Frequently Asked Questions Page Two

How much does it cost to study at Melba, and are TAFE / HECS charges applicable?

· Bachelor of Music – 4th Year – Richmond, Bachelor of Music (Contemporary Music Performance / Music Technology) – Sunbury: HECS applies to these courses (Australian and New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents). For details on HECS, refer to the HECS website. As students are enrolled through Victoria University, they also pay VicUni’s General Service Fee. Overseas Students are not eligible for HECS; they pay the Annual Tuition Fee through Victoria University. In 2004, this will be $12,000 per year.

· Diploma of Music: Students pay an Annual Tuition Fee plus Registration & Student Amenities Fees. These fees are reviewed annually, and can be found here.
Some HECS places are available from 2nd year (for Australian and New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents) and are allocated on merit, subject to availability. Students are enrolled through VicUni to access the HECS place, and they also pay the General Service Fee instead of the Melba’s Registration & Student Amenities Fees.

· Additional costs throughout the courses may include required text books, printed class notes, scores and sheet music. Details of the requirements for each subject are advised in class.

Can I enrol on a part-time basis at the Melba?

The Melba takes a flexible approach to students’ enrolment and other special needs. Students can negotiate to enrol on a part-time basis. Note however that classes are generally held during the daytime. Students who have undertaken prior study elsewhere are also encouraged to discuss the potential for recognition of prior learning.

Yes, the Melba site has availability for car parking. The car park is available for staff and students, marked spaces are reserved for staff until 12 noon every day. Students are permitted to use the staff parks after 12 noon if the student car park is full. A disabled car park is at the initial entrance to the campus in front of the gates.

We are located at 45 York Street, Richmond, off Hoddle Street (Melways Ref 2G, 3H or 44, D8). The Conservatorium is adjacent to the main city area of Melbourne (less than 5 kilometres from the GPO) and is very close to public transport:

The Melba has a number of studios and practice rooms available for use out of working hours. Melba students enrolled in the Degree, or Diploma courses can access studios free of charge, by prior arrangement subject to caretaking arrangements. We also hire practice studios to the public, on either a permanent or one-off basis. Single studies students can access rooms free of charge when available.

Vocal students study subjects that include lessons in drama, eg. Vocal Craft, Stagecraft, and Drama Workshop in Years 2 and 3.

The Melba offers the Basic Music Theory Summer School short course in early February each year. Further short courses are planned for 2004..

Melba has a broad range of teaching staff, many of whom have international experience both in teaching and performance. Some staff also teach at other conservatoriums, schools and universities in Melbourne. Students are allocated to teachers on the basis of their audition, and teacher availability. If a student has a preference for a particular studio teacher, the student can submit a written request.

As the Melba is a small campus there is no on-site accommodation available. However, as an affiliate of Victoria University, students at Melba have access to all Student Services offered by VU. This includes information on flats, houses and share accommodation and the Student Village. For further information on accommodation and housing visit Student Services or refer to the accomodation information page.

Why would I choose to come to Melba instead of going to another music school?

Melba is a single-discipline campus – we only teach music (performance) here. This allows us to be small and nurturing and we offer more one-on-one time with teaching staff than other institutions, more performance opportunities, language-coaching for singers, and second-instrument study. If you have come from a small school, you will probably feel right at home here. There is lots of support available.