Bachelor of Music (Music Composition)

Composition is a craft.

From the music of Bach or Mozart to the films scores of Hans Zimmer, musical creations are some of humanity’s greatest achievements.Composers move, enchant and entertain.

They conceive works of timeless beauty and reach audiences in ways words cannot.

A comprehensive study of the artistic, theoretical and practical dimensions of music composition is delivered in a variety of modes including individual tuition, lecture and tutorial. Students will study within a traditional framework of music composition including form, harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, notation and text setting, along with studies in aesthetics, contemporary media and music technology. Opportunities are provided for ensemble performance and interdisciplinary experience in the areas of film, dance and theatre. Attention is given to the practical, vocational aspects of creative music making and the course seeks to develop composers who are technically well equipped in both traditional and modern compositional practice.The composition program seeks to develop: a broad knowledge and appreciation of musical repertoire and an understanding of the essential stylistic features of a diverse range of musical genres focussing on the contemporary “classical” tradition; insight into contemporary aesthetic issues and an appreciation of the relationship of music to other art form; skills in creating original musical works demonstrating command of both traditional compositional craft and contemporary musical techniques and approaches; a high level of competence in the practical aspects of composition: notation; score presentation; use of instrumental and vocal resources; orchestration and music technology; an ability to communicate musical intentions clearly and effectively to performer; a capacity to imaginatively develop musical materials through a comprehensive study of the principles of musical structure, melodic writing, harmonic and rhythmic invention, counterpoint, instrumental colour and texture; the composer’s personal voice and the ability to project an aesthetic idea clearly to an audience; understanding of the professional realities and expectations of a career in creative music-making.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Music (Music Composition)

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Arts website.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Potential careers

Music Coordinator, Music Educator, Music Festival Director, Music Producer, Music Researcher, Entertainer, Vocalist, Music Tutor, Music Journalist / Music Critic, Musician, Composer, Entertainment Industry, Recording Artist / Musician