What
kind of courses do you offer at the Melba?
The
Melba Conservatorium offers three types of study:
- Private
Tuition (Single Studies)
- Diploma
of Music
- Bachelor
of Music in Performance
What
are the prerequisites for entry into your courses?
The
Melba Conservatorium has an audition process for entry to all
courses, and we ask you to perform three contrasting works.
- For
entry to the Diploma of Music course,
the required standard is AMEB Grade 7 Performance, and AMEB
Grade 5 for Theory, or their equivalents.
- For
the Bachelor of Music, entry standard
is the completion of the Diploma of Music or an equivalent course,
(with a credit point weighted average of at least 70% in the
final year of Diploma study; please contact the Registrar
for further information).
- For
private tuition (Single
Studies), there are no formal requirements. The audition provides
an opportunity for the student to be assigned to the teacher
most suited to the student’s background, style and aims.
How
much does it cost to have private tuition (Single Studies)?
As
a standard Single Studies student in 2004 you would pay $380.00
(incl. GST) for 10 half-hour lessons per term. There is also an
initial, annual $50.00 (incl. GST) Registration fee which entitles
students to the use of practice studios as available, listening
rooms, the computer lab and borrowing privileges from the Library.
What
do I have to do in my audition?
We
ask each applicant to present 3 contrasting pieces, of no more
than 10 minutes total duration and to meet their auditioner for
a 10 minute interview following the performance. You are welcome
to bring your own accompanist, however there can be a staff accompanist
available at the time of your audition who will be happy to assist
you if you provide the sheet music for your pieces. Interstate
and Overseas applicants may forward a cassette or video audition,
accompanied with the completed Certificate of Video/ Audio
Cassette Audition form (available on request). Please
note that there is a $50 (inc GST) application/ audition fee,
payable at the time you lodge your application.
Can
I study theory / composition / piano / singing / etc without doing
your Diploma?
Yes,
the Single Studies program offers private tuition in all areas
including vocal and instrumental training, theory and composition.
Do
you offer percussion as an instrument in your courses?
The
Melba offers instruction in most instruments, however we do not
have percussion instruments or facilities.
Can
I study jazz or contemporary music at Melba?
Yes,
at Sunbury. If you have a TAFE Diploma in jazz or popular music
performance, you are eligible to apply for an audition to enter
our 2-year BMus in contemporary music performance at Victoria
Universitys' Sunbury Campus. Melba also offers a similar 2-year
BMus program in sound production and music technology at Sunbury.
These
styles and specialisations are not available at Richmond, where
we offer a classically based curriculum.
I
currently play electric guitar / bass guitar / non-classical instrument.
Is this okay as my major instrument at Melba?
Yes,
again in our Sunbury BMus programs. To be eligible for audition,
you would first need to complete a 2-year TAFE Diploma.
What
can I do when I complete a Diploma or Bachelor course?
Our
curriculum is performance-oriented. Our main aim therefore, is
to produce performers. However, we recognise the need to produce
graduates with a well-rounded education, so we do provide instruction
that relates to music teaching and music education. The subjects
Music Business Studies and ‘Commercial Music Making’
also examine music administration/management in brief. If you
study a Bachelor of Music you could go on to be:
