Graduate Diploma in Music (Practical Music)
February, July
AUD $25,984 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
February, July
AUD $46,976 (2026 indicative first year fee)
Course structure
Overview
Learning Outcomes
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Acquire the skills and knowledge to develop your career in music
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Develop a sophisticated level of written, verbal and musical communication skills
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Understand critical concepts and issues in music and gain advanced academic and applied musical skills and knowledge
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this diploma.
100-point program taken over 1 year full-time
Practical Music Specialisation
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Practical Study 1 · 12.5 pts |
Students will develop instrumental, vocal or conducting technique to a level appropriate to a fourth year of study and a sophisticated awareness of the stylistic and interpretative characteristics of the repertory studies. |
| The Research Process for Musicians · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides students with the tools and skills necessary to devise and conduct professional research in music at an advanced level. Through group discussions and peer review sessions students will engage with the key principles of research and academic writing and apply them to a context relevant to them. Students will be supported in defining and focusing their research questions, developing a critical summary of the literature, constructing an adequate conceptual framework, adhering to and meeting deadlines, and presenting their work persuasively, both in oral and written form. The main outcome will be a full research project proposal that could potentially serve as the basis of an application for a graduate program. |
| Practical Study 2 · 12.5 pts |
Students will further develop instrumental, vocal or conducting technique and repertoire to a level appropriate to a fourth year of study and a sophisticated awareness of the stylistic and interpretative characteristics of the repertory studies. |
Students choose one of:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Music Language 1: the Diatonic World · 12.5 pts |
An introduction to the fundamental principles of harmony and counterpoint as observed in the Western musical tradition. Students are expected to attain a sound understanding of the elements and processes of voice leading and diatonic harmonic functions, and be able to demonstrate this understanding through regular assignments in analysis and composition. Students should also gain familiarity with the Western canon through set works for listening and study. |
| Music Language 2: Chromaticism & Beyond · 12.5 pts |
Building on the knowledge acquired in Music Language 1, Music Language 2 continues with a survey of chromatic harmony, select thematic and contrapuntal devices, and form, up to the beginnings of the dissolution of functional harmony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of voice leading and harmonic function through regular assignments which will include analysis, chord construction, the writing of two-part contrapuntal textures and four-part chromatic harmonic textures (Bach-style chorales). |
| Music Language 3: Modern Directions · 12.5 pts |
This subject follows Music Language 1 and 2 in chronological sequence, providing an overview of modern compositional directions, styles and techniques found Western music from 1900 through to the present day. Set works are viewed, heard and analysed through the construction process of the composer. Students compose short, original pieces (assignments) using these techniques and styles which are performed or presented in tutorials. |
| Music Language 3: Modern Directions · 12.5 pts |
This subject follows Music Language 1 and 2 in chronological sequence, providing an overview of modern compositional directions, styles and techniques found Western music from 1900 through to the present day. Set works are viewed, heard and analysed through the construction process of the composer. Students compose short, original pieces (assignments) using these techniques and styles which are performed or presented in tutorials. |
| Music Language 3: Modern Directions · 12.5 pts |
This subject follows Music Language 1 and 2 in chronological sequence, providing an overview of modern compositional directions, styles and techniques found Western music from 1900 through to the present day. Set works are viewed, heard and analysed through the construction process of the composer. Students compose short, original pieces (assignments) using these techniques and styles which are performed or presented in tutorials. |
100-point program taken over 2 years part-time
Practical Music Specialisation
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| The Research Process for Musicians · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides students with the tools and skills necessary to devise and conduct professional research in music at an advanced level. Through group discussions and peer review sessions students will engage with the key principles of research and academic writing and apply them to a context relevant to them. Students will be supported in defining and focusing their research questions, developing a critical summary of the literature, constructing an adequate conceptual framework, adhering to and meeting deadlines, and presenting their work persuasively, both in oral and written form. The main outcome will be a full research project proposal that could potentially serve as the basis of an application for a graduate program. |
| Practical Study 1 · 12.5 pts |
Students will develop instrumental, vocal or conducting technique to a level appropriate to a fourth year of study and a sophisticated awareness of the stylistic and interpretative characteristics of the repertory studies. |
| Practical Study 2 · 12.5 pts |
Students will further develop instrumental, vocal or conducting technique and repertoire to a level appropriate to a fourth year of study and a sophisticated awareness of the stylistic and interpretative characteristics of the repertory studies. |
Students choose one of:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Music Language 1: the Diatonic World · 12.5 pts |
An introduction to the fundamental principles of harmony and counterpoint as observed in the Western musical tradition. Students are expected to attain a sound understanding of the elements and processes of voice leading and diatonic harmonic functions, and be able to demonstrate this understanding through regular assignments in analysis and composition. Students should also gain familiarity with the Western canon through set works for listening and study. |
| Music Language 2: Chromaticism & Beyond · 12.5 pts |
Building on the knowledge acquired in Music Language 1, Music Language 2 continues with a survey of chromatic harmony, select thematic and contrapuntal devices, and form, up to the beginnings of the dissolution of functional harmony in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of voice leading and harmonic function through regular assignments which will include analysis, chord construction, the writing of two-part contrapuntal textures and four-part chromatic harmonic textures (Bach-style chorales). |
| Music Language 3: Modern Directions · 12.5 pts |
This subject follows Music Language 1 and 2 in chronological sequence, providing an overview of modern compositional directions, styles and techniques found Western music from 1900 through to the present day. Set works are viewed, heard and analysed through the construction process of the composer. Students compose short, original pieces (assignments) using these techniques and styles which are performed or presented in tutorials. |
| Music Language 3: Modern Directions · 12.5 pts |
This subject follows Music Language 1 and 2 in chronological sequence, providing an overview of modern compositional directions, styles and techniques found Western music from 1900 through to the present day. Set works are viewed, heard and analysed through the construction process of the composer. Students compose short, original pieces (assignments) using these techniques and styles which are performed or presented in tutorials. |