Elder Conservatorium of Music facts for kids
The Elder Conservatorium of Music, also known as "The Con", is a famous music school. It is located in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. The school is named after Sir Thomas Elder (1818–1897), who was a very generous person. It started way back in 1883.
The Conservatorium teaches students how to perform music, write music, and research all kinds of music. It also trains future music teachers. The Elder Conservatorium has been part of the University of Adelaide since the 1880s. The current Director is Professor Anna Goldsworthy.
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History of the Music School
The Elder Conservatorium of Music officially began in 1898. This happened because Sir Thomas Elder, a Scottish-Australian farmer, left a lot of money in his will to support music. His statue stands outside Elder Hall today.
But the story of the school started even earlier. In 1883, Sir Thomas Elder also helped create the Elder Professorship of Music. This was a special teaching position. The first person to hold this job started in 1884. In the same year, a talented pianist named Immanuel Gotthold Reimann started his own music school. It was called the Adelaide College of Music.
For a few years, the University of Adelaide's music school focused on writing music and music theory. The Adelaide College of Music focused on playing instruments and singing. In 1898, these two schools joined together. Later, in 1900, the main building on North Terrace was finished. Hermann Heinicke also started the first Conservatorium Orchestra.
The Elder Conservatorium has joined with other music schools over the years. It merged with the Adelaide College of Music in 1898. Later, in 1991, it joined with the School of Performing Arts. In 2001, it merged with the School of Music from the Adelaide Institute of TAFE.
The Conservatorium used to be its own department at the university. Now, it is a special school within the Faculty of Arts. Since 2002, it has been connected to the Association of European Conservatoires. It also works with the Helpmann Academy. This group helps different arts schools work together.
Leaders of the Conservatorium
Seven people have held the important job of Elder Professor of Music. They have also been the Director or Dean of the Conservatorium. These leaders have guided the school's artistic and academic programs. Some of them include Professor Joshua Ives (1884–1901) and Professor E. Harold Davies (1918–1948). The current Director, Professor Anna Goldsworthy, started her role on July 18, 2022.
Important Achievements
In 1886, Professor Ives created the first public music exams in Australia. These exams were like those used in London. This led to the creation of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). This board still helps students take music exams today.
In 1898, the University of Adelaide was the first in Australia to offer a Doctor of Music (DMus) degree. This is a very high music degree. In 1902, Edward Harold Davies was the first person in Australia to earn this degree. In 1918, Ruby Davy became the first woman in Australia to get a doctorate in music from the university.
Many famous musicians, conductors, and composers have taught at the Conservatorium. These include Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (who wrote music) and Ruby Davy (who taught counterpoint). Other notable teachers include Tristram Cary (electronic music) and Graeme Koehne (composition).
The Australian String Quartet was formed in 1985. Since 1991, this famous quartet has been based at the Elder Conservatorium.
Exciting Times at the Conservatorium
The years when Professor John Bishop was in charge (1948–1964) were very exciting. He helped start the Adelaide Festival of Arts. This is a big arts event in Adelaide. In 2005, the Elder Conservatorium won an award for its great music program at the 2004 Adelaide Festival.
The Conservatorium has also hosted the Australian Youth Orchestra's summer school many times. This event, called National Music Camp, was also started by Professor Bishop.
The school also does research in many areas. This includes studying different types of music performance like Classical, Jazz, and Popular Music. They also research how to compose music and how the music industry works.
Music Programs and Degrees
The Elder Conservatorium of Music has been giving out music degrees and diplomas for a long time. Both men and women have been able to earn these awards since the late 1800s. Women were able to graduate from the Elder Conservatorium much earlier than from some other famous universities.
The Conservatorium offers two main types of programs for new students. They also have programs for students who want to continue their studies after their first degree.
Programs for New Students
Diploma in Music
- Diploma in Music (Music Production)
- Diploma in Music (Song writing & Commercial Music)
Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice)
- Bachelor of Music (Music Performance – Classical)
- Bachelor of Music (Music Composition)
- Bachelor of Music (Music Performance – Jazz)
- Bachelor of Music (Popular Music)
- Bachelor of Music (Sonic Arts)
- Bachelor of Music Theatre
Honours Degrees
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice)
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Music Composition)
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Music Performance – Classical)
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Music Performance – Jazz)
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Popular Music & Creative Technologies)
- Honours Degree of Bachelor of Music (Sonic Arts)
Programs for Advanced Students
Graduate Diploma in Music and Master of Music
These programs offer advanced study in many areas, including:
- Classical Performance (like playing brass, keyboard, strings, or singing)
- Jazz Performance (like playing trumpet, piano, or singing jazz)
- Conducting (leading an orchestra or choir)
Students can also study for a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degree. These are for very advanced research in areas like Composition, Musicology, and Music Performance.
Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) was started in 1972. It is part of the Elder Conservatorium. CASM focuses on studying and teaching Aboriginal music.
Music Facilities
Elder Hall
Elder Hall is one of Australia's best concert halls. It was opened in 1900. Inside, it has a special roof and a large organ. Elder Hall is where many of the Conservatorium's concerts take place. Other concerts are held at the Adelaide Town Hall and St Peter's Cathedral.
Electronic Music Unit
The Electronic Music Unit (EMU) is a special place for music technology. It focuses on sound production, sonic arts, and electronic music. It was started in 1962. The EMU has recording studios and old analogue synthesizers from the 1960s. It was the first studio of its kind in Australia.
Many famous composers have worked there, including Tristram Cary, who designed a famous synthesizer. EMU teaches students skills like sound engineering and creating sound for games or films.
Performing Music Groups
The Elder Conservatorium has many different music groups. Students can join these groups to perform and practice their skills.
Classical Choirs
Carl Crossin has been in charge of the choral music program since 2002. He is also the conductor of the Adelaide Chamber Singers.
Elder Conservatorium Chorale
This is a choir with mixed voices. It includes students from the Conservatorium and other parts of the university. They also welcome people from the wider community. The Chorale performs its own concerts and often sings with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Bella Voce
Bella Voce is a choir made up of female voices.
Orchestras
Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra
The Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra (ECSO) is led by Luke Dollman. Most of its members are full-time music students.
Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra
The Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra is conducted by Bryan Griffiths.
Elder Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra
This orchestra was started in 1973. It is made up of advanced students from the Conservatorium. Elizabeth Layton currently directs it.
Jazz Ensembles
Adelaide Connection
The Adelaide Connection is the Conservatorium's top Jazz Choir. It has 15 to 18 students and sings many different jazz songs. They focus on close harmonies and complex jazz rhythms.
Elder Conservatorium Big Band
The Big Band plays a wide range of jazz music. They have worked with many famous jazz musicians like James Morrison. The Big Band has performed at many festivals and toured around South Australia. They have also released CDs.
Elder Conservatorium Latin Jazz Ensemble
This group, led by Mark Ferguson, was formed in 2009. It focuses on music from the Caribbean, Colombia, and New Orleans. It helps students prepare for the main Big Band.
Elder Conservatorium Guitar Ensemble
The Elder Conservatorium Guitar Ensemble is led by Oliver Fartach-Naini. Most of its members are full-time music students. They are a key part of the classical guitar program.
Connections with Other Music Groups
The Elder Conservatorium works closely with other important music groups. These include the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the Australian String Quartet, and the State Opera of South Australia.
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is the biggest performing arts group in South Australia. It was started in 1936. The ASO is located close to the Conservatorium. It gives students chances to train and gain experience. The ASO and the Conservatorium now work together to offer a special program for conductors. This is the first time a university and orchestra in Australia have done this.
Australian String Quartet
The Australian String Quartet (ASQ) is based at the University of Adelaide. They perform concerts at Elder Hall and hold workshops for students. They also help teach and mentor students.
State Opera South Australia
State Opera South Australia (SOSA) is a professional opera company in Adelaide. It was started in 1976. SOSA performs big opera shows each year. Many Conservatorium graduates become professional singers with SOSA. The Conservatorium also works with SOSA to offer student internships and produce an opera each year.
