The Conservatorium has been told its lease with the Department of Education will not be renewed when it runs out on December 31, 2022. It has been at the Bultje Street premises since 2003, but now the Conservatourium is in need of a new home.

A Department of Education spokesperson said while the use of the Bultje Street premises had "given the Macquarie Conservatorium stability of tenancy for many years", there was an understanding "the building's primary purpose was for school use".

"As part of its planning for meeting future needs, the Department of Education has given the Conservatorium three-and-a-half years notice that in 2023 the building may be needed to meet the demand of growing primary school enrolment numbers in central Dubbo," the spokesperson said.

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However, the department said it was open to assisting the Conservatorium.

"Should the Conservatorium approach the department, it could assist them securing new premises," the spokesperson said.

In a statement last week, Macquarie Conservatorium Board chair Leanne O'Sullivan said it was "disappointing" and "challenging" news for the Conservatorium, but they understood the Department of Education's priorities to grow the student population in Dubbo.

"The Board of Macquarie Conservatorium will now begin the process of assessing options for a venue that will suit the Conservatorium and the needs of all our students and activities," Ms O'Sullivan said.

The Conservatorim said teaching and performances would continue at the Bultje Street premises right up until the end of our lease in December 2022, unless a new and appropriate venue was found before then.

Music tuition for youth and adults, education programs and performances from national and international artists are all held at the Conservatorium.