New degree in popular music

Arts & Culture Feature

The Elder Conservatorium is offering South Australia's first degree-level course in contemporary popular music this year, giving aspiring songwriters a formal qualification from the country's oldest music institution.

The Bachelor of Music (Popular Music and Creative Technologies) is primarily a composition degree but will also produce music professionals with skills in sound engineering, production, performance, music research and administration.

The three-year program has an inaugural cohort of 27 students from a wide range of backgrounds, including some country and mature-aged students.

Course co-ordinator Dr Luke Harrald said it was the first time that South Australians had an opportunity to study contemporary popular music in their home State.

"Previously they had to go to the eastern States to get a qualification of this kind," Dr Harrald said.

"This program is also giving the Elder Conservatorium an opportunity to diversify from its traditional classical base into popular music, responding to the current demands of the industry."

While the focus of the program is on song writing, students will undertake practical studies in ensemble performance and also receive comprehensive training in new digital technologies in the music industry.

"Through the program the students will have full access to rehearsal and recording studios in order to record their work and develop their production skills in industry standard facilities," Dr Harrald said.

The Popular Music and Creative Technologies program is one of eight specialisations that Bachelor of Music students can now study under a revamped structure of the music degree offered by the Elder Conservatorium.

The other new stream offered in 2012 is the Sonic Arts/Music Technology program, building on the Elder Conservatorium's reputation in electronic music.

Story by Candy Gibson