Dean, Elder Conservatorium of Music & School of Performing Arts

As one of Australia's oldest, most esteemed music schools, the Elder Conservatorium of Music & School of Performing Arts is a national leader in shaping exceptional musicians, innovative educators, and a vibrant musical culture. Uniting rich tradition and innovative performance, it empowers creative thinkers in music and the performing arts to transform their passion into professional success.

As part of Adelaide University's College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities, the School offers both undergraduate and postgraduate study across subjects such as classical performance, jazz, popular music, composition, sonic arts, music theatre, music education, as well as contemporary fields including digital technologies and sound design. Uniquely, the School also hosts the Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music, the Australian String Quartet, the Australian Music Examination Board for South Australia, and a high-profile public event agenda.

With vision and ambition, the Dean will continue the School’s growth trajectory and build institution reputation through its programs, research capacity, public presence and external engagement. With a passion for innovation, differentiation and excellence, the Dean will engage academic colleagues, the world of music and the broader community in realising those opportunities.

This role offers an unrivalled opportunity for an established leader with recognition and credibility in public performance, research or music education. With delegated powers for resource management and academic performance, candidates will demonstrate the intellectual, strategic and operational leadership qualities to engage academic colleagues, students and external stakeholders in shaping a long-term strategy that will position the School as a hub of performance and academic excellence.

To learn more about this unique opportunity please contact our advising consultants Alun Parry, Vicky Garvey and Dr Margot Courtillat at Boyden on +61 2 9225 7400, or Margot.Courtillat@boyden.com

Applications close Monday 22nd June 2026