A new partnership between the University of New England and New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) could result in more students remaining in Armidale to study music.

Under the arrangement NECOM will provide one-on-one tuition to UNE Bachelor of Music students.

Students often move to a city-based university such as Sydney or Melbourne, that provide instrumental tuition through their conservatoriums, but this initiative gives local students a similar option, allowing them to stay in the region.

UNE has designed a series of new units that will allow students studying the fully online Bachelor of Music to take advantage of the new arrangement.

UNE music lecturer, Alana Blackburn, believes the partnership is unique for a regional university and has many benefits for students.

“All of the practical components of the degree will be provided by NECOM as part of students’ tuition fees, “ she said.

“It allows us to offer a level of flexibility that is not readily available elsewhere, and we hope that will help draw people to Armidale to study a Bachelor of Music at UNE.”

Ms Blackburn said many high school students from the region already engaged with NECOM via its many ensembles, workshops, and through private tuition.

“This arrangement will allow them to remain in Armidale to continue their musical education, with the added benefit of having their progress and performances assessed as part of their Bachelor of Music degree,” she said.

Photo: UNE Bachelor of Music student Randall Bollenhagen.