Graduate Diploma of Music
Duration: 1 years full-time/2 years part-time
Credit points: 48
Delivery: On Campus
Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP)
English: IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
AQF: Level 8
Enquiry form
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Music will equip students to impact their professional environment with high creative, technical and academic standards, as well as diverse approaches to music performance, composition and conducting. The course is offered with three strands of specialisation: performance, contemporary composition, and arts management.
Three Strands
Classical
This strand provides musicians with the high-level training in performance, musicianship, ensemble work, musicality and breadth of musical knowledge required for a life in classical music. Students are exposed to a wide range of music across history as well as one-on-one tuition on their instrument with exceptional tutors. Students can continue their journey into the world of classical music.
Contemporary
This strand prepares musicians for a career in the ever-changing world of contemporary music. Artistic, technical, practical and musicianship skills are honed to create a well-rounded musician prepared for the diverse work lives led by industry professionals. Whether students want to pursue their dream as a singer/songwriter or start their own band, this strand will help to take them there.
Jazz
This strand offers multiple experiences in improvisation, ensemble work, arrangement, and performance designed to prepare students for the highly skilled world of jazz musicianship. Students are encouraged to partake in multiple performance opportunities and workshops to help them think on their feet and engage with the dynamics of the jazz ethos.
What do our students say?
‘Studying the Bachelor of Music at Excelsia College has taught me many things about myself as a person, artist and student. The classes allow me to expand my musical knowledge and to gain more experience and wisdom from the excellent tutors that help encourage and push me to the best of my abilities. Studying music here has helped boost my confidence as a performer in the most humbling way, and also allows my faith as a Christian to not be compromised but encouraged to use it, to engage with my art.’
Janelle Magtibay
Bachelor of Music alumnus
Course program
Units
Full time = 2 units of study, Part-time = One unit of study per semester
Year 1
Composition I
Composition II
Elective I
Elective II
Year 2 (Master of Music Only)
One of Media/Film or Screen Analysis units (see electives)
Composition III
Research Methods
Research Project
Electives:
MUMC551 Music Pedagogy
MUMC524 Music and Media
MUMC525 Music and Moving Image
MUMC526 Screen Music Analysis
MUMC527 Music Industries Overview
MUMC511 Performance I and/or MUMC512 Perf II
MUMC529 Music in Worship
For detailed descriptions of course units, please download the Music brochure.
Academic staff for music
Lecturer, Large Ensemble (Choral), Musical Direction
Tutor, Conductor
Dr Sadaharu Muramatsu
Entry requirements
Educational prerequesites
Successful completion of an accredited undergraduate degree in music or discipline appropriate to chosen focus area.
Artistic and academic skill assessment
Performance focus
Candidates must demonstrate advanced technique in their chosen instrument (including conducting) by means of an audition. This audition will be benchmarked against a cross-section of audition standards from at least three other equivalent level tertiary institutions. Applicants should be prepared to:
• present three contrasting pieces that demonstrate high level of interpretation and technique
• present a portfolio of previous performance experience which may include CD and DVD recordings.
Contemporary composition focus
Candidates applying to undertake the Contemporary Composition focus, or any part thereof, should be prepared to:
• present a portfolio or recordings of original compositions for diverse instrumentation demonstrating a grasp of various compositional techniques (with scores and CD or DVD, plus written notes).
• Discuss their portfolio with the admissions panel
International students
In addition to meeting the educational, artistic and academic prerequisites above, international applicants who have not completed an educational qualification in English have to provide proof of proficiency in English through internationally recognised tests as IELTS, or through satisfactory completion of an approved course at one of the College’s partner language colleges.Overseas students applying for admission to Excelsia College courses must have reached the age of 18 years by the commencement of their studies. Excelsia College will not admit overseas students who have not yet reached 18 years of age.
Overseas students applying for admission to Excelsia College courses must have reached the age of 18 years by the commencement of their studies. Excelsia College will not admit overseas students who have not yet reached 18 years of age.
Other applicants
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants must demonstrate that they have been involved in some form of high level music making for at least 3 years. This could include professional music making, community music making, worship leading.
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Applicants with higher education
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Applicants with VET or TAFE studies
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If the applicant is successful they will be issued an offer letter and a written agreement. Students will need to respond to the offer within 6 weeks. This is done online and a confirmation will be emailed back to the applicant. At this point, applicants are welcome to apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you are eligible for credit or RPL, you may be exempt from completing some units and you may be able to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
Please refer to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy reference.
Download the Student Selection and Admission Policy and Procedure.
More degrees you might be interested in:
Bachelor of Music (Worship)
Duration: 3 years full-time/6 years part-time
Credit Points: 144 credit points
CRICOS CODE: 109057M
Delivery: On campus
Available to: Domestic students (FEE-HELP available) and international students
English: IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition Fee for international students: $11,340 semester/$68,040 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 7
Associate Degree of Music (Worship)
Duration: 2 years full-time/4 years part-time
Credit Points: 96 credit points
CRICOS CODE: 109435A
Delivery: On campus
Available to: Domestic students (FEE-HELP available) and international students
English: IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition Fee for international students: $11,340 semester/$45,360 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 6
Enquiry form
Course overview
The Bachelor of Music (Worship) degree is a new course embedded within the existing Bachelor of Music (see course page for further details). Students gain the technical, artistic and analytical training required to become professional musicians, with the course diverging in its emphasis on theological preparation for a future in Christian ministry. The addition of specific units such as Worship Music in Practice, Worship Music Placement and Theology of Worship equip students with a deeper understanding of biblical directives and theological approaches to worship through music and how to apply this in diverse church settings. Students explore central themes underpinning personal and corporate worship expression in both Old and New Testament. These include God as Creator and Father, tabernacle/temple worship, the figure of King David, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church.
Students also apply learnings into music production with a live/digital launch of an EP of original worship music relevant to individual and congregational worship contexts. This industry relevant training encompasses all aspects of pre- and post-production.
Additionally, the course features placement within a congregational setting* under the mentorship of college staff and a church ministry team. Students are given a context for mentoring, practical skill development, ensemble skills, planning, song writing and worship leading, linking with existing or new campus ministry initiatives at Excelsia College, such as Gathering and/or Praise and Worship meetings and events. Graduates will complete the course, prepared to lead worship ministry teams both on campus and in local churches.
* Broader worship music settings available
Where this will take me
The Bachelor of Music (Worship) prepares students for future roles in music & Christian ministry contexts. It is grounded in the understanding that professional musicians will commonly engage in ‘portfolio’ careers requiring versatile, flexible, and adaptable skills including multi-instrumental performing, composing, arranging, producing, ensemble directing, teaching, and researching. Future graduates are expected to secure employment as:
- Worship music leaders
- Worship music songwriters
- Performers (accompanists, chamber musicians, band members, session musicians)
- Composers and arrangers
- Conductors and musical directors (in school and church settings)
- Audio engineers (studio and live sound)
- Teachers (in both private and co-curricular school settings)
- Music critics, journalists and publicists
Course program
Year 1 units
Y1 Semester 1
Performance I
Large Ensemble Studies I
Small Ensemble Studies I
Harmony & Aural I
Contemporary and Popular Music History
Functional Keyboard
Formation I (Creative Arts)
Y1 Semester 2
Performance II
Large Ensemble Studies II
Harmony and Aural II
Early Music History
Production and Live Audio
Formation II (Creative Arts)
Year 2 units
Y2 Semester 1
Worship Music in Practice I
Harmony & Aural III
Romantics & Modernists
Digital Music Production
Elective x 1
Y2 Semester 2
Worship Music in Practice II
Large Ensemble III
Harmony & Aural IV
Theology of Worship
Year 3 units
Y3 Semester 1
Worship Music Placement I
Large Ensemble Studies IV
Music Direction I
Ethnomusicology
Advanced Harmony
Elective x 1
Y3 Semester 2
Worship Music Placement II
Small Ensemble II
Musical Direction II
Formation IV
Elective x 1
Elective units
Electives Units
Second Instrument Study
Song Writing
Small Ensemble Studies
Large Ensemble Studies
Business in the Performing Arts
Music Pedagogy
For detailed descriptions of course units, please download the Music brochure.
Academic staff for music
Lecturer, Large Ensemble (Choral), Musical Direction
Tutor, Conductor
Dr Sadaharu Muramatsu
Entry requirements
Artistic and academic skill assessment
Audition:
Applicant should prepare to present 2 pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
Interview:
Conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
Musical knowledge:
In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced strand in theory units.
Australian applicants with recent secondary education (school leavers)
Educational Prerequisites
- NSW Higher School Certificate or its interstate or overseas equivalent, or
- Attainment of tertiary qualification, or satisfactory completion of at least one year’s full-time load in a tertiary course.
Other applicants
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants must demonstrate that they have been involved in some form of high level music making for at least 3 years. This could include professional music making, community music making, worship leading.
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Applicants with higher education
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Applicants with VET or TAFE studies
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If the applicant is successful they will be issued an offer letter and a written agreement. Students will need to respond to the offer within 6 weeks. This is done online and a confirmation will be emailed back to the applicant. At this point, applicants are welcome to apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you are eligible for credit or RPL, you may be exempt from completing some units and you may be able to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
Please refer to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy reference.
Download the Student Selection and Admission Policy and Procedure.
More degrees you might be interested in:
Master of Music
Duration: 2 years full-time/4 years part-time
Credit points: 96
Delivery: On Campus
CRICOS Code: 057961B
Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP) and international
English: IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition fee for International students $9,876 semester/$39,504 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 9
Graduate Diploma of Music
Duration: 1 years full-time/2 years part-time
Credit points: 48
Delivery: On Campus
CRICOS Code: 090786D
Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP) and international
English: IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition fee for International students: $18,178 in total
AQF: Level 8
Enquiry form
Course overview
The Master of Music course is a program designed to deepen students’ music and music-related knowledge, skills and capacities in their area of creative interest. Through personalised one-to-one mentoring and expert teaching, students are introduced to research skills related to their creative practice. The carefully curated suite of electives provides students with the opportunity to broaden their skills relevant to the construction of a working portfolio relevant to music industry and community contexts. Students may exit the course after the first 4 units (one year full-time or two years part-time) in order to qualify for a Graduate Diploma of Music.
The Master of Music degree contains:
• flexible study options; full-time or part-time; and mixed modes learning
• specialised teaching staff
• access to concert hall and recording facilities
• the opportunity to develop and refine your music making shaped by individualised learning plans designed to meet your career objectives.
The Master of Music course is offered with THREE streams:
Performance
Students work on perfecting performances of increasing levels of challenge to industry standards. By honing their expressive, technical and academic skills, performers work one-on-one with a professional teacher to prepare a series of concerts featuring high-level solo and ensemble repertoire of their choosing. Students may specialise in jazz, contemporary or classical genres including conducting. A suite of electives is also available, offering additional study in cross-cultural performance, composition, music worship, music business, and music pedagogy.
Contemporary Composition
Students may undertake a range of composition options, allowing students to concentrate on both traditional and commercial aspects of the contemporary music industries. Students may compose for both live and digital media in a range of genres and mediums, refining their skills towards the completion of a final composition project. A suite of electives is also available, offering additional study in both solo and ensemble performance, music worship, music business, and music pedagogy.
Community Music
The purpose of the stream is to provide post-graduate study for musicians who seek to work in community music settings as ensemble directors, and/or with community music organisations who serve culturally diverse or marginalised people in settings ranging from co-curricular school groups, to aged care, churches, local councils, prisons and so on. Students gain practical experience in pedagogy relevant to ensemble settings through both performance and conducting, with a suite of electives available in performance, music worship, composition and music business. Students undertake a final community music placement in order to complete their study.
Areas of study
Classical, Jazz, World or Contemporary Performance, Large and Small Ensemble Performance, Conducting, Voice, Composition, Arranging, and Sound Design. All students complete two units in research, completing a Research Project aligned to their specific interests and creative practice.
Career opportunities
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Sound Designer, Song-Writer, Accompanist, Ensemble Director, Conductor, Chamber Musician, Community Music Facilitator, Studio teacher or tutor, Session musician, Music Administrator, Worship Director.
Practical experience
Classical music students can join the Excelsia Chamber Orchestra and/or choir under the direction of an internationally recognised conductor and lecturer. Contemporary and Classical students will also have the opportunity to perform in numerous showcases and concerts in venues across Sydney. Composers have the opportunity to write for both traditional, jazz, fusion, world and contemporary ensembles, with projects showcased in a staged concert format. Community Musicians will work small and large ensembles, including the Excelsia Chamber Orchestra, Choir and with affiliated Community group ensembles.
What do our students say?
‘Studying a Master of Music at Excelsia has pushed me to become a more flexible and well-rounded musician, whilst giving me the space to focus on what I am passionate about. My study of voice encompassed both classical and contemporary technique, with composition electives giving me the skills and confidence to hone my craft as a songwriter. The research units fostered my love of community music, allowing me to implement a project which explored performances in aged care settings. As a result of studying the Master of Music, I now possess a distinctive voice as a creative artist.’
Joanna Swadling
Master of Music Graduate,
Classical Soprano, Contemporary Singer Songwriter, Worship Leader
Where this will take me
Our graduates are currently engaged in high-level professional and entrepreneurial work nationally and internationally through:
- Gigging and recording
- Creating festivals
- Starting a studio business
- Composing for films
- Performing in orchestras and chamber ensembles
- Designing sound for theatre productions
- Accompanying and repetiteur work
- Conducting and arranging for music theatre productions
- Teaching music in higher education
- Conducting for school ensembles, community choirs and orchestras
- Writing and leading worship music in churches
- Designing music experiences for those in aged care
Course program
Performance Stream
Full time = 2 units of study, Part-time = One unit of study per semester
Year 1
Performance I
Performance II
Elective I
Elective II
Year 2 (Master of Music Only)
Performance III
Composition III
Research Methods
Research Project
Electives:
MUMC551 Music Pedagogy
MUMC524 Music and Media
MUMC525 Music and Moving Image
MUMC526 Screen Music Analysis
MUMC527 Music Industries Overview
MUMC511 Performance I and/or MUMC512 Perf II
MUMC529 Music in Worship
Composition Stream
Full time = 2 units of study, Part-time = One unit of study per semester
Year 1
Composition I
Composition II
Elective I
Elective II
Year 2 (Master of Music Only)
One of Media/Film or Screen Analysis units (see electives)
Composition III
Research Methods
Research Project
Electives:
MUMC551 Music Pedagogy
MUMC524 Music and Media
MUMC525 Music and Moving Image
MUMC526 Screen Music Analysis
MUMC527 Music Industries Overview
MUMC511 Performance I and/or MUMC512 Perf II
MUMC529 Music in Worship
For detailed descriptions of course units, please download the Music brochure.
Academic staff for music
Lecturer, Large Ensemble (Choral), Musical Direction
Tutor, Conductor
Dr Sadaharu Muramatsu
Entry requirements
Educational prerequisites
Successful completion of an accredited undergraduate degree in music or discipline appropriate to chosen focus area. Students may draw upon relevant industry experience to support their application.
Artistic and academic skill assessment
Performance focus
Candidates must demonstrate established technique on their chosen instrument (including conducting) by means of an audition. Applicants should be prepared to:
• present an audition of three contrasting pieces that demonstrate high level instrumental or vocal technique and expressive interpretation relevant to their chosen genre.
• may present a portfolio of previous performance experience which may include CD and DVD recordings.
Contemporary Composition focus
Candidates applying to undertake the Contemporary Composition focus, should be prepared to:
• present a portfolio or recordings of original compositions demonstrating a grasp of relevant genre specific compositional techniques in both scored and audio formats.
• discuss their portfolio of work with the admissions panel
Community Music focus:
Candidates applying to undertake study with a focus in Community Music should be prepared to demonstrate relevant practical and academic skills relevant to this area of study. Students should:
• present either a vocal, instrumental or conducting audition showcasing two contrasting pieces in either live or video format.
• discuss their relevant community music experience with the auditions panel.
Assumed knowledge:
Commensurate with successful completion of an undergraduate degree in music or related discipline.
International students
In addition to meeting the educational, artistic and academic prerequisites above, international applicants who have not completed an educational qualification in English have to provide proof of proficiency in English through internationally recognised tests as IELTS, or through satisfactory completion of an approved course at one of the College’s partner language colleges. Overseas students applying for admission to Excelsia College courses must have reached the age of 18 years by the commencement of their studies. Excelsia College will not admit overseas students who have not yet reached 18 years of age.
Credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If the applicant is successful they will be issued an offer letter and a written agreement. Students will need to respond to the offer within 6 weeks. This is done online and a confirmation will be emailed back to the applicant. At this point, applicants are welcome to apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you are eligible for credit or RPL, you may be exempt from completing some units and you may be able to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
Please refer to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy reference.
Download the Student Selection and Admission Policy and Procedure.
The Experience
| Applicant background | 2019 Semester 2 | |
| Number of Students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Past higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 7 | 77% |
| (B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
| (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 0 | 0% |
(D) Recent secondary education:
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
| International students | 2 | 23% |
| All students | 9 | 100% |
More degrees you might be interested in: