Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
February, July
Duration icon
Duration
4 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
HMUSI
Study as icon
Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
$45,600
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
None
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications
CRICOS code icon
CRICOS code
115736D
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate 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.

Secondary education (Year 12)

  • Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

  • Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher qualification at a recognised higher education institution.

Essential requirements - Audition

All applicants are required to register for an audition for each major and/or instrument they are applying for. For example, if you are auditioning for both voice and strings, you will need to register for two auditions in total. Selection will be based on audition score as long as academic thresholds are met.

Auditions take place in November each year. If you are interstate or overseas and cannot attend an in-person audition, you can opt to submit a recorded audition when completing your registration form.

How to register for an audition

1.     Complete the Honours Music Programs registration audition form.

2.     Pay the non-refundable audition registration fee online via our online portal.

3. Read the audition requirements and prepare your material.

If you need help working out your fee or have questions about the payment process, please contact auditions@adelaide.edu.au

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

  • IELTS Overall 6.5
  • IELTS Reading 6
  • IELTS Listening 6
  • IELTS Speaking 6
  • IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

Why Bachelor of Music (Honours)?

Refine your classical performance skills and challenge yourself as a musician.  

With a Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance, you’ll discover your full potential. Learn how to stand out among your peers. Build research skills to broaden your career prospects. Perfect your craft and become a more confident performer. Benefit from unique opportunities, including our partnership with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Australian String Quartet. Start building your dream career. 

program overview

Overview

Research your interests and sharpen your technical and musical skills with the Bachelor of Music (Honours). With this degree, you’ll be ready to advance your career as a performer, musician, or start your journey into music research.  

As part of your Classical Performance studies, you’ll perform, compose, analyse texts and conduct and present research relevant to your major. You’ll sharpen your classical performance and research skills, gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Benefit from our partnership with the Australian String Quartet, providing unique opportunities in classical performance. 

Apply your skills working as a musician across various industries from music and films to festivals and events. Or maybe you’ll join the world of academia, focusing on classical music history, theory and practice. Unlock exciting opportunities with an Adelaide University honours degree. 

What you'll learn

To satisfy the requirements of your music degree, you’ll complete two core courses and a major project. Your courses will include the following. 

  • Honours Music Research Methodology: find, communicate and investigate a research question relevant to Classical Performance. 
  • Honours Music Minor Project: a performed project of 25 minutes or equivalent. 
  • Honours Music Major Project: Perform a 50 -minute public recital with a complementary exegesis. 

Assessments can include compositions, performances, presentations and/ or research papers. 

Majors 

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) is also available with majors in the following: 

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

  • 54 units from Core courses, and
  • 96 to 114 units for one Major from Majors, and
  • 24 to 42 units for Electives

Complete exactly 54 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Life in Music
Course code
MUSI1036
Units
6
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Course name
Honours Music Research Methodology
Course code
MUSI4000
Units
12
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Course name
Honours Music Minor Project
Course code
MUSI4001
Units
12
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Course name
Honours Music Major Project
Course code
MUSI4002
Units
24
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Course name
Honours Music Final Performance Popular Music
Course code
MUSI4003
Units
12
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Course name
Honours Music Major Project Part 1
Course code
MUSI4004
Units
0
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Course name
Honours Music Major Project Part 2
Course code
MUSI4005
Units
24

Notes

  • If studying the Popular Music Pathway in CREPHMUSI - Creative Practice , then students must complete EITHER MUSI4001 - Honours Music Minor Project OR MUSI4003 - Honours Music Final Performance Popular Music

Complete 96 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Musicianship 1A
Course code
MUSI1004
Units
6
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Course name
Musicianship 1B
Course code
MUSI1009
Units
6
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Course name
Classical Performance 1A
Course code
MUSI1027
Units
6
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Course name
Classical Performance 1B
Course code
MUSI1028
Units
6
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Course name
Music Professional Development 1A
Course code
MUSI1029
Units
6
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Course name
Music Professional Development 1B
Course code
MUSI1031
Units
6
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Course name
Musicianship 2A
Course code
MUSI2003
Units
6
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Course name
Musicianship 2B
Course code
MUSI2007
Units
6
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Course name
Classical Performance 2A
Course code
MUSI2025
Units
6
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Course name
Classical Performance 2B
Course code
MUSI2026
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Music Professional Development 2A
Course code
MUSI2027
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Music Professional Development 2B
Course code
MUSI2029
Units
6
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Course name
Classical Performance 3A
Course code
MUSI3027
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Classical Performance 3B
Course code
MUSI3028
Units
6
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Course name
Music Professional Development 3A
Course code
MUSI3029
Units
6
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Course name
Music Professional Development 3B
Course code
MUSI3031
Units
6

Complete 24 to 42 units for either of the following:

  • 24 to 42 units from Program electives - closed, or
  • 24 to 42 units for all Program electives - open

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Music Technology Foundations
Course code
MUSI1000
Units
6
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Course name
Music & Sound Fundamentals 1A
Course code
MUSI1003
Units
6
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Course name
Music & Sound Fundamentals 1B
Course code
MUSI1008
Units
6
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Course name
From Elvis to YouTube I
Course code
MUSI1011
Units
6
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Course name
Musics of the World I
Course code
MUSI1013
Units
6
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Course name
Sound & Media
Course code
MUSI1018
Units
6
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Course name
Orchestration 1
Course code
MUSI1019
Units
6
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Course name
Foundations of Music Education 1A
Course code
MUSI1021
Units
6
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Course name
Foundations of Music Education 1B
Course code
MUSI1023
Units
6
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Course name
Song Writing & Performance 1A
Course code
MUSI1030
Units
6
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Course name
Song Writing & Performance 1B
Course code
MUSI1032
Units
6
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Course name
Sound Engineering
Course code
MUSI1033
Units
6
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Course name
Sonic Arts
Course code
MUSI1034
Units
6
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Course name
Sonic Arts in Practice 1
Course code
MUSI1035
Units
6
course icon
Course name
From Elvis to YouTube II
Course code
MUSI2001
Units
6
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Course name
Music, Media & Contemporary Society II
Course code
MUSI2009
Units
6
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Course name
Musics of the World II
Course code
MUSI2011
Units
6
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Course name
Foundations of Conducting
Course code
MUSI2015
Units
6
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Course name
Orchestration 2
Course code
MUSI2017
Units
6
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Course name
Music Analysis 2
Course code
MUSI2019
Units
6
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Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 2A
Course code
MUSI2020
Units
6
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Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 2B
Course code
MUSI2022
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 2A
Course code
MUSI2028
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 2B
Course code
MUSI2030
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Sonic Arts in Practice 2
Course code
MUSI2031
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Computer Music Composition 2
Course code
MUSI2032
Units
6
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Course name
Sound Engineering Live
Course code
MUSI2033
Units
6
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Course name
Sound Design for Film II
Course code
MUSI2034
Units
6
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Course name
Circuit Bending and Hardware Hacking
Course code
MUSI2035
Units
6
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Course name
Methods in Music Research
Course code
MUSI3001
Units
6
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Course name
Advanced Sound Engineering 3
Course code
MUSI3003
Units
6
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Course name
Music Research 3
Course code
MUSI3006
Units
6
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Course name
Jazz Arranging
Course code
MUSI3013
Units
6
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Course name
Music, Health and Wellbeing
Course code
MUSI3014
Units
6
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Course name
Music, Media & Contemporary Society III
Course code
MUSI3016
Units
6
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Course name
Conducting: Choral & Instrumental Techniques
Course code
MUSI3017
Units
6
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Course name
Interaction Design and the Sonic Arts 3
Course code
MUSI3018
Units
6
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Course name
The Sampled Source
Course code
MUSI3019
Units
6
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Course name
Orchestration 3
Course code
MUSI3020
Units
6
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Course name
Music Analysis 3
Course code
MUSI3023
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 3
Course code
MUSI3024
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 3
Course code
MUSI3030
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Computer Music Composition 3
Course code
MUSI3033
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Sound Design for Games III
Course code
MUSI3034
Units
6
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Course name
International Study Tour: Music
Course code
MUSI3035
Units
6
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Course name
Music Internship
Course code
MUSI3900
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Elective 1
Course code
AUXX1011
Units
6
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Course name
Elective 2
Course code
AUXX1012
Units
6
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Course name
Elective 3
Course code
AUXX1013
Units
6
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Course name
Elective 4
Course code
AUXX1014
Units
6

Notes

  • Program electives - closed - Or Free Electives

  • Program electives - open - Or Free electives

Ready to apply?

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Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

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Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

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Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026. 

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.  

Find an Education Agent 

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents. 

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources. 

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. 

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more. 

Student services 

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including: 

  • Career advice and mentoring services 
  • Personal counselling 
  • LGBTQIA+ support 
  • Academic support 
  • Fees and finance help 
  • Security services 
  • Accommodation services 
  • Common rooms 
  • Prayer rooms. 

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more. 

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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