Wollongong Conservatorium of Music was originally established in 1972 as a branch of the NSW Conservatorium of Music (now Sydney Conservatorium of Music) and was known as the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, Wollongong Branch.

Initially it occupied premises in the Wesley Methodist Church Youth Centre in central Wollongong. In 1981 the Conservatorium relocated to Gleniffer Brae, adjacent to the University of Wollongong and the then Institute of Education.

In 1984 the Conservatorium amalgamated with the University of Wollongong and assumed the title of Wollongong University Conservatorium of Music, with administrative responsibilities vested in a Board of Management.

In 1990 the UOW School of Creative Arts took over the management of the Conservatorium, with the Head of School becoming the Director. Following a UOW review in 1996, the Conservatorium became an incorporated body, fully owned by the University, eventually becoming a ‘stand-alone’ company with a board of directors.

Following a period of financial instability in 2007/8 the senior management of the Conservatorium was replaced and the board was restructured. This arrangement continues with financial support being provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the University of Wollongong.