Program Overview
This specialist postgraduate degree allows professionals and graduates to pursue advanced studies in composition or performance. It involves a combination of thesis and creative work, fostering research skills and providing a platform for doctoral-level study. Graduates will acquire advanced creative, analytical, and communication abilities, enhancing their career prospects in music.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This specialist degree is designed for professionals or graduates to pursue composition or performance at postgraduate level, as well as investigate the theoretical/historical aspects of performance and composition. This specialist degree extends existing skills in music, both as a professional-level degree and as a platform for doctoral-level study. It can be taken in either composition or performance and consists of a combination of thesis and creative work. All candidates produce independent research with the guidance of a supervisor.
Assessment:
- Master of Music (in composition): Students are required to present for examination a portfolio consisting of a composition or group of compositions which show(s) advanced technical accomplishment and imaginative resource, and a thesis on a topic related to one or more aspects of the portfolio.
- Master of Music (in musicology): Students are required to present for examination a thesis or a transcription and edition of a substantial body of music to be accompanied by a critical commentary.
- Master of Music (in performance): Students are required to present for examination a recital program which demonstrates advanced artistic integrity and technical accomplishment, and a thesis on a topic related to one or more aspects of the recital.
- Master of Music (Orchestral Performance): At the end of the course, students are required to present for examination:
- recordings of their performance projects, where such recordings are available;
- a report of their performance program by the Orchestral Mentor assigned by WASO; and
- a thesis (of 8,000 to 10,000 words) on a topic related to one or more aspects of their performance program.
Careers:
Graduates of this course will be equipped with advanced level creative, communication, research and analytical skills, allowing them to take the next step in their career pathway.
Other:
- Ranked in the world’s Top 100 for Performing Arts (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019).
- Strong industry connections and regular engagement with leading West Australian and Australian arts organisations. These include West Australian Opera and West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
- Work with world leading researchers and award-winning international artists.
- By agreement with their supervisors, students may commence at any time throughout the year, except December.
- Full-time students are expected to spend at least 30 hours per week on their research, throughout the year. Part-time students are expected to spend at least 15 hours a week on their research, throughout the year.
