Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Arts

This combined degree program provides the opportunity for study in both music and arts. Students complete two degree awards over four years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

The flexibility of this combined degree allows students to pursue those areas that present the best challenges, the most interest and the greatest enjoyment while studying. Students will have the opportunity to acquire the skills of analysis, research and logic: the skills which form the basis for any successful career as well as acquiring specialised skills in music and preparing students for performance to a professional standard.

The Music program aims to develop skills and nurture talent by providing every opportunity to develop individual creativity while receiving high quality training in music. Students receive individual tuition in their principal instrument, attend classes in essential core academic curricula, and have the opportunity to study a variety of electives. The Conservatorium is also able to offer a variety of performance experiences as well as the opportunity to attend concerts and workshops by the many world class musicians who regularly visit The Conservatorium. The program introduces a broad base of performance activities including jazz, popular music, improvisation, creative production and contemporary music. Important experiences we are proud of are the many opportunities students have in working and performing in the community and region. These can be performances in opera, jazz and popular venues, community events or the numerous concerts held in the area.

Bachelor of Music students will attain a high level of skill in a principal study area: instrument, voice, composition, creative production. Practical activities within the program include performances in the principal study areas, chamber music, choir, contemporary and jazz ensembles and orchestra. Collaborative activities between performance students, composition and creative production students are encouraged. Final examination can include a public recital or presentation. For composers, public performances of your music are an essential part of your program. Courses are subject to routine review.

As outlined in the Bachelor of Arts handbook entry (see Further Information section), the Bachelor of Arts program currently has 15 majors and 16 minors to choose from. As the Bachelor of Arts program is offered on both the Newcastle and Central Coast campuses, courses from either campus may be counted towards the Bachelor of Arts component of this program, provided that the program requirements are met.

You can major or minor in the following course areas (C - Callaghan campus, O - Ourimbah campus):

• Aboriginal Studies (C)
• Ancient History and Classical Languages (C)
• Chinese (C) (Students who commenced in 2012 or later are only able to complete a Minor in Chinese)
• Creative and Performing Arts (C, O)
• English and Writing (C, O)
• Film, Media and Cultural Studies (C, Flexible Delivery)
• French Studies (Beginner Sequence or Intermediate Sequence) (C)
• German (C)
• History (C, O)
• Human Geography and the Environment (C)
• Japanese Studies (Beginner Sequence or Intermediate Sequence) (C) - Linguistics (C)
• Philosophy and Religion (C)
• Politics and International Relations (C, O)
• Psychology Studies (C, O)
• Sociology and Anthropology (C, O).

Careers include freelance musician, professional orchestral player, music producer in recording or mixing, musical arranger, composer, music publishing, conductor, musical director, music editor, member of an opera company, recording session musician, community or private music teacher, university lecturer, member of a defence forces band, computer music maker, or music researcher. With additional study, graduates can also undertake careers as music therapists, arts administrators, public relations officers, librarians in music resources, business managers for music organisations or musicians, marketing, public relations staff in the theatre and secondary school teachers.

As an arts graduate, you have highly developed research, communication, creative, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and the capacity to think outside the square. These are the skills that employers look for when making recruitment choices.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

Please note that students will also be required to audition. The audition form is available from further information link.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

Applicants are required to undertake a one hour aural comprehension, listening and theory test designed to ascertain musical knowledge and ability. Some parts of the test basic skills in notation and music theory such as scales and chord recognition. Other parts of the test will be focussed on listening, identifying patterns, textures and differentiating between different approaches to recordings.

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/drama-fine-art-music-conservatorium/students/future.html

Mathematics for those anticipating studying Psychology. English Advanced for all other Majors.

• Auditions are held in June, October and December each year. All performance applicants are required to perform a minimum of three pieces demonstrating contrasting styles and genres. The choice of styles can include contemporary, classical, early music, jazz, world music, other styles, original compositions or an improvisation. A demonstration expertise across any of the styles performed is expected by the audition panel. An audition application form is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/drama-fine-art-music-conservatorium/students/future.html

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

Students who perform well during the Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts degree with a credit average (GPA of 5.0) or greater, may apply for a further year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) study to obtain an Honours degree in either music or arts. The Honours degree allows students to further develop their specific areas of interest.

Many of our graduates have gone on to have international careers or successful careers nationally and locally.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student¿s responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

Psychology Studies Major/Minor: This major/minor is for students with a general interest in Psychology & for those who see Psychology as complementary to their other majors/minors within the Bachelor of Arts. From 2012 it will no longer be accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Students who commenced the program in 2012 or after & who wish to complete an accredited Psychology program, are advised to apply for admission to the 4 year Bachelor of Psychology program.

Students who already possess knowledge of the French language (eg HSC Continuers or equivalent) are advised to consult with the French Studies Discipline Convenor BEFORE enrolling into the French Studies (Intermediate Sequence).

Students who already possess knowledge of the Japanese language (eg HSC Continuers or equivalent) are advised to consult with the Japanese Studies Discipline Convenor BEFORE enrolling into the Japanese Studies (Intermediate Sequence).

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.