Bachelor

Bachelor of Music (Performance)

  • CRICOS code: 058837J
  • VTAC code: 3800638231
  • International VTAC code: 3800638233

The experience

Overview

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 at 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

Showcasing your excellence

Student musicians at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music epitomise the passion, creative endeavour and artistry that underpin musical excellence. These qualities are on show in the solo, accompanied and ensemble recorded performances delivered by our 2022 graduating cohort and showcased to the public.

Discover our 2022 performances

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.

Learn more about Wilin Centre

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.

Learn more about professional development opportunities

Profile

Dr Nicholas Williams

Meet Dr Nicholas Williams, Associate Professor in Music (Wind Symphony, Conducting)

Dr Williams is an Associate Professor of Music, Music Director and Conductor of the Wind Symphony and Concert Band at the Melbourne Conservatorium. Before moving to Melbourne, he was the Assistant Director of Wind Studies, Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Concert band, and the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of North Texas, where he worked for 16 years.

The potential to further develop the Conservatorium’s Wind Symphony and Concert Band was a big draw for coming to Melbourne.

I felt there was room for the Wind Symphony specifically to become an ensemble that could be as musically exciting, fulfilling, and engaging as the Symphony Orchestra.

On trumpet, I’ve performed around the US in a variety of ensembles: wind bands, orchestra, chamber groups, cover bands, athletic bands, and drum and bugle corps. As a conductor, I’ve conducted ensembles of all levels from beginners to collegiate to professional, around the world. While I have conducted symphony orchestra concerts at the professional level, my passion lies in the wind band world, which is why becoming the conductor of the University of Melbourne Conservatorium Wind Symphony is so special.

For me, the best part of this profession is that we get to share ourselves with others. The diversity of musical expression that’s possible matches that of the human experience. We aren’t (or shouldn’t be!) performers for the sole reason of because we’re ‘good at music’. We share ourselves with others to connect, inspire, communicate, sometimes challenge, and to express feelings that are sometimes more powerful or complex than words can convey.

Learn from the best

Your teachers are practicing artists who are well-connected to industry, and there are course-integrated opportunities to collaborate with students from other creative disciplines. 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.

See more about instrument areas and your teachers

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.