The Conservatorium was first established on 11 September 1972 as a Wollongong branch of the then New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music, with James Powell as first Hon. Principal. The Conservatorium moved its operations to Glennifer Brae in a ceremony marked on 2 June 1980 by then Premier of NSWNeville Wran. Later, the Conservatorium split from its parent organisation, and instead became affiliated with the University of Wollongong, becoming known as the University Conservatorium of Music. In 1996, the Conservatorium split from the University and became incorporated as the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. The Conservatorium commissioned a composition from John Spence in 2004 in order to "mark the launch of a new cultural identity for the steel city." The composition was titled Wollongong Overture. In 2005, the Conservatorium began to consider cutting courses because of the decreased funding it was receiving from the government. The principal of the Conservatorium, Graham Drayton, stated that they were "owed about $45,000 in overdue fees". The Gleniffer Brae property was being considered for sale by the Wollongong City Council in May 2010, though no decision was made and the status of the property has sat in limbo since the consideration was announced. The Conservatorium was reassured that it would "be allowed to stay on as a tenant" in the case of a sale. The University of Wollongong has "expressed an interest in possibly using Gleniffer Brae for creative arts." On 9 June 2012, the Conservatorium celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Description
The conservatorium provides a wide range of programs, instrumental and vocal music tuition in contemporary, classical and jazz styles. It caters for individuals and groups ranging from pre-school to mature-age. Music theory tuition is also provided. Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is one of the largest regional conservatoriums in Australia. It is noted for its long-established Childhood Music Education Program, which caters for around 600 students in the 1–9 years age group. In this program parents or caregivers attend with their children. In the ChiME program alone, 1200 people attend weekly lessons. Another 600 attend other group and individual tuition programs. Teaching programs are complemented by student participation in various instrumental and vocal ensembles, catering to different styles and levels of proficiency, including the BlueScope Steel Youth Orchestra conducted by Nigel Edwards, which has toured internationally. The conservatorium runs over 50 events each year, most featuring students and/or professional artists. Student concerts include Performance Saturday, Instrumental Saturdays, Showcase Concerts, Open Day, Christmas at the Manor and the Mega Band. The Conservatorium's professional concerts focus on and chamber music. The Conservatorium is also active in community music. It hosted a Community Music Conference in partnership with the and maintains an active role in supporting local community music.
