in music technology and contemporary music performance. Melba continued to produce classical and contemporary music performers and other music professionals well equipped to pursue a variety of careers at local community, national and international level. Students spent more than half of their course time in performance and/or studio related activities under the guidance of a small specialist staff, dedicated to providing students with a supportive and professional environment in which to learn and develop as musicians. Closure and legacy After a little more than a century, the Melba Conservatorium ceased teaching at the end of 2008. However, it finds its continuing expression in the form of Melba Opera Trust. Melba Opera Trust embodies precisely the same purposes and values that have sustained the Conservatorium for 108 years, nurturing young singers by supporting the development of young Australian opera singers with exceptional promise. On the closure of the Conservatorium, its assets were liquidated as a contribution to the capital base of the newly established Melba Opera Trust. Ongoing scholarships The Alfred Ruskin Memorial Award was established in 2004 and continues in perpetuity. In 2012, the trust established the Harold Blair Opera Scholarship in honour of Aboriginal opera singer Harold Blair, to provide young Indigenous singers with artistic development, mentoring and performance opportunities. The inaugural scholarship was won by Tiriki Onus, who also won it in the following year. Other scholarships include the Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship, Melba Opera Trust Scholarships, and others. Patron The Patron of the Conservatorium was Dame Nellie Melba's granddaughter, Pamela, Lady Vestey. Notable alumni Gertrude Johnson – soprano and founder of the National Theatre. Harold Blair – tenor and Aboriginal activist. Deirdre Cash – torch singer and novelist Louise Hanson-Dyer (née Smith) – pianist and founder of music publishing company Éditions de l'Oiseau-Lyre. Peggy Glanville-Hicks – composer George Dreyfus – composer Raja Ram (musician) - composer, founder TIP Records Christian O'Brien – composer and guitarist of indie pop band Alpine (band). References External links Official Website Education in Melbourne Music schools in Australia Classical music in Australia Victoria University, Melbourne Nellie Melba