Bachelor of Music (Composition)

Important! Please make sure you have read the How to Apply information for this course prior to reading the audition requirements below.

You will be required to submit more than one audition if you apply for multiple majors or instruments. Please check the requirements for each major as they may differ.

AMEB examinations are not a prerequisite for entry to the Bachelor of Music, but multi-year attainment in the AMEB system of repertoire, technical work (scales, arpeggios, etc.), and theory provides strong preparation for our program.

Audition Dates

2027 Start Year Intake

All applicants are required to submit a folio audition via the supplementary application, due Thursday 1 October.

Audition requirements

Entry to the Composition Major is based on a folio audition alongside academic results (ATAR or equivalent). Applicants will be required to complete the requirements below.

Folio audition

Composition applicants are required to submit the following materials:

  • Three original works (only) for any medium (at least two in notated score format (PDF)), at least one of these composed within the last two years. No more than one piece should be for orchestra or large ensemble. The folio should comprise up to 20 minutes of music.
  • Audio realisations/recordings to accompany notated scores. Live recordings are encouraged where possible. MIDI realisations are acceptable, rendered as audio (mp3).
  • One-minute test piece: write a new, original composition for bassoon and vibraphone (with audio realisation (mp3) and score (PDF)); duration up to one minute.

Personal Artistic Statement

Submitted in video format (approximately 90 seconds duration), the personal artistic statement should address the following questions:

  • Who are your musical heroes?
  • What artistic ideals do you hold most passionately?
  • Describe your dream compositional project.

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Please contact the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music in advance if you require any assistance submitting your application.

How will I be assessed?

Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • artistic conception
  • musical creativity
  • technique and craft
  • sonic effectiveness
  • potential for the development of a distinctive voice

Please note that all applicants will be ranked based on the above criteria, up to the capacity of places within the course.