Overview 2016
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
Studying music from our island campus of Tasmania teaches you to embrace diversity, connections and ingenuity, leading to a rewarding future in music. Your degree is built around a Music Practice major, in which you develop your individual skills in a specialisation of your choice:
- Classical Performance
- Jazz and Popular Music Performance
- Composition
- Commercial Music Creation
- Music Technology
- Songwriter
You also have the unique option to combine two specialisations, or two different instruments within a single specialisation, with the Dual Practice major.
Tasmania provides a unique backdrop for exploring both current and historical cultural contexts of music. Discover how place, spectacle, politics and the future borrow from and influence music, letting your interests drive the creation of new works and projects. To help you realise ideas and prepare you for the ever-changing musical landscape, you will pick up essential skills in recording, digital production, arranging, project management and an awareness of the music industry.
It all happens from the new home of music here in Hobart at the Hedberg. Leverage the building’s groundbreaking technical capability and generous studio spaces to improve the scale and complexity of your work. Sit in on a professional multi-room recording session, discover how variable acoustics are used as a compositional tool, or explore the production workflow of a visiting producer in a masterclass.
From year one, you will take part in a vibrant public concert program across the Hedberg’s incredible venues and spaces — and outside in Tasmania’s thriving arts scene. From the Conservatorium Orchestra and Big Band, to the Experimental Music Ensemble and ARIA-award nominated Southern Gospel Choir, you can perform in a range of ensembles which celebrate the diversity of music.
Through access to exclusive creative collaborations with Fine Arts, Media, and Theatre and Performance students you will build close creative networks, test working relationships, and leverage your accomplishments to generate future opportunities. Find yourself working with Tasmania’s left-field festivals, creating scores for diverse creative projects, or soaking up inspiration together on a field trip overseas.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply and adapt specialist music skills and contextual knowledge to creative and scholarly practice
- Define and resolve complex musical problems applying core theoretical, analytic and practical skills to contextual inquiry and creative outcomes
- Collaborate through performance and/or project work and interdisciplinary engagement to generate outcomes for public circulation
- Apply digital literacy, project management skills, and creative inquiry to produce distinctive creative music practice and/or music-related scholarship
- Exercise self-reflection, judgement and responsibility in developing artistic practice and individual learning, in response to diverse professional, social and/or cultural contexts.
Practical experience
One-on-one tuition
Music students experience one-on-one tuition in many streams and build strong working relationships with staff, students and industry. Be a part of Tasmanian’s intimate and internationally recognised creative community. From 2020, music students will be based in the University of Tasmania's newest building, the Hedberg, this will give students access to some of the worlds most cutting edge spaces and technology, attracting international talent and expertise to the space.
Work placement
Work with festival and industry leaders
Students have the opportunity to take part in internationally acclaimed festivals such as Mona Foma and Festival of Voices. Students, hear from and work with professional musicians through partnerships with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists. Many staff still play active roles in the music industry, giving students unique access to our thriving Tasmanian music scene.
Study overseas at one of our partner institutions
Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more about Student Exchange.
Career outcomes
Joshua Dunn
Musician
Bringing an Australian accent to the birthplace of Jazz.
In New York City, the epicentre of jazz, Joshua Dunn's musical background from Tasmania has made him stand out.
Read more about Josh
The Bachelor of Music gives you the tools to create your own future confidently, immersed in creativity and innovation. These are some of the top industries and careers projected to grow in the next five years.
- 11.9% Creative and Performing Arts
- 9.0% Entertainers
- 8.0% Sound Recording and Music Publishing
ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Music, requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:
- 100 credit points of Core units
- a 100 credit point major in Music Practice and;
- 100 credit points of Elective units
You may complete any unit from across the University as an Elective, including additional units in music and the creative arts.
To search for possible Elective units, use the Unit Search tool to search by the discipline that you are interested in. You can complete any units marked as "Student Electives" which you meet the pre-requisites for.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
This course does not use ATAR as part of the assessment process.
To be eligible for an offer, domestic applicants from all educational backgrounds must:
- Meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience; and
- If applying from within Tasmania, successfully complete an audition and interview in person on-campus in Hobart; or
- If applying from interstate, successfully complete an audition by submitting a private internet link, USB, CD or DVD of your audition repertoire in lieu of a live audition in Hobart, and interview over the phone/internet.
Learn more about the audition process in the Audition Information Guide (PDF 3.6 MB) or call 1300 363 864 or enquire online.
We recommend pre-tertiary TASC subjects in music at the senior secondary level or equivalent, but this is not a prerequisite for admission. AMEB qualification of Grade 7 (performance) and Grade 5 (theory) may be advantageous in some specialisations, but not a prerequisite for admission.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you:
- Have successfully completed relevant units through the University Connections Program (UCP).
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from TAFE or another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
How to apply for a credit transfer
Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition for Prior Learning.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Alternative entry pathways
If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Bachelor of Music:
- Diploma of Music (F2W)
- Diploma of University Studies (Arts Specialisation) (21A)
- University Preparation Program (UPP)
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your alternative entry pathway.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
Domestic Students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards including scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability. Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Find out more about Scholarships & Prizes available.
International Students
There are a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania.
Find out more about International Scholarships available.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries