Adelaide Elder Conservatory of Music, Adelaide

The Elder Conservatorium of Music, often referred to as "The Con," is Australia's most senior academy of music, located in the heart of Adelaide. Established in 1883 with a philanthropic gift from Sir Thomas Elder, the Conservatorium is one of the oldest music institutions in the Southern Hemisphere. It has played a crucial role in the development and nurturing of South Australia's rich musical culture.

As a cornerstone of the University of Adelaide, the Elder Conservatorium has grown in prestige and scope over the years, evolving into a 21st-century music training institution of national significance. It offers a wide-ranging curriculum that covers various musical disciplines, including classical and jazz performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music education, and music technology. The Conservatorium is also known for its focus on diverse musical genres, from classical and jazz to popular and Aboriginal music, and more recently, Music Theatre.

Under the leadership of Professor Anna Goldsworthy, the Conservatorium remains committed to excellence in music education and performance, contributing significantly to Australia's musical landscape. The Elder Music Library, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, supports this mission with an extensive collection of nearly 30,000 books, over 120,000 music scores, and around 22,000 sound recordings, making it an invaluable resource for students, educators, and researchers alike.

With a history rooted in tradition and a forward-looking approach to music education, the Elder Conservatorium continues to be a vital institution in Australia’s cultural and educational spheres, shaping the future of music in South Australia and beyond.