Non-Award
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you're interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.
Below you'll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Streams and requirements
Performance/Musicology/Studio Teaching Streams:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 7, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
Composition Stream:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 5, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
A portfolio is also required
Creative Music Technology Stream:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 4, demonstrated by an audition
A background in music theory
A portfolio is also required
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
Prior to the audition, you will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces. Remember to bring a copy of your music for the members of the audition panel. Given the time constraints for each audition, it is likely you will only have the opportunity to play a portion of each piece. If the members of the panel ask you to stop playing at a certain point, this does not mean the performance is going badly. Being asked to stop is not an indication of anything but a lack of time.
After the performance component of the audition, you will undertake a short aural quiz, followed by a brief discussion with the panel. They may ask about your musical experiences, what sort of music you like, and what else you intend to study. You will be able to ask questions and the members of the audition panel will answer to the best of their ability. During your audition, one of the panel members will look at your prepared portfolio. The whole audition process may take as little as 10 minutes. The length of the audition, however, is no indication of its success.
Read frequently asked questions about the audition process or book your audition here.
Do I need an accompanist?
The decision is entirely up to you. We have found that for most players, the provision of an accompanist makes little difference to the decision of the committee. Due to the special nature of vocal auditions, we provide an accompanist for the voice auditions. However, you are free to use your own accompanist if you wish. Note that the first audition dates will align with WACE exams. Most accompanists will be unavailable for these dates, and we are very comfortable for performers to audition without accompaniment.
I play percussion. Is that different?
For percussionists, the audition is a little different. You will play material that you have prepared, perhaps on Tuned Percussion, snare, mixed percussion or kit, and then will be asked to demonstrate some rudiments of percussion.
What is the portfolio and what do you do with it?
In addition to performing as part of the audition, students are asked to bring a portfolio containing samples of their current work. For instance, audition panel members would like to see examples of academic writing, musical exercises and/or compositions, music certificates and other supporting documentation. A member of the audition panel will look at the documents during the audition process. As part of the portfolio, we would like to see whatever you have done during the course of your studies. However, if you do not have any such examples, we can make a decision without them.
What is the aural quiz?
The aural quiz is undertaken as part of the audition. Its purpose is to assist the audition panel members to determine each applicant's level of musicality, as well as provide the panel with an indication of an applicant's musical training. The aural quiz is very short, and will only last a couple of minutes.
Elements of the aural quiz
To begin with, a simple melody will be played on the piano. You will be required to clap back the rhythm you have heard. The second task involves matching pitch. A note will be played on the piano, and you should sing it back. Next you will be asked to recognise some melodic intervals. Two notes will be played on the piano one after the other. You should name the interval. The final part focuses on harmonic intervals. Two notes will be played on the piano simultaneously. You should name the interval. To help you prepare for this component of the audition, a sample of the aural quiz is provided below.
I was really nervous. Can I audition again?
Everyone who auditions is nervous. As experienced musicians, however, the panel members are used to seeing nervous students audition. Even if you are nervous, be assured the panel will probably have an accurate view of your musical ability. However, if due to nerves you believe the audition does not provide the panel members with an accurate indication of your musical ability, there may be some remediation. Contact the Conservatorium of Music for more information.
Do I need an audition to play in an ensemble?
Some ensembles are confined to Music students; some ensembles are available to students from across the University, subject to passing an audition; others are available without any audition.
I'm interested in composition - do I still need to audition?
Yes, we still ask you to audition on your chosen instrument or voice. In addition to your audition, you should submit a composition portfolio (in advance of the audition if possible) and we will arrange you an interview with our composition coordinator.
I'm an international applicant - how do I audition?
You will need to provide a recorded audition either via Dropbox, USB, Youtube or DVD. You should perform two contrasting pieces on your instrument or voice in a single take (do not edit the recording afterwards). You'll also need to provide a certified letter stating the authenticity and date of the recording. Once you arrive at UWA, you may be asked to do a separate informal audition. If you are interested in composition, also provide a portfolio.
Can I defer my place in music?
If you are planning a gap year or will not be taking up your place within six months of your audition, you will need to successfully re-audition before being offered a place. It is up to applicants to ensure they retain a high standard of performance until entry into the Conservatorium of Music.
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Postgraduate options include all areas of music specialisation:
Postgraduate options include all areas of music specialisation:
Music and composition graduate, Elise Reitze-Swensen is now a full-time multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer, sound designer, music community founder, record label CEO and booking agency CEO - and still finds time to teach Electronic Music and Sound Design at UWA.
The Music Major consists of two streams (specialisations): the Creative Music Technology Stream and the Western Art Stream. Students should choose which stream to follow in their first year. Students must then take units from within their stream as per the unit instructions listed below.
Level 1Creative Music Technology (unavailable in 2024):
For students in the Western Art stream, take all units (36 points) from this group.
Creative Music Technology (unavailable in 2024):
For students in the Western Art stream, take all units (36 points) from this group.
Creative Music Technology (unavailable in 2024):
Creative Music Technology (unavailable in 2024):
For students in the Western Art stream, take units to the value of 12 points from this group.
For students in the Western Art stream, take all units (12 points) from this group.
For students in the Western Art stream, take units to the value of at least 12 points from this group.