Western Sydney's talented music students will soon be able to enrol in world-class courses at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's new Parramatta teaching and research centre.
Supported by a $2 million strategic grant from the NSW Government, in 2026 the University of Sydney will open an innovative, high-tech facility of the Conservatorium in Parramatta.
The University of Sydney is investing $30 million into the development of the Parramatta facility.
For well over a century, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been located on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD.
As Western Sydney grows, students are increasingly travelling across the city to attend classes. From second semester 2026 The Con, as it is affectionately known, will have a second facility in Parramatta CBD.
This historic expansion, the first in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's 110-year history, will deliver world-class musical education opportunities to the region's community seeking future careers in music, film, culture and the arts.
The facility will have a boutique, 60-seat live music auditorium. Outside of teaching hours, local artists and community will be able to utilise the Dolby-Atmos recording studio and music practice facilities.
The investment aligns with the NSW Government's commitment to strengthen cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney and deliver more funding for the creative sector, to enable local creative practice to thrive with a highly skilled cultural workforce.
Minister for Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham said:
"We already know that the next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of commuting into the Sydney CBD, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.
"The Con at Parramatta will support the development of new voices, new stories and new audiences.
"And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city."
Vice Chancellor of University of Sydney, Mark Scott said:
"The expansion reflects the university's commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change.
"We know it's a challenging time for music education in Australia. That's why we're proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta - a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and we're committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators."
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:
"Parramatta is increasingly becoming the cultural centre of Sydney, with the Powerhouse and Riverside Theatre developments, the success of National Theatre of Parramatta, WestPhil, RiverCity Voices and the magnetism of vibrant areas of Church Street, Phillip Street and Parramatta Square.
"The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Parramatta teaching and research space will be a great addition to the city.
"I welcome the University of Sydney extending the footprint of the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music to Parramatta. This initiative will make it easier for Western Sydney residents to access learning opportunities for those seeking careers in digital and contemporary music technology fields, as well as the broader arts and culture sector."
Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn said:
"Arts and music shape culture and foster a truly innovative and creative New South Wales. I am pleased the Minns Labor Government is supporting the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Parramatta campus.
"Western Sydney is a truly dynamic region, bursting with creativity. Having quality arts and music education here provides a great opportunity for young people to explore their creative skills and pursue a creative career."
