music, visual and performing arts - University of Melbourne

Knowledge transfer –
connecting with other
students, industry, the
community and the world
You are given regular opportunities to
perform both within the Faculty environment
and externally. A wide range of public
concerts by students, staff, distinguished
artists and artists-in-residence are
programmed each year.
As the name suggests, the Bachelor of
Music Performance has a practical focus,
with the provision of individual instrumental
or vocal tuition and small and large
ensemble tuition.
You gain vital experience and networks
through the Faculty’s active links with
local and international artists and creative
organisations.
Working alongside creative professional
improvisers of the highest calibre is an
integral part of your learning experience.
Careers in Music
Developing specialised and
transferable skills for your career
The Bachelor of Music Performance,
through its practical emphasis, develops:
> extensive theoretical and practical
knowledge of improvisation practices,
including relevant professional
knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as
they relate to the practicing musician
> a flexible and innovative approach to
the challenges for the professional
improvisation musician in the 21st century
> critical and creative engagement with
topics of cultural significance across the
broader community
> an understanding and appreciation of
how the arts connect with the broader
society and culture.
Creating a world of career
opportunities
The specialist tuition in performance, and
training in practical, creative, academic and
communication skills, enables Improvisation
graduates to work in a wide variety of
professional and community contexts.
Careers in Improvisation
The contemporary Improvisation graduate is a
creative performer, composer and improviser,
whose unique and highly developed skills
lead to a multifaceted portfolio career that
may incorporate work as an ensemble leader,
composer, developer, arranger and performer;
a session musician for film, television, theatre,
live concert, touring and recording; an artistic
and commercial composer and arranger; a
researcher; a specialist in instrumental, ensemble,
performance and improvisation teaching; a
creative real-time composer; an academic lecturer
or classroom teacher, a festival and events
producer; a music administrator; a music agent;
a music critic/reviewer; an accompanist; an audio
recording and audio mixing engineer; or a record
label developer, administrator and producer.
With a reputation in excellence the Faculty of
the VCA and Music Improvisation graduate is
a wellgrounded and versatile contemporary
creative cultural producer, who explores the space
between existing ideas and originality in music
making.
Professional and international
degree recognition
Graduates contribute their skills, energy
and creativity through individual endeavour
and collaborative enterprise within arts
organisations and companies throughout
the world. The School of Music enjoys wide
recognition among the international arts
community.
“I moved to Melbourne
from Canberra to study in
the Improvisation Stream.
For me, the course was the
standout in my university
preferences and offered a
nurturing and disciplined
environment to hone my
skills and develop my
artistic voice. I left with a
very balanced and focused
approach to music and a
discipline that has carried
me through my career thus
far.”
Gian Slater
Vocalist, composer,
improviser, educator
27