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.

Note:

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.

Note on Assessment:

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 titlePoints
ARTSC112Music, Sound and Human Communicationright arrow

Every day we communicate using complex linguistic and musical systems. This paper will explore the role of sound and music in human communication and...

1525B (Online)
MAORI102He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori Worldright arrow

An introduction to the Māori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Māori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary...

1525A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton) & 25G (Online)
MAORI157Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Hakaright arrow

An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Māori world.

1525B (Hamilton) & 25X (Hamilton) & 25X (Tauranga)
MUSIC101Secondary Performance Studies 1right arrow

Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice and broaden their repertoire knowledge and performance...

1525D (Hamilton)
MUSIC102Jazz Improvisation Combo 1right arrow

This performance-based course will focus on the development of instrumental technique and Jazz improvisation skills through the in-depth study of...

15No occurrences
MUSIC1121000 years of Musicright arrow

An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques.

1525A (Hamilton) & 25A (Secondary School - Unistart)
MUSIC115Composition 1right arrow

The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development...

1525B (Hamilton)
MUSIC116Harmony and Counterpoint and Musicianshipright arrow

A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through...

1525D (Hamilton)
MUSIC118Performance Techniques 1right arrow

This paper introduces the fundamental techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument - piano...

1525A (Hamilton)
MUSIC120Performance 1right arrow

This paper continues to develop the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform proficiently in a public arena on your chosen instrument.

1525A (Hamilton) & 25B (Hamilton)
MUSIC121Classical Collaborationsright arrow

This paper provides practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations, sonata duo, piano duet, piano trio, string...

1525D (Hamilton)
MUSIC122Musical Collaborationsright arrow

This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and University Big Band. The course will cover...

1525D (Hamilton)
MUSIC140Audio Tech: Communication and Creativityright arrow

This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic...

1525A (Hamilton) & 25A (Online)
time

2025 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 30 Apr 2025 01:00am