Bachelor of Music

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) teaches students to both preserve musical heritage and pioneer new trends, preparing them directly for a dynamic global music industry. Delivered within New Zealand's largest tertiary music school, students learn from top instrument instructors, recognized composers, and music historians.

Through small tutorials, studio workshops, and large ensemble pairings, the degree builds vital collaborative skills and creative confidence. Active partnerships with industry organizations continuously bridge the classroom with leading local and international artists.

Specialization Pathways

The programme requires students to complete one dedicated specialization baseline:

• Performance: Advanced vocal or instrumental training. (Semester 1 start only)
• Jazz: Practical mastery of jazz technique, improvisation, and ensemble work. (Semester 1 start only)
• Composition: Creative formulation of classical, contemporary, and electronic works. (Semester 1 start only)
• Songcraft and Music Production: Focused studio creation, songwriting, and modern engineering tools. (Semester 1 start only)
• Musicology: Deep academic investigation into music history, cultures, and global expressions. (Semester 1 or 2 start)
• Music Education: Pedagogical training designed for aspiring studio and school environment teachers. (Semester 1 or 2 start)

What You'll Study

The degree is composed of 360 points (typically 24 courses). While individual specializations change specific paper structures, the cross-year layout follows a regular baseline:

Year 1 (Stage I Foundations):

• Core Studies: Multi-genre music theory courses and contemporary music culture models.
• Specialization Papers: Introductory courses dedicated to your chosen track.
• General Education: 1 x General Education course (Waipapa Taumata Rau: Introduction to Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, Arts and Education is recommended).

Year 2 (Stage II Development):

• Intermediate Specialization: Mid-level technical and studio papers.
• Elective Pathways: Tailored explorations into complementary fields such as sonic arts, music production, or music history.

Year 3 (Stage III Advanced):

• Advanced Mastery: High-level specialized execution, requiring at least 75 points above Stage II.
• General Education & Breadth: Final 15-point General Education requirement plus approved elective courses from across the university.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Elite Mentorship: Direct classroom access to industry-connected professionals, conductors, and international guests.
• Conjoint Flexibility: Seamlessly blend deep musical study with a secondary field like Law, Science, or Commerce.
• Postgraduate Launchpad: Provides an immediate platform to step into a Bachelor of Music (Honours), Master of Music (MMus), or a PhD.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Thresholds: Successful completion of NCEA Level 3 with UE, a GCE A Level score of CCC, or an IB Diploma score of 26.
• Audition & Portfolio Thresholds:
  • Selection into Performance, Jazz, Composition, and Songcraft and Music Production requires an audition or portfolio submission.
  • Specializations in Musicology or Music Education have no audition or portfolio requirements.
• Limited Entry: This is a limited-entry programme, and final acceptance is determined by academic ranking alongside practical submissions.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no individual band below 5.5.