Duration
1.5 years full time / 3 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
March, July
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
Learn more
Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
Learn more
Learn more
Student experience
Overview
Percussionist Hannes Lackmann was performing regularly on the Melbourne music scene after graduating – so what inspired this Jazz & Improvisation graduate to pursue teaching?
After graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz & Improvisation) I was performing regularly, and teaching drums in and around Melbourne. I began to develop a passion for teaching and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of what, why and how to teach, so I applied for the Master of Music (Performance Teaching).
The Master of Music (Performance Teaching) allowed me to develop my skills as an educator, through a deep understanding of the role and scope of the instrumental teacher. While studying at the Conservatorium, I was offered employment at a fantastic institution, and I’m confident I wouldn’t have been offered this kind of opportunity had I not continued with postgraduate study.
My favourite class was a one-on-one in my area of specialisation – jazz drumming. This might involve a thorough analysis of my playing, working through technical exercises, or discussing the philosophy of music or ensemble playing. Some days I was on placement at Caulfield Grammar, giving percussion lessons, or helping direct small ensembles; other days I might be performing solo in a class, or taking a second instrument class.
Since graduating, I’ve started teaching drums and percussion at two schools, where I’m also directing and conducting the percussion ensembles. I’ve been recording an album with a big band called The Wirecutters, led by a fantastic bass player and arranger, Oscar Neyland. I’m composing, managing and performing regularly with my band RAMEN, and hope to record and release our second EP later this year.
Who will you learn from?
Dr Leon de Bruin, Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator, Master of Music (Performance Teaching) at the Melbourne Conservatorium
I started playing trumpet when I started high school, and thrived with the camaraderie, challenges, and successes that came with honing my skills and playing with others. That led to a music teaching degree, but I travelled around the world playing trumpet with the Moscow Circus and Bolshoi Ballet for 10 years. Returning to Melbourne, I established some music departments, became involved in professional development of instrumental teachers and found a need for evidence based pedagogic practice. That led to a passion to improving teacher practice, involving informed, calibrated and relational approaches to teaching music.
Making music is as fundamental to human learning as walking or talking. Music fosters relationships and communities, its an art form that brings us together while also celebrating differences.
I believe music should be accessible to everyone. I’ve supported this in a number of ways for many years, serving as National President of ASME (Australian Society for Music Education), Commission Chair of ISME Instrumental and vocal Music Teaching Commission, and an ISME taskforce developing schools music in Belize in Central America.
My role as Course Coordinator of the Master of Music (Performance Teaching), builds on these experiences, as I support the development of the next generation of inspiring instrumental music teachers. The course is the only of its kind in Australia and equips students with the latest knowledge and theory, as well as all the skills and practical capacities related to teaching, performing, conducting and researching music.
The MMPT course attracts domestic and international students performing in a range of styles and it provides amazing experience, exploring differing methods and approaches through which we can impactfully teach people music. Learners thrive when they know someone cares. As a teacher I always endeavor to support learners through their stumbles and successes. I have found this contributes most to a learner’s curiosity, happiness and motivation.
Learn more about the depth and expertise of your teachers
Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
The course is taught at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, the proud home of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Much of the teaching, research and performance takes place in, or near, the new Ian Potter Southbank Centre on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus. Our facilities on the University's Parkville campus, including Melba Hall, are also used for teaching, research and performances.
While studying at the Faculty, you will have the chance to benefit from a range of partnerships and engagement activities at major arts companies in Melbourne's Arts Precinct, local and national festivals and sister institutions around the world.
Explore the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
Wilin Centre
Situated in the heart of Melbourne's Arts Precinct, the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development provides exposure to contemporary Indigenous arts practices and supports the recruitment of Indigenous artists, academics and students.