The principal objective of the conservatorium is to prepare gifted students for a professional career in music.
It opened to students on 6 March 1916 as the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, with Henri Verbrugghen as its first Director. A specialist high school opened in 1919. The model of music education across secondary, tertiary, and community sectors continues to this day.
Past directors include Dr Edgar Bainton, Sir Eugene Goossens, Sir Bernard Heinze, Joseph Post, Rex Hobcroft, John Painter, and John Hopkins. Professor Sharman Pretty is the current principal and dean.