COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) is a two-year full-time degree designed to develop advanced practical and professional skills for musicians pursuing careers in orchestral performance. Progression from the first year to the second requires a passing result in Orchestral Performance Practicum 1, ensuring students demonstrate the necessary technical and performance standards before continuing. The program focuses on building a professional level of expertise in orchestral ensemble performance, rehearsal skills, recording competency, ensemble communication and repertoire knowledge. Students learn to perform confidently across solo, chamber and orchestral contexts and develop strong familiarity with the symphonic canon, while also gaining experience in situations where the orchestra accompanies other performers, such as in concertos, opera, ballet and film music. Through continuous performance training, students enhance their interpretative flexibility, develop effective strategies for learning new works and strengthen their emotional and mental readiness for auditions and high-pressure performance settings.The course also emphasises collaboration, communication and professional conduct, fostering the ability to work cohesively within ensemble environments and contribute positively to group musicianship. Students build entrepreneurial skills and engage in outreach and community-based projects, preparing them for leadership roles and involvement in broad artistic and educational initiatives. Complementary knowledge of orchestral administration, including artistic planning, philanthropy, education outreach and contract negotiations, develops a wider understanding of the professional orchestral environment. Graduates emerge with the confidence to perform at an elite level and with the skills to promote the value of orchestral music within diverse communities.Aligned with the University’s postgraduate expectations, students develop advanced discipline-specific knowledge, research and analytical skills, professional integrity, global awareness and the ability to manage complex and self-directed workloads. The program prepares graduates to meet the demands of contemporary orchestral careers, combining artistic excellence with thoughtful professional development and strong problem-solving capabilities.