Meet Krishan Meepe

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music student Krishan Meepe says Ethnomusicology has given him the tools to unpack some of the complex intersections of music, and politics.

I’m really interested in looking at the intersection of politics and music and understanding how it can be used as a tool for change. As an ethnomusicology student, I’m currently writing a thesis about the politics of Kendrick Lamar and why they’ve shifted over his last couple of albums. I also recently did a project about how musicians combat “toxic masculinity” in queer spaces, and the role music can play in spreading feminist ideals. Learning about how power shapes our world and what artists can do to create change is endlessly fascinating to me.

I’ve become more open to new directions in my personal practice and constantly learn new skills. Writing a thesis can force you to stay inside and obsess over theory but getting out into the world to actually do ethnographic field work is a really exciting and social experience – you basically get to learn how to talk to people you’re interested in getting to know. My teachers here have been really great, and I get a lot of support from my supervisor Nick Tochka, who encourages me to look into the things I’m interested in rather than what’s easy or expected. Krishan Meepe

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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.

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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.

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IGNITELAB career development program

IgniteLAB is a world-class professional development program that supports the development of creative entrepreneurship and enterprise skills from the first day of our students' journey so that our graduates are prepared to create their own opportunities.

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Learn from the best

Your teachers are practicing artists who are well-connected to the industry. They are committed to challenging and inspiring our students to become future leaders in music. The scope of scholarly knowledge and performance expertise available to our students is also frequently augmented by visits from eminent colleagues from around the globe.

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Visiting Master teachers

The Conservatorium has strong relationships with local and national industry organisations, creating unique opportunities for collaborative work and performance. We also regularly welcome national and international visiting artists.