Australia is home to some of the most respected music schools in the world, offering world-class programs in performance, composition, audio engineering, music production, music education, and contemporary music. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career as a musician, producer, teacher, or industry expert, this guide breaks down the top 25 music schools in Australia, including program highlights, reputation, and estimated fees.
Top 25 Music Schools In Australia And Fees
1. Sydney Conservatorium of Music (The Con) – University of Sydney
Sydney Conservatorium of Music is one of Australia’s most prestigious institutions for music training. Known globally for its performance programs, the school offers a diverse set of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Programs: Classical performance, composition, jazz, musicology, contemporary music
Fees: AUD 40,000 – 50,000 per year (international), ~AUD 10,000 per year (domestic CSP)
2. Melbourne Conservatorium of Music – University of Melbourne
The Melbourne Conservatorium is regarded as one of the finest in the southern hemisphere. Its facilities include the Ian Potter Southbank Centre, a world-class arts precinct.
Programs: Performance, composition, interactive composition, musicology
Fees: AUD 40,000 – 48,000 per year (international)
3. Queensland Conservatorium – Griffith University
Queensland Conservatorium, or QCGU, is known for producing global-level performers and composers. It offers innovative courses and outstanding industry connections.
Programs: Performance, jazz, popular music, composition, musical theatre
Fees: AUD 36,000 – 42,000 per year (international)
4. Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) – Edith Cowan University
WAAPA is world-renowned, especially for musical theatre and contemporary music programs. It is one of the most competitive performance schools in Australia.
Programs: Classical, jazz, composition, music technology, contemporary performance, musical theatre
Fees: AUD 35,000 – 40,000 per year (international)
5. Australian Institute of Music (AIM)
AIM is one of Australia’s largest dedicated music schools. It offers specialised contemporary programs tailored for the modern music industry.
Programs: Audio engineering, music production, performance, composition, entertainment management
Fees: AUD 29,000 – 32,000 per year (international)
6. JMC Academy
JMC is popular for students interested in contemporary music, production, songwriting, and music business. The academy emphasises hands-on technical training.
Programs: Contemporary music performance, audio engineering, songwriting, entertainment business
Fees: AUD 25,000 – 30,000 per year (international)
7. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – School of Creative Practice
QUT focuses heavily on modern performance, electronic music, digital technologies, and industry practice.
Programs: Creative industries, music and sound, production
Fees: AUD 34,000 – 37,000 per year (international)
8. Monash University – Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance
Monash offers elite performance and jazz programs. It has partnerships with global orchestras and top jazz musicians.
Programs: Classical, jazz, composition, performance practice
Fees: AUD 40,000 – 46,000 per year (international)
9. University of Queensland – School of Music
UQ is known for its strong classical music training and advanced research programs.
Programs: Performance, composition, music education, musicology
Fees: AUD 38,000 – 42,000 per year (international)
10. University of New South Wales (UNSW) – School of the Arts & Media
UNSW focuses on contemporary composition, sonic arts, and music technology.
Programs: Music studies, music production, composition, sonic arts
Fees: AUD 38,000 – 41,000 per year (international)
11. University of Adelaide – Elder Conservatorium of Music
This is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected conservatoriums.
Programs: Classical, jazz, composition, music technology, sonic arts
Fees: AUD 37,000 – 41,000 per year (international)
12. University of Tasmania – Conservatorium of Music
The Tasmanian Conservatorium is known for its small class sizes and strong mentoring culture.
Programs: Performance, composition, music technology, songwriting
Fees: AUD 30,000 – 36,000 per year (international)
13. University of Western Australia – Conservatorium of Music
UWA is research-driven and offers quality training in classical performance and composition.
Programs: Performance, composition, music studies
Fees: AUD 36,000 – 41,000 per year (international)
14. Australian National University – School of Music
ANU offers rigorous academic study combined with elite performance training.
Programs: Performance, composition, musicology, audio engineering
Fees: AUD 38,000 – 42,000 per year (international)
15. TAFE NSW – Music & Sound Production
TAFE NSW is ideal for students wanting practical industry-focused training at an affordable cost.
Programs: Diploma in music industry, audio production, live sound
Fees: AUD 12,000 – 18,000 per year (international)
16. Box Hill Institute
Box Hill is recognised for its advanced contemporary music and sound engineering programs.
Programs: Music production, performance, sound engineering
Fees: AUD 15,000 – 20,000 per year (international)
17. Collarts (Australian College of the Arts)
A popular choice for aspiring music producers, sound engineers, and contemporary performers.
Programs: Music performance, audio production, entertainment management
Fees: AUD 25,000 – 30,000 per year (international)
18. SAE Institute Australia
Globally recognised for audio engineering and digital production.
Programs: Audio, music production, sound engineering
Fees: AUD 28,000 – 32,000 per year (international)
19. University of Canberra – School of Arts & Communication
A great option for students interested in contemporary music and media integration.
Programs: Creative industries, music production, sound design
Fees: AUD 30,000 – 35,000 per year (international)
20. University of Newcastle – Conservatorium of Music
A respected institution with strong programs in education and performance.
Programs: Performance, songwriting, composition
Fees: AUD 32,000 – 37,000 per year (international)
21. University of Wollongong – Faculty of the Arts
Known for combining music performance with digital art and sound design.
Programs: Music studies, sound production, creative industries
Fees: AUD 30,000 – 36,000 per year (international)
22. Victoria University – Music Industry Program
Practical and industry-focused courses that prepare students for careers in Australia’s growing creative sector.
Programs: Music industry, audio production, sound design
Fees: AUD 25,000 – 30,000 per year (international)
23. Central Queensland University (CQU) – School of Creative & Performing Arts
Offers flexible learning and strong online options for remote students.
Programs: Music, theatre, creative industries, production
Fees: AUD 27,000 – 31,000 per year (international)
24. Australian Guild of Music
A specialist music institution offering certificate and diploma programs for musicians at all levels.
Programs: Performance, composition, music theory
Fees: AUD 10,000 – 18,000 per year (international)
25. New England Conservatorium of Music
A smaller but reputable conservatorium focused on classical performance and community-focused music education.
Programs: Classical studies, ensemble work, musicianship
Fees: AUD 12,000 – 20,000 per year (international)
Conclusion
Australia is one of the best places in the world to study music thanks to its strong conservatoriums, advanced audio engineering schools, and vibrant contemporary music scene. Whether you’re interested in classical performance, jazz, production, or music business, there’s a program suitable for every budget and career path.