Further Enquiries

Elder Conservatorium of Music
The University of Adelaide
SA 5005 Australia
Email

Telephone: +61 8 8313 5995
Facsimile: +61 8 8313 4423

Composition

Composition students at the Elder Conservatorium of Music study a range of techniques and styles as they strive to develop their own compositional “voice.” The Elder Conservatorium has a variety of composition lecturers, with specialists in a number of fields (such as film composition), with a particular focus on teaching the mastery of the craft. Composition students of the Conservatorium are afforded numerous opportunities to have their works performed, including student concerts and composers’ workshops.

Professor Graeme Koehne
Head of Composition

Composition Teaching Staff

Professor Charles Bodman-Rae
David Harris
Professor Graeme Koehne
John Polglase

Meet a Current Student

Nicholas Denison commenced his studies at the Elder Conservatorium in 2004, entering via the VET certificate program and graduating in 2008 with the degree of Bachelor of Music Studies (composition). In 2009 he undertook the Honours degree, studying under professor Charles Bodman Rae and passing with a first class mark. Nicholas's first major premiere saw the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra performing his piece Stasis during a lunch hour concert in 2009. Nicholas is currently a postgraduate research student (Masters) studying under professor Charles Bodman Rae, specialising in the composition of new works for wind orchestra.

'I feel incredibly privileged to have spent my time studying at the Elder Conservatorium. The VET certificate was the ideal starting point for me, and a great preparation for the challenges that lay ahead in the Degree. Through the Degree I gained a solid foundation, and a set of creative and technical tools that will serve me for life as a composer. The teachers here are gifted, and highly inspirational. Most importantly, I have made professional contacts and friendships that will last for life. I would urge anyone who is serious about pursuing a life of music to take up studies here.'

Nicholas Denison
Master of Music candidate

How to Apply

Applying is easy, visit our Future Students page for all the information you need.