MusicSubject regulations
Whether you have musical skill and ambition or just a sheer love of music, this subject allows you to sharpen your musical talent and appreciation with the guidance of our internationally acclaimed musicians and lecturers. By combining theory with practical tuition, you will learn different styles and techniques that build your skill-base in the areas of music and have countless opportunities for public performance and access to a world-class performing arts venue.
Music is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA). Music may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Music as a single major for the BA, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Music, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include MUSIC112, MUSIC213 and MUSIC314.
To complete Music as part of a double major for the BA or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Music, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include MUSIC112, MUSIC213 and MUSIC314.
To complete a minor in Music, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Music major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.
Music is available in three different streams for the Bachelor of Music (BMus).
Candidates must complete the requirements of the specified programme in Music including MUSIC112, MUSIC115, MUSIC116, MUSIC213, and MUSIC314.
To complete a BMus (Academic), students must complete the required papers and a further 105 points from Music, and 135 points from elective papers.
To complete a BMus (Composition), students must complete MUSIC140 and a further 15 points at 100-level, MUSIC215, MUSIC219, MUSIC222, MUSIC240, MUSIC315, MUSIC323 and MUSIC340, and 105 points from elective papers.
To complete a BMus (Performance), students must complete MUSIC118, MUSIC120, MUSIC121 or MUSIC122, MUSIC218, MUSIC220, MUSIC221, MUSIC227, MUSIC318, MUSIC320, MUSIC321, MUSIC327 and 75 points from elective papers.
All BMus students enrolled in first year Music papers should have skills in reading and writing music to Grade 3 level (NZMEB, AMEB) or Grade 5 (Royal Schools, Trinity College). Students wishing to enter the Performance stream at any level will be required to audition. Candidates must gain at least 60 points at 100 level in any subject(s) before enrolling in Music papers above 100 level, and at least 90 points at 100 and 200 level before enrolling in Music papers above 200 level.
Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences for programme advice.
Failure to achieve a pass in any Performance, Performance Techniques or Chamber Music papers will result in the need to re-audition for entry to Performance or Chamber Music streams.
Other qualifications
Prescriptions for:
Music papers
Code and paper title | Points | |
---|---|---|
ARTSC112Music, Sound and Human Communication Every day we communicate using complex linguistic and musical systems. This paper will explore the role of sound and music in human communication and... | 15 | 25B (Online) |
MAORI102He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World An introduction to the Māori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Māori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary... | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25G (Online) |
MAORI157Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Haka An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Māori world. | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga) |
MUSIC101Secondary Performance Studies 1 Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice and broaden their repertoire knowledge and performance... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC102Jazz Improvisation Combo 1 This performance-based course will focus on the development of instrumental technique and Jazz improvisation skills through the in-depth study of... | 15 | No occurrences |
MUSIC1121000 years of Music An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques. | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart) |
MUSIC115Composition 1 The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development... | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC116Harmony and Counterpoint and Musicianship A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC118Performance Techniques 1 This paper introduces the fundamental techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument - piano... | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
MUSIC120Performance 1 This paper continues to develop the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform proficiently in a public arena on your chosen instrument. | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC121Classical Collaborations This paper provides practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations, sonata duo, piano duet, piano trio, string... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC122Musical Collaborations This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC140Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic... | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) |
Code and paper title | Points | |
---|---|---|
MUSIC201Secondary Performance Studies 2 This course teaches fundamental technical and musical training to facilitate greater proficiency and understanding of your chosen musical instrument. | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC213History and Analysis of Music: 1600-1800: Monteverdi to Mozart A critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC215Composition 2 The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical music. | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
MUSIC218Performance Techniques 2 This paper introduces advanced performance techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument. | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
MUSIC220Performance 2 This paper develops the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument. | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC221Classical Collaborations 2 Development of chamber music skills that were introduced in MUSIC121. | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC222Orchestration A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use... | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
MUSIC226Musical Theatre This course provides a historical overview of British and American musical theatre and an introduction to the production processes and stagecraft... | 15 | No occurrences |
MUSIC227Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra/Jazz Big Band Ensemble This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC240Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation. | 15 | 25B (Online) |
MUSIC250Language for Singers Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German. | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
THSTS212Developing Text and Action This paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and... | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
Code and paper title | Points | |
---|---|---|
MUSIC301Secondary Performance Studies Class This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument through weekly classes, and broadens repertoire... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC304Music and the Screen This paper requires the completion of a substantial creative project under supervision with a focus on integrating screen imagery and audio. | 15 | No occurrences |
MUSIC315Composition 3 This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of... | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC318Performance Techniques 3 The development of advanced performance techniques. | 15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
MUSIC320Performance 3 This paper teaches more advanced techniques which enable students to perform more proficiently in a public arena on the chosen instrument. | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC321Classical Collaborations 3 This paper provides advanced practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations and may also include orchestral and choral... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC323Performance, Creative or Research Project The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project. | 15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC327Performance Ensemble 2 This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover... | 15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC340Music Technology 3: Creative Project This paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to... | 15 | 25A (Online) |
Code and paper title | Points | |
---|---|---|
ALPSS500Academic & Professional Research & Writing In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills... | 30 | 25A (Online) & 25B (Online) |
MUSIC501The Aesthetics of Music | 30 | No occurrences |
MUSIC504Professional Performance Practice | 120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC514Composition Portfolio | 120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC521Advanced Classical Collaborations This advanced paper focuses on the development of comprehensive chamber music and ensemble skills, and the improvement of musicianship in relation to... | 30 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC522Composition Studies | 90 | 25D (Hamilton) |
MUSIC523Advanced Performance, Creative or Research Project This advanced paper aims to develop and refine the individual compositional, performance and research skills students have developed in studies at... | 30 | 25B (Hamilton) |
MUSIC524Advanced Performance | 120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC525Advanced Opera Studies Advanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a... | 120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC528Performance Studies | 90 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC540Advanced Music Technology This advanced paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques, with a... | 30 | 25A (Online) |
MUSIC592Dissertation A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | 60 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC593Performance Composition Portfolio An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital. | 90 | 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC594Music Thesis An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | 120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
Code and paper title | Points | |
---|---|---|
MUSIC800Music MPhil Thesis | 120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
Code and paper title | Points | |
---|---|---|
MUSIC900Music PhD Thesis | 120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC901Music Creative Practice PhD Thesis | 120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
MUSIC994DMA Thesis and Performance | 120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
- ARTSC112Music, Sound and Human Communication
Every day we communicate using complex linguistic and musical systems. This paper will explore the role of sound and music in human communication and...
Points1525B (Online)MAORI102He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori WorldAn introduction to the Māori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Māori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary...
Points1525A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25G (Online)MAORI157Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa HakaAn introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Māori world.
Points1525B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga)MUSIC101Secondary Performance Studies 1Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice and broaden their repertoire knowledge and performance...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC102Jazz Improvisation Combo 1This performance-based course will focus on the development of instrumental technique and Jazz improvisation skills through the in-depth study of...
Points15No occurrencesMUSIC1121000 years of MusicAn introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques.
Points1525A (Hamilton) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart)MUSIC115Composition 1The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development...
Points1525B (Hamilton)MUSIC116Harmony and Counterpoint and MusicianshipA study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC118Performance Techniques 1This paper introduces the fundamental techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument - piano...
Points1525A (Hamilton)MUSIC120Performance 1This paper continues to develop the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform proficiently in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
Points1525A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton)MUSIC121Classical CollaborationsThis paper provides practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations, sonata duo, piano duet, piano trio, string...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC122Musical CollaborationsThis course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC140Audio Tech: Communication and CreativityThis paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic...
Points1525A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online) - MUSIC201Secondary Performance Studies 2
This course teaches fundamental technical and musical training to facilitate greater proficiency and understanding of your chosen musical instrument.
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC213History and Analysis of Music: 1600-1800: Monteverdi to MozartA critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods.
Points1525B (Hamilton)MUSIC215Composition 2The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical music.
Points1525A (Hamilton)MUSIC218Performance Techniques 2This paper introduces advanced performance techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
Points1525A (Hamilton)MUSIC220Performance 2This paper develops the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
Points1525B (Hamilton)MUSIC221Classical Collaborations 2Development of chamber music skills that were introduced in MUSIC121.
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC222OrchestrationA study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use...
Points1525A (Hamilton)MUSIC226Musical TheatreThis course provides a historical overview of British and American musical theatre and an introduction to the production processes and stagecraft...
Points15No occurrencesMUSIC227Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra/Jazz Big Band EnsembleThis course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC240Creative Music Technology 2: Music and VisualsAn introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation.
Points1525B (Online)MUSIC250Language for SingersExploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German.
Points1525D (Hamilton)THSTS212Developing Text and ActionThis paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and...
Points1525B (Hamilton) - MUSIC301Secondary Performance Studies Class
This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument through weekly classes, and broadens repertoire...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC304Music and the ScreenThis paper requires the completion of a substantial creative project under supervision with a focus on integrating screen imagery and audio.
Points15No occurrencesMUSIC315Composition 3This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of...
Points1525B (Hamilton)MUSIC318Performance Techniques 3The development of advanced performance techniques.
Points1525A (Hamilton)MUSIC320Performance 3This paper teaches more advanced techniques which enable students to perform more proficiently in a public arena on the chosen instrument.
Points1525B (Hamilton)MUSIC321Classical Collaborations 3This paper provides advanced practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations and may also include orchestral and choral...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC323Performance, Creative or Research ProjectThe supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project.
Points1525B (Hamilton)MUSIC327Performance Ensemble 2This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...
Points1525D (Hamilton)MUSIC340Music Technology 3: Creative ProjectThis paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to...
Points1525A (Online) - ALPSS500Academic & Professional Research & Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills...
Points3025A (Online) & 25B (Online)MUSIC521Advanced Classical CollaborationsThis advanced paper focuses on the development of comprehensive chamber music and ensemble skills, and the improvement of musicianship in relation to...
Points3025D (Hamilton)MUSIC523Advanced Performance, Creative or Research ProjectThis advanced paper aims to develop and refine the individual compositional, performance and research skills students have developed in studies at...
Points3025B (Hamilton)MUSIC525Advanced Opera StudiesAdvanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a...
Points12025X (Hamilton)MUSIC540Advanced Music TechnologyThis advanced paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques, with a...
Points3025A (Online)MUSIC592DissertationA report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
Points6025X (Hamilton)MUSIC593Performance Composition PortfolioAn externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital.
Points9025X (Hamilton)MUSIC594Music ThesisAn externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
Points12025X (Hamilton) - MUSIC901Music Creative Practice PhD ThesisPoints12025I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)MUSIC994DMA Thesis and PerformancePoints12025I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton)
2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 30 Apr 2025 01:00am