Offers high-quality performance, composition, and music technology programs.
Small class sizes with personalized mentoring.
One of the oldest and most respected music institutions in Australia.
Offers classical, jazz, popular music, and music education programs.
The top-ranked dance school in Australia.
Offers contemporary dance, choreography, and interdisciplinary performance programs.
Strong industry connections and international partnerships.
Offers contemporary dance and dance performance programs.
Produces high-caliber graduates in ballet, contemporary dance, and choreography.
Highly competitive entry process.
Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance Performance) focusing on contemporary dance.
Emphasizes technology, research, and performance collaborations.
Strong dance research and choreography programs.
Offers a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) with performance and theory components.
Specializes in dance education and professional performance.
Offers a Bachelor of Dance Education for those looking to teach dance.
Offers a Bachelor of Arts (Dance Practice and Performance).
Focuses on dance as an academic discipline and creative practice.
Australian Ballet School (Melbourne) – The top institution for elite ballet training.
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) – Offers movement and dance-based performance training.
Brent Street (Sydney) – A commercial dance school for performers in musical theatre and entertainment.
These programs focus on performance, composition, music production, and theory.
The University of Melbourne (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music)
Bachelor of Music (Performance, Composition, Musicology, Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition)
Offers state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney)
Bachelor of Music (Performance, Composition, Music Education, Contemporary Music, Digital Music)
One of the most prestigious music schools in Australia.
Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
Bachelor of Music (Classical, Jazz, Popular Music, Composition)
Known for its industry partnerships and strong alumni network.
Australian National University (ANU) – School of Music
Bachelor of Music (Performance, Composition, Music Technology)
Offers a strong academic and performance focus.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Bachelor of Music (Classical, Jazz, Contemporary, Composition, Music Technology)
WAAPA is known for its high-quality training and performance opportunities.
Monash University – Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music
Bachelor of Music (Popular Music, Ethnomusicology, Performance, Jazz & Improvisation)
These degrees focus on dance performance, choreography, and dance education.
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) – University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
Focuses on contemporary dance, choreography, and movement research.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Bachelor of Arts (Dance) / Bachelor of Arts (Dance Education)
Provides intensive training in ballet, contemporary, and choreography.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Dance Faculty
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance Performance)
Strong contemporary dance program with industry connections.
Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)
Bachelor of Dance Practice / Bachelor of Dance Education
Ideal for students interested in teaching dance.
University of Melbourne (VCA) – Allows interdisciplinary electives in music and dance.
WAAPA (ECU) – Offers combined opportunities in performing arts, including music and dance.
QUT – Offers performance-based courses that integrate multiple performing arts disciplines.
Entry Requirements: Most programs require an audition, portfolio, and interview. Some may also require a written statement or academic prerequisites.
Scholarships: Many universities offer music and dance scholarships based on merit or financial need.
Career Paths: Graduates can become performers, composers, choreographers, music producers, educators, or arts administrators.
Master’s degrees in Music typically focus on performance, composition, conducting, music education, or music therapy.
The University of Melbourne – Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Degrees:
Master of Music (Performance)
Master of Music (Composition)
Master of Music (Music Therapy)
Master of Music (Musicology & Ethnomusicology)
Why choose it?
Offers world-class facilities and performance opportunities.
Strong connections with the music industry.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney)
Degrees:
Master of Music (Performance, Composition, Musicology, Music Education)
Master of Music Studies (Opera, Performance, Conducting, Composition, Jazz)
Why choose it?
One of Australia’s most prestigious music institutions.
Offers excellent networking opportunities and collaborations.
Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
Degrees:
Master of Music (Research)
Master of Music Studies (Performance, Composition, Conducting)
Why choose it?
Offers specialisations in classical, jazz, contemporary, and electronic music.
Strong ties with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Degrees:
Master of Arts (Performing Arts – Music)
Master of Music (Research)
Why choose it?
WAAPA is known for its high-performance training and industry exposure.
Monash University – Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music
Degrees:
Master of Music (Performance, Composition, Ethnomusicology)
Why choose it?
Offers interdisciplinary collaborations with film, theatre, and dance.
Master’s degrees in Dance focus on performance, choreography, dance education, and research.
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) – University of Melbourne
Degrees:
Master of Dance
Master of Fine Arts (Dance)
Why choose it?
Focuses on contemporary dance, choreography, and artistic research.
Allows interdisciplinary work with other performing arts.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Creative Industries Faculty
Degrees:
Master of Fine Arts (Dance)
Why choose it?
Offers a balance between practical performance and academic research.
Strong industry partnerships.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Degrees:
Master of Performing Arts (Dance)
Why choose it?
Intensive performance and choreography training.
International collaborations with dance companies.
Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)
Degrees:
Master of Dance Education
Why choose it?
Ideal for those pursuing a career in dance education.
University of Melbourne (VCA & Conservatorium) – Offers collaboration between music and dance students.
WAAPA (ECU) – Provides opportunities for music and dance students to work together.
QUT Creative Industries – Allows students to engage with music, dance, and theatre.
Audition/Portfolio (Performance or Composition applicants)
Research Proposal (For research-based degrees)
Bachelor’s Degree in Music/Dance or Related Field
Interview (For some courses)
IELTS/TOEFL (For international students)
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Scholarships
Sydney Conservatorium of Music Postgraduate Scholarships
Griffith University Scholarships for Music & Dance
WAAPA Postgraduate Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships (For international students)
Career Paths
Professional Musicians, Dancers, Choreographers
Music/Dance Educators (University/School/Private)
Composers, Music Producers, Conductors
Dance Movement Therapists
Arts Administrators, Event Managers
Researchers and Academics
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music is typically research-based, requiring a thesis and, in some cases, a creative practice component (e.g., performances or compositions).
1. University of Melbourne – Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Program: PhD in Music
Research Areas:
Music Performance (Classical, Jazz, Contemporary)
Composition and Sonic Arts
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Interactive Music Technology
Music Education and Therapy
Why Choose It?
One of Australia’s top music research institutions
Access to world-class facilities and collaborations with industry professionals
2. Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney)
Program: PhD in Music
Research Areas:
Music Performance, Composition, Conducting
Historical and Systematic Musicology
Ethnomusicology
Music Education
Why Choose It?
Strong interdisciplinary research programs
Opportunities to work with leading Australian orchestras and ensembles
3. Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
Program: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) / PhD in Music
Research Areas:
Practice-based music research (Performance, Composition)
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Music Technology and Digital Arts
Why Choose It?
DMA is a performance-focused doctoral degree
PhD allows for both academic and practice-led research
4. Monash University – Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music
Program: PhD in Music
Research Areas:
Popular and Contemporary Music Studies
Music Composition and Technology
Jazz and Improvisation
Music Education
Why Choose It?
Offers interdisciplinary collaborations with dance, theatre, and film
5. Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Program: PhD in Music / Doctor of Musical Arts
Research Areas:
Music Performance and Composition
Sound Design and Music Technology
Music Education and Therapy
Why Choose It?
WAAPA is renowned for its performing arts training
Strong industry connections with Australia’s music and theatre scene
6. Australian National University (ANU) – School of Music
Program: PhD in Music
Research Areas:
Performance, Composition, and Improvisation
Music Theory and Analysis
Australian and Indigenous Music Studies
Why Choose It?
Strong focus on interdisciplinary and cultural music studies
A PhD in Dance is research-intensive and may include both written and creative practice components.
1. University of Melbourne – Victorian College of the Arts (VCA)
Program: PhD in Dance
Research Areas:
Dance Performance and Choreography
Dance Education and Pedagogy
Interdisciplinary Arts and Technology
Dance History and Cultural Studies
Why Choose It?
Australia’s leading research institution for performing arts
Strong connections with dance companies and creative arts industries
2. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Creative Industries Faculty
Program: PhD in Dance
Research Areas:
Contemporary Dance and Movement Research
Dance Science and Somatics
Dance in Digital and Virtual Environments
Dance Pedagogy and Education
Why Choose It?
One of the best universities for contemporary dance research
Strong collaborations with dance companies and digital arts specialists
3. Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Program: PhD in Dance
Research Areas:
Dance Performance and Practice-Based Research
Choreographic Research
Dance and Technology
Why Choose It?
WAAPA has one of Australia’s best dance training programs
Access to state-of-the-art performance spaces
4. Deakin University – School of Communication and Creative Arts
Program: PhD in Dance
Research Areas:
Dance and Technology (Motion Capture, VR, Digital Performance)
Dance History and Cultural Studies
Dance for Wellbeing and Therapy
Why Choose It?
Strong focus on technology in dance research
Interdisciplinary opportunities in digital arts and media
Most universities require the following for admission:
Master’s degree in Music, Dance, or a related field (or equivalent research experience)
Research Proposal outlining the research question, methodology, and objectives
Portfolio/Audition (For practice-based research in performance or composition)
Academic Writing Samples (For research-based PhD)
Supervisor Approval – Applicants need to find a research supervisor before applying
English Language Requirements (IELTS/TOEFL for international students)
Many universities offer scholarships for PhD students in Music and Dance, including:
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships (e.g., Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, QUT Postgraduate Research Award)
Creative Arts Research Grants
Industry Partnerships & Fellowships
Graduates with a PhD in Music or Dance can pursue careers in:
University Teaching & Research (Professor, Lecturer, Academic Researcher)
Professional Performance & Composition (Concert Artists, Composers, Choreographers)
Music & Dance Therapy (Researching Music/Dance for Wellbeing)
Arts Administration & Cultural Policy (Government, Private Sector)
Interdisciplinary Research & Innovation (Technology, Digital Arts, AI & Music/Dance)
Educational Qualification:
Completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., A-Levels, IB, or high school diploma).
Audition/Portfolio Requirement:
Most universities require an audition for performance-based programs.
Composition students may need to submit a portfolio of original compositions.
Dance students must perform choreographed pieces for their audition.
English Language Proficiency: (For international students)
IELTS: Minimum 6.0–6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 79–90
PTE Academic: 58–64
Prerequisites (Depending on University & Course):
Some universities may require music theory knowledge (AMEB Grade 5 or equivalent) for Bachelor of Music.
Dance programs may require prior training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, or other dance styles.
Interview (Some Universities):
Some universities conduct interviews as part of the selection process.
Bachelor of Music: University of Melbourne, Sydney Conservatorium, QUT, Griffith, WAAPA
Bachelor of Dance: University of Melbourne (VCA), WAAPA, QUT, ACPE
Educational Qualification:
A Bachelor’s degree in Music, Dance, or a related field from a recognized university.
Some programs may accept applicants with professional experience instead of a Bachelor’s degree.
Audition/Portfolio Requirement:
Performance-based courses require an audition or recorded performance.
Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of original works.
Choreography-focused dance programs require a video of choreographed work.
English Language Proficiency (For International Students):
IELTS: 6.5–7.0 overall (no band below 6.0–6.5)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
PTE Academic: 64+
Research Proposal (For Research-Based Programs):
If applying for Master of Research or Master of Philosophy (MPhil), students must submit a detailed research proposal.
Interview (For Some Programs):
Certain universities may require an online or in-person interview.
Master of Music: University of Melbourne, Sydney Conservatorium, Griffith (Queensland Conservatorium), WAAPA, Monash
Master of Dance: VCA (University of Melbourne), QUT, WAAPA, ACPE
Educational Qualification:
A Master’s degree in Music, Dance, or a related field from a recognized university.
Some universities may accept students with a strong Bachelor’s degree and research experience.
Research Proposal:
A well-defined research proposal is required, outlining:
Research question & objectives
Methodology (Performance-based, Composition, Choreography, Theoretical, etc.)
Expected contributions to the field
Audition/Portfolio Requirement: (For Practice-Based PhDs)
Music performance PhD candidates must submit recordings of their performances.
Composition PhD candidates must submit a portfolio of original compositions.
Dance PhD applicants may need to submit choreographic work or performance videos.
English Language Proficiency (For International Students):
IELTS: 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5)
TOEFL iBT: 94+
PTE Academic: 65+
Supervisor Approval:
Applicants must find and secure a research supervisor before applying.
PhD in Music: University of Melbourne, Sydney Conservatorium, Griffith, Monash, ANU
PhD in Dance: VCA (University of Melbourne), QUT, WAAPA, Deakin
Many Australian universities offer scholarships for music and dance students, including:
Australia Awards Scholarships (Government-funded for international students)
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (For Master’s by Research & PhD students)
University-Specific Scholarships (e.g., Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, Sydney Conservatorium Scholarship)
Creative Arts Grants & Fellowships
Semester 1 (February/March Intake) – The primary intake, with most courses available.
Semester 2 (July Intake) – Some institutions offer mid-year entry, but options may be limited.
Deadlines vary by institution, but here’s a general guide:
For Semester 1 (February/March Start):
International students: August – November (previous year)
Domestic students: September – December (previous year)
For Semester 2 (July Start):
International students: March – May
Domestic students: April – June
The University of Melbourne (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music & Victorian College of the Arts)
Semester 1: Applications close in August–September 2024 (varies by program)
Auditions typically held in October–November 2024
Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney)
Semester 1: Applications close in August–September 2024
Auditions: October–November 2024
Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
Semester 1: Applications close in early September 2024
Auditions: October 2024
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA – Edith Cowan University)
Semester 1: Applications close around September 2024
Auditions held between September–November 2024
Australian Institute of Music (AIM)
Rolling intakes available for some courses
Semester 1: Applications due around January 2025
Semester 2: Applications due around June 2025
1. Certificate & Diploma Programs (TAFE & Private Institutions)
Certificate III & IV: AUD 5,000 – 15,000 per year
Diploma: AUD 10,000 – 25,000 per year
2. Bachelor's Degree (Universities & Conservatories)
Bachelor of Music / Dance: AUD 25,000 – 45,000 per year
Bachelor of Performing Arts: AUD 30,000 – 50,000 per year
3. Master's Degree (Postgraduate Studies)
Master of Music / Dance: AUD 30,000 – 50,000 per year
4. Short Courses & Workshops
Private classes & short-term training: AUD 50 – 150 per session
Intensive workshops (1-3 months): AUD 1,000 – 5,000
Popular Institutions for Music & Dance in Australia
Australian Institute of Music (AIM)
Sydney Conservatorium of Music (University of Sydney)
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA, University of Melbourne)
Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University)
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA, Edith Cowan University)
