University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree combines one-to-one applied lessons with ensemble performance, theoretical study and aural skills, emphasising improvisation and contemporary jazz practice. Study is practice-led and performance-weighted, culminating in public recitals and capstone projects.

• Applied lessons: regular individual tuition on principal instrument or voice, focusing on technique, repertoire and stylistic development.
• Small and large ensembles: combo work, big band, contemporary ensembles and cross-genre collaborations to develop group interaction, arranging and bandleading skills.
• Improvisation and jazz theory: reading, harmony, chord-scale relationships, modal to post-bop concepts and transcription-based learning.
• Arranging and composition: writing for small groups and larger ensembles, orchestration, scoring and creative approaches to arranging jazz repertoire.
• Aural and rhythmic studies: ear training, sight-singing, rhythm practice, metric modulation and polyrhythms.
• Music technology and studio practice: recording, editing, basic production and using technology for practice and performance.
• Music history and contextual studies: the development of jazz, its cultural contexts and contemporary practices.
• Performance projects and recitals: assessed public performances, ensemble showcases and a final capstone recital or project.

Entry requirements

Admission requires evidence of musical ability and academic suitability. Prospective students typically apply through the university admissions process and must also pass an audition and/or interview.

• Audition: an assessed performance on primary instrument or voice demonstrating technical control, stylistic awareness and improvisatory ability. Auditions may include prepared pieces, sight-reading and improvisation tasks.
• Musical literacy: applicants are expected to show competence in basic music theory and aural skills; some programmes include a theory test or prescreening tasks.
• Academic background: secondary school completion or equivalent; applicants holding tertiary study or recognised music qualifications are also considered.
• English language: non-native English speakers must meet the university's English language requirements.
• Alternative entry: mature-age applicants with substantial performance experience may be admitted on the basis of audition and portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical performance experience, ensemble skills and a broad musical knowledge suitable for diverse careers in music.

• Professional performer: soloist, band member, session musician, ensemble leader.
• Music educator: teaching in schools, private tuition and community music programs (graduates often pursue teacher training or additional qualifications if required for school teaching).
• Composer/arranger: writing for theatre, film, broadcast, and jazz ensembles.
• Music industry roles: artistic direction, concert management, production, recording and sound engineering.
• Further study and research: honours, postgraduate performance degrees, composition or musicology.
• Freelance and entrepreneurial pathways: self-managed touring, recording projects, workshops and collaborative arts projects.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The programme is delivered by the Elder Conservatorium, one of Australia’s established tertiary music schools, offering a conservatory-style environment within a comprehensive university. Students benefit from experienced jazz staff, a strong performance calendar and access to rehearsal, teaching and recording facilities.

• Regular performance opportunities in ensembles, festivals and public recitals that build stage experience and professional networks.
• Individualised tuition from specialist jazz practitioners and visiting artists, with mentoring in improvisation, composition and ensemble leadership.
• Access to university resources across disciplines, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration and broader career development.
• Connections to the local and national music scenes, providing pathways to industry placements, collaborations and professional gigs.