Adelaide University
Master of Music (Performance and Pedagogy)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop the skills of a first-class teaching artist, combining intensive training in instrumental and voice pedagogy with development of your performance skills.
Course overview
Gain advanced performance techniques that set you apart from the rest. Combine performance studies with the theory, method and practice of teaching. Advance your technical mastery in one-on-one lessons with experts.
The Master of Music (Performance and Pedagogy) at Adelaide University helps you master both performing and teaching music. You’ll sharpen your musical skills, learn advanced techniques and develop a strong stage presence. Explore music theory and learn how to communicate your passion for music, ready to engage and connect with audiences and students.
You’ll also practise your skills through delivering teaching through supervised music education projects. Learn directly from top musicians and gain practical skills that prepare you for a successful career.
Be prepared for diverse roles in the music world. Maybe as a solo artist, an orchestra member or a music teacher. You’ll not only perform but also inspire others and make a real difference in the music community. Develop high-level technical and artistic abilities. Gain familiarity with a wide range of musical works to effectively build your studio.
Key features
- Get personalised, one-on-one weekly lessons with expert performance staff.
- Undertake a significant research project on learning and teaching processes.
- Gain hands-on experience through teaching practice.
- Build pedagogical skills and knowledge through seminars and workshops.
- Access exclusive performances, workshops and projects.
- Graduate ready to pursue dual careers in music performance and education.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units, comprising seven core courses. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth 12 units.
Core courses
Complete 96 units for all of the following:
- Pedagogy Research Seminar IV
- Pedagogy Practicum IV
- Performance and Pedagogy IV A
- Performance and Pedagogy IV B
- Pedagogy Research Seminar V
- Pedagogy Practicum V
- Performance and Pedagogy V (24 units)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive, with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed Bachelor of Music or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Additional requirements
- Applicants must submit a high-quality DVD of varying and contrasting work of 25 minutes duration to the Elder Conservatorium of Music. The DVD should include four or more music pieces of different styles or by different composers and a letter of verification from the music teacher or a qualified person confirming that the performance is a true representation of the applicant's own work. Classical voice applicants must present works in four languages: English, French, German and Italian. The recording must clearly state the date on which the recording was made and whether it represents a live performance, commercial release or radio broadcast.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Develop advanced performance techniques, deepen your understanding of music theory and learn to engage audiences with confidence and creativity.
- You’ll also explore pedagogy in greater depth through seminars, workshops and real-world teaching practice.
- You’ll address issues like performance psychology and technology in music education.
- You’ll also learn how to create structured learning plans for individual students or music programs.
Career outcomes
Your career could take you to diverse roles such as a performer or music teacher in private studios, schools or colleges. You could be the visionary behind a popular music festival, curating unforgettable performances and bringing global talent to the stage.
Potential career paths also include:
- Composer for TV or Film
- Conductor
- Ensemble Director
- Musician
- Music Coordinator
- Music Critic
- Music Educator
- Music Journalist
- Performer
- Singer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $36,300 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.


















