Monash or Melbourne for Bachelor of Music

[YellowTongue]

I would like to complete a Bachelor of Music at either Monash or Melbourne. I'm not sure if anyone on here knows anything about music at either of these universities, but if anybody does, do you know which uni offers a better program?

[keltingmeith]

What kind of music do you like?

Both universities offer a great program, but they're both very particular on the kind of music they teach. Depending on what music you like, you might even be better off going somewhere else.

EDIT: On that, what do you want out of your music degree? Musicology, composition, performance, etc.?

[YellowTongue]

I'm interested in classical music. I play tuba and trombone, and would love to pursue a career as an orchestral musician.

[spectroscopy]

i cant speak too much for monash, but from my experience with teachers from VCA (which is aligned with the melbourne conservatorium) is that the teachers there are really awesome, really passionate, and heaps of them perform in orchestras (like the MSO) as well as teach (im sure monash is similiar). my experience is mostly from teachers who are ex-VCA and perform in orchestras and stuff like that, as well as small talk with vca staff at competitions (south street etc.) also the teachers who i have talked to who used to teach there, seemed to really veer towards classical music performance, rather than pop music. i have been shut down many times at the idea of performing a pop song LOL. so i know mcm would be good for classical enthusiasts.
just my 2 cents, i havent been involved in music for a few years now so my shit may be outdated

[ninwa]

I'm interested in classical music. I play tuba and trombone, and would love to pursue a career as an orchestral musician.

Disclaimer: my piano teacher is a lecturer at the VCA so my view is obviously going to be a bit biased.

As a Monash student it really pains me to say this but I think the UoM music course is far superior to the Monash one. They have really excellent staff and a decent program.

I had a quick look and this is UoM's head of brass. Clearly a highly qualified person with an impressive career as a professional trombonist. Monash's head of brass on the other hand is Dr Kenji Fujimura. Nothing against Kenji but he's a classical pianist so why he runs the brass program I have no idea???

I used to be very active in the music scene - I did a lot of competitions and concerts, at regional, state, national and international levels and so obviously met a lot of highly talented musicians. Every single Victorian I met at those competitions was a University of Melbourne music student or graduate!

The only Monash music students I know are either

• combined music + law or commerce students who were never intending to pursue a career in music, they just wanted something that would be a break from their law or commerce degrees and UoM doesn't offer double degrees, or
• someone used to go to UoM but had a fallout with the Dean and moved to Monash out of spite lol. He's an amazing musician who would have done well at any uni though

So if you go to UoM, I know you'll also be surrounded by good students.

[keltingmeith]

I'd have to disagree with nina just because Monash does have a rather good program, depending on what you're looking for.

However, if you're interested in classical music, Melbourne is the place to go to, hands down.

[YellowTongue]

Thanks for your comments. Looks like I'm going to Melbourne  Unless I change my mind and decide to study law or commerce...

[spectroscopy]

Thanks for your comments. Looks like I'm going to Melbourne  Unless I change my mind and decide to study law or commerce...

in melbournes bachelor of music you still have to do breadth so you can take a commerce sequence or some law electives too

[ninwa]

I'd have to disagree with nina just because Monash does have a rather good program, depending on what you're looking for.

I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying UoM is better

Unless I change my mind and decide to study law or commerce...

Don't sell your soul!

[YellowTongue]

Don't sell your soul!

I wouldn't even consider studying law or commerce....

[keltingmeith]

I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying UoM is better

Once again, does depend. Monash's jazz program is a lot better than Melbourne's (if they actually have a jazz program... Haven't heard of one existing, tbh)