Adults

The Conservatorium Open Academy’s flagship community education program provides adults and life-long learners with entertaining, challenging and inspiring ways into the world of music and the Sydney Conservatorium’s vibrant culture.

  • Music Foundations

    Learn the basics of music theory, train your ear to hear better, learn how to sight-read or how to put notes in your head onto paper.

  • Singing

    A range of vocal courses for beginners through to more experienced singers.

  • Instrumental

    Try new styles on piano or guitar with highly skilled teachers.

  • Jazz Ensembles

    An opportunity to learn how to improvise or to play in a small jazz ensemble.

  • Music Technology

    Develop the skills to understand how technology can help in the creation of music.

  • Insights

    Learn more about classical music, jazz, film music and opera in this series of interactive talks.


The program offers many short courses designed to give adults the skills and knowledge to pursue their musical interests, curiosity or to find a creative outlet for their talents in a collaborative group learning environment. Courses include music theory, composition, improvisation, instrumental and vocal performance.

There are four terms during the year. The first three terms run for 8 weeks each, usually 2 hours per week. The Spring term is 5 weeks long, concentrating on performance skills for workshop concerts in late November. Courses cater for beginners right through to experienced musicians.

All courses are held in the state-of-the-art facilities of the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Macquarie St. Students enjoy unique bonuses when joining one of the Academy’s courses:

  • membership of the Conservatorium’s extensive music library for the term.
  • many free or discounted tickets to Conservatorium concerts.

2013 Term Dates

Summer: Monday 4 February to Thursday March 28 (8 weeks)
Autumn: Monday 29 April to Friday 21 June (8 weeks)
Winter: Monday 22 July to Friday 13 September (8 weeks)
Spring: Monday 14 October – Friday 15 November (5 weeks)

Please note: classes falling on a public holiday will be replaced by a class at the end of term.