Undergraduate
Music Extended Major
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
Frequently asked questions
Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Career Pathways
Further Study
Postgraduate options include all areas of music specialisation:
Master of Music
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Music and composition graduate, Elise Reitze-Swensen is now a full-time multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer, sound designer, music community founder, record label CEO and booking agency CEO - and still finds time to teach Electronic Music and Sound Design at UWA.
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Music and composition graduate, Elise Reitze-Swensen is now a full-time multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer, sound designer, music community founder, record label CEO and booking agency CEO - and still finds time to teach Electronic Music and Sound Design at UWA.
Elise makes up half of the electronic duo Feels, who regularly perform at Australian music festivals such as Listen Out, Falls Festival, Laneway Festival, Groovin The Moo and American music festival, SXSW. They have also had the opportunity to support artists such as Ngaiire, Mansionair, Yeo, Kimbra, G Flip, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Oribtal.
Both a performer and music producer of Feels, Elise has won multiple awards including West Australian Music’s (WAM) ‘Song of The Year’ 2017-18 and 2018-19, ‘Best Live Electronic Artist’ 2017 and 2018, ‘Best Electronic Producer’ 2018 and ‘Label of The Year’ 2018 for label Women of Music Production Perth (WOMPP) for which she is the Founding Director. She has recently been nominated for ‘Best Electronic Producer’, ‘Best Live Electronic Artist’ and ‘Label of The Year’ (WOMPP) for the 2019 WAM Awards.
Elise also works as a freelance artist with her compositions performed and presented around Australia and internationally at events such as Melbourne’s ‘White Night Festival’, Ireland’s Fringe Festival and Sydney’s Art Month Festival and has been commissioned as a composer for Perth International Arts Festival, The Blueroom Theatre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and The Sound Collectors.
My degree
Elise studied music, majoring in Composition at UWA. She always wanted to be a composer and to refine her skills in the area so she could pursue music as a full time career.
"The aspect I enjoyed most about my course were the one-on-one lessons with my percussion tutor and composition tutor. Being able to touch base with a creative mentor every week was essential for my development as a composer and musician. I was lucky enough to have two wonderful tutors that encouraged me to play and write music that sounded like ‘me’, while also giving insightful advice to guide my creativity."
During her study, Elise was very proactive in seeking out employment and practical opportunities relating to her career including performing for the Queen at the 2011 CHOGM opening ceremony, taking an internship with Brady Drums, working as a freelance composer, performer and sound designer, tutoring piano, percussion and composition and performing for the Perth Proximity Festival. In her final year of study, she secured a grant from the Department of Culture and the Arts to build an interactive electronics and sound installation ‘Adventure Tune’ during a studio residency at The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
"My study at UWA gave me the knowledge in music theory to develop my skills in composition and become the music producer I am today. I feel that my degree also prepared me for the professional music industry by giving me many rehearsals, practice and study commitments to juggle - which I have found very realistic of a full time job in music."
Why UWA?
"I loved the reputation of the university, the location and the music composition program, in particular. I love Perth and have always wanted to learn from my local surrounding. Perth has so many talented educators and artists! I also liked the idea of being able to give back to my local community with my own knowledge and skillset. I am thrilled to now be back here, teaching electronic music at UWA."
WOMPP
WOMPP is the only female, trans and non-binary Ableton User Group community in the world, founded by Elise in January 2017, which now has over 500 members and has expanded to include all of Australia and New Zealand.
The community runs events in Perth every month, which are supported by UWA. The monthly WOMPP meetings aim to educate, nurture and inspire female, trans and non-binary music makers of all levels. The overall goal of the community is to improve the representation of women in music production, which is currently just 5% worldwide.
Through Elise's hard work and dedication to WOMPP, she has managed to help correct an imbalance in the representation of women in electronic music within Perth.
Since starting in 2017, the reputation and size of the WOMPP community has grown, members have started learning to produce electronic music for themselves.
"Those members have started playing their own gigs and putting out music and those artists’ creative outputs have started being nominated for awards! It is exciting to see the change and I am proud to be a leader for these music makers."
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.6
- 75.5
- 254
- 324
- 14.5
- 280
- 61
- 1130
- 56
- 75
Admission requirements
Streams and requirements
Performance/Musicology/Studio Teaching Streams:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 7, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
Composition Stream:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 5, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
A portfolio is also required
Creative Music Technology Stream:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 4, demonstrated by an audition
A background in music theory
A portfolio is also required
Admission requirements
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
Audition process
Prior to the audition, you will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces. Remember to bring a copy of your music for the members of the audition panel. Given the time constraints for each audition, it is likely you will only have the opportunity to play a portion of each piece. If the members of the panel ask you to stop playing at a certain point, this does not mean the performance is going badly. Being asked to stop is not an indication of anything but a lack of time.
After the performance component of the audition, you will undertake a short aural quiz, followed by a brief discussion with the panel. They may ask about your musical experiences, what sort of music you like, and what else you intend to study. You will be able to ask questions and the members of the audition panel will answer to the best of their ability. During your audition, one of the panel members will look at your prepared portfolio. The whole audition process may take as little as 10 minutes. The length of the audition, however, is no indication of its success.
How to apply
The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.
Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways . More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.
Domestic Pathways
- Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
- Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.
International Pathways
- International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
- International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
Course details
About the course
This extended major degree provides you with a rigorous, high-quality tertiary music education and an intensive concentration in a chosen area of specialisation: performance, composition, studio teaching, musicology or creative music technology. As a well-equipped 21st century musician, you will have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate training in many areas, including national and international centres of music excellence, and prepare for a career in the creative arts.
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Approximately 15 hours plus own practice and study time, rehearsals and performances
- Undergraduate
- MJD-MUSDM
- 3 years; 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Practical experience
UWA is the sole tertiary education partner of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the West Australian Opera. Students have unprecedented access to artists as well as participation in side-by-side performances with these industry specialists.
Students can expect to participate in regular industry standard performances in the state’s best venues and will benefit from staff who are actively engaged in music making at the highest level.
Carissa Soares
Carissa Soares
UWA has a beautiful campus and a fantastic reputation as one of the world’s top 100 institutions. The staff are very encouraging and inspiring and being able to study under their guidance is an honour.
I joined the Music Students Society (MSS) in my first year. They run lots of fun social activities and these events allow you to meet other music students, which is great for networking.
You may also be interested in these courses
Music Studies 
Music: Electronic Music and Sound Design 
Music General Studies Unlock your creative potential
We're committed to unlocking your creative potential, whatever your musical interest.
Discover which course is right for you and explore our wide range of courses which are designed for a variety of musical interests, backgrounds and experience.
Whether you're a novice or expert, make sure to check the course admission prerequisites to see which courses suit you best!
Admission requirements
Streams and requirements
Performance/Musicology/Studio Teaching Streams:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 7, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
Composition Stream:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 5, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
A portfolio is also required
Creative Music Technology Stream:
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 4, demonstrated by an audition
A background in music theory
A portfolio is also required
Bachelor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Music
