Music Subject 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:
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GradCert(Mus) and GradDip(Mus) A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Music at an advanced level in their first degree. Each programme of study in Music must include MUSIC112 or equivalent.
For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.
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PGCert(Mus), PGDip(Mus), BA(Hons), BMus(Hons), MA and MMus A Postgraduate Diploma in Music is available in either Composition or Performance. Students must complete either MUSIC504 or MUSIC505.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the BMus(Hons), a student should normally hold a BMus degree and have at least a B average in their 300 level Music papers in the area of intended graduate specialisation or all their undergraduate Music papers.
To complete a BA(Hons) or BMus(Hons) in Music, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally MUSIC591) and at least 30 points from papers listed for Music.
Candidates for the MMus must have at least second class honours (second division) in their BMus(Hons) degrees. The MMus is taken in Composition, Opera or Performance. Students are required to take MUSIC514 or MUSIC524 or MUSIC525.
Candidates for the MA in Music must have completed either:
a) a BA with a major in Music (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
b) a BA(Hons) in Music (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a PGDip in Music (or equivalent) with at least a B average, and
c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Acceptance into the MA is subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor and overall approval from the Programme Convenor.
Completion requirements for the MA in Music vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including ALPSS500 and at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.
Students admitted under b) above must complete 120 points from approved 500-level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.
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MPhil The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
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PhD and DMA The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
The [Doctor of Musical Arts](https://www.waikato.ac.nz/about/calendar/regulations/higher/dma/ is a research degree in which the research component is divided equally between research-based performance and a supporting thesis. The thesis will be conceptually related to the student's performance.
Music papers
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
ARTSC112
Music, 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) |
|
MAORI102
He 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) |
|
MAORI157
Ngā 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) |
|
MUSIC101
Secondary 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) |
|
MUSIC102
Jazz 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 |
|
MUSIC112
1000 years of Music
An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques. |
15 | 25A (Hamilton) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart) |
|
MUSIC115
Composition 1
The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development... |
15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC116
Harmony 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) |
|
MUSIC118
Performance 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) |
|
MUSIC120
Performance 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) |
|
MUSIC121
Classical 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) |
|
MUSIC122
Musical Collaborations
This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover... |
15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC140
Audio 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 | |
|---|---|---|
|
MUSIC201
Secondary 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) |
|
MUSIC213
History 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) |
|
MUSIC215
Composition 2
The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical music. |
15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC218
Performance 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) |
|
MUSIC220
Performance 2
This paper develops the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument. |
15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC221
Classical Collaborations 2
Development of chamber music skills that were introduced in MUSIC121. |
15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC222
Orchestration
A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use... |
15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC226
Musical 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 |
|
MUSIC227
Performance 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) |
|
MUSIC240
Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals
An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation. |
15 | 25B (Online) |
|
MUSIC250
Language for Singers
Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German. |
15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
|
THSTS212
Developing 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 | |
|---|---|---|
|
MUSIC301
Secondary 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) |
|
MUSIC304
Music 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 |
|
MUSIC315
Composition 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) |
|
MUSIC318
Performance Techniques 3
The development of advanced performance techniques. |
15 | 25A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC320
Performance 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) |
|
MUSIC321
Classical 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) |
|
MUSIC323
Performance, Creative or Research Project
The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project. |
15 | 25B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC327
Performance Ensemble 2
This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover... |
15 | 25D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC340
Music 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 | |
|---|---|---|
|
ALPSS500
Academic & 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) |
|
MUSIC501
The Aesthetics of Music
|
30 | No occurrences |
|
MUSIC504
Professional Performance Practice
|
120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC514
Composition Portfolio
|
120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC521
Advanced 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) |
|
MUSIC522
Composition Studies
|
90 | 25D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC523
Advanced 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) |
|
MUSIC524
Advanced Performance
|
120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC525
Advanced 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) |
|
MUSIC528
Performance Studies
|
90 | 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC540
Advanced 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) |
|
MUSIC592
Dissertation
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. |
60 | 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC593
Performance 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) |
|
MUSIC594
Music Thesis
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. |
120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MUSIC800
Music MPhil Thesis
|
120 | 25X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MUSIC900
Music PhD Thesis
|
120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC901
Music Creative Practice PhD Thesis
|
120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC994
DMA Thesis and Performance
|
120 | 25I (Hamilton) & 25J (Hamilton) & 25K (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) |
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ARTSC112 Music, 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...
Points 15An introduction to the Māori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Māori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary...
Points 15An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Māori world.
Points 15Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice and broaden their repertoire knowledge and performance...
Points 15This performance-based course will focus on the development of instrumental technique and Jazz improvisation skills through the in-depth study of...
Points 15An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques.
Points 15The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development...
Points 15A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through...
Points 15This paper introduces the fundamental techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument - piano...
Points 15This paper continues to develop the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform proficiently in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
Points 15This paper provides practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations, sonata duo, piano duet, piano trio, string...
Points 15This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...
Points 15This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic...
Points 15 -
MUSIC201 Secondary Performance Studies 2
This course teaches fundamental technical and musical training to facilitate greater proficiency and understanding of your chosen musical instrument.
Points 15A critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods.
Points 15The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical music.
Points 15This paper introduces advanced performance techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
Points 15This paper develops the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
Points 15Development of chamber music skills that were introduced in MUSIC121.
Points 15A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use...
Points 15This course provides a historical overview of British and American musical theatre and an introduction to the production processes and stagecraft...
Points 15This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...
Points 15An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation.
Points 15Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German.
Points 15This paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and...
Points 15 -
MUSIC301 Secondary Performance Studies Class
This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument through weekly classes, and broadens repertoire...
Points 15This paper requires the completion of a substantial creative project under supervision with a focus on integrating screen imagery and audio.
Points 15This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of...
Points 15The development of advanced performance techniques.
Points 15This paper teaches more advanced techniques which enable students to perform more proficiently in a public arena on the chosen instrument.
Points 15This paper provides advanced practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations and may also include orchestral and choral...
Points 15The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project.
Points 15This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...
Points 15This paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to...
Points 15 -
ALPSS500 Academic & 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...
Points 30This advanced paper focuses on the development of comprehensive chamber music and ensemble skills, and the improvement of musicianship in relation to...
Points 30This advanced paper aims to develop and refine the individual compositional, performance and research skills students have developed in studies at...
Points 30Advanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a...
Points 120This advanced paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques, with a...
Points 30A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
Points 60An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital.
Points 90An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
Points 120 -
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MUSIC900 Music PhD Thesis
Points 120
2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 4 Apr 2025 01:00am