Bachelor of Music (Composition) creative application requirements

The Bachelor of Music (Composition) has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the creative tasks and audition process.

On this page

Creative tasks and timeline

To be considered for selection into the Bachelor of Music (Composition), you need to submit a course application and prepare a folio and a personal artistic statement.

If you're applying for multiple majors or instruments, you must submit more than one folio/audition – check the requirements for each major, as they do differ.

AMEB examinations are not a prerequisite for entry to the Bachelor of Music, but multi-year attainment in the AMEB system of repertoire, technical work (scales, arpeggios, etc.), and theory provides strong preparation for our program.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these folio requirements.

Start year intake 2027 timeline

Before August 2026
Review the entry requirements and how to apply information on the Bachelor of Music (Composition) course page.
3 August 2026
Applications open.
28 September 2026
Applications close.
By 28 September 2026
Domestic students and international students studying in Australia, submit your course application through VTAC.
International students studying outside Australia, submit your course application direct to The University of Melbourne or via an authorised education agent.
All applicants, submit your folio via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).

What to prepare

Folio requirements

Composition applicants are required to submit the following materials:

  • Three original works (only) for any medium (at least one should be in score format). Submit no more than one orchestral piece, if any.
  • Audio realisations/recordings should be supplied for all three works. Live recordings are encouraged where possible; MIDI realisations are acceptable, rendered as audio (mp3).
  • One-minute test piece: write a new, original composition for bassoon and vibraphone (with audio realisation (mp3) and score (PDF)); duration up to one minute.
Personal artistic statement requirements

Submitted in video format (approximately 90 seconds duration), the personal artistic statement should address the following questions:

  • Who are your musical heroes?
  • What artistic ideals do you hold most passionately?
  • Describe your dream compositional project.

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How to submit your selection tasks

Your folio must be uploaded and submitted via SlideRoom. There is a small fee associated with submitting your tasks, which must be paid at the time of application unless you're eligible for a waiver. We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and submit your creative tasks. Applications received after the published closing day cannot be accepted.

How you'll be assessed

All applicants will be ranked according to the outlined criteria, up to the capacity of places in the course.

Folio

The folio will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Artistic conception
  • Musical creativity
  • Technique and craft
  • Sonic effectiveness
  • Potential for the development of an original voice