Music (2023)

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.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(Mus) and GradDip(Mus)
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(Mus), PGDip(Mus), BA(Hons), BMus(Hons), MA and MMus
• Prescriptions for the MPhil
• Prescriptions for the PhD and DMA
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 500 Level
• 800 Level
• 900 Level

• Prescriptions for the 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.

• Prescriptions for the 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 a research foundations paper, and either a 120 point thesis or a composition portfolio, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

  Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis or a composition portfolio, or a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

• Prescriptions for the 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.

• Prescriptions for the 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 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.

• 100 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ARTSC112	Music, Sound and Human Communication	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  Every day we communicate using complex linguistic and musical systems. This paper will explore the role of sound and music in human communication and the cognitive, social, and cultural processes, which underlie such communication. The paper takes a broad, interdisciplinary look at all aspects of sound and musical communication, fr...
  MAORI102	He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23G (Online)
  An introduction to the Maori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Maori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary society.
  MAORI157	Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Haka	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Maori world.
  MUSIC101	Secondary Performance Studies 1	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice and broaden their repertoire knowledge and performance opportunities at Friday performance hour sessions.
  MUSIC112	1000 years of Music	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques.
  MUSIC115	Composition 1	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development; harmonic understanding; two-part counterpoint. Computer technology will be used as a composition and publishing tool.
  MUSIC116	Harmony and Counterpoint and Musicianship	15.0	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga)
  A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through sightsinging, dictation and keyboard skills.
  MUSIC118	Performance Techniques 1	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  This paper introduces the fundamental techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument - piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar or voice, orchestral winds and brass.
  MUSIC120	Performance 1	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  This paper continues to develop the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform proficiently in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
  MUSIC121	Classical Collaborations	15.0	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga)
  This paper provides practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations, sonata duo, piano duet, piano trio, string quartet, vocal ensemble, as well as orchestral and choral practice, and, for keyboard players, continuo and accompanying skills.
  MUSIC122	Musical Collaborations	15.0	23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga)
  This paper is about collaborating with sound. Join the jazz big band, or form a musical ensemble (band, barbershop quartet, jazz trio, brass ensemble, anything at all), receive coaching and prepare for two public performances.
  MUSIC140	Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity	15.0	23A (Online)
  This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic recording and editing techniques; fundamental music studio knowledge; historical, aesthetic and theoretical elements.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  MUSIC201	Secondary Performance Studies 2	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  This course teaches fundamental technical and musical training to facilitate greater proficiency and understanding of your chosen musical instrument.
  MUSIC213	History and Analysis of Music: 1600-1800: Monteverdi to Mozart	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
  A critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods.
  MUSIC215	Composition 2	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical music.
  MUSIC218	Performance Techniques 2	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces advanced performance techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
  MUSIC220	Performance 2	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper develops the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument.
  MUSIC221	Classical Collaborations 2	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  Development of chamber music skills that were introduced in MUSIC121.
  MUSIC222	Orchestration	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use of computer technology to generate orchestral mock-ups and make serviceable recordings is also taught.
  MUSIC227	Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra/Jazz Big Band Ensemble	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and the University Big Band. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral/jazz techniques and discipline, and relevant vocal, orchestral, and jazz big band repertoire.
  MUSIC240	Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals	15.0	23B (Online)
  An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation.
  MUSIC250	Language for Singers	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German.
  THSTS212	Developing Text and Action	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and performance, students will engage with the creation and performance of new theatrical work, leading to performance assessment.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ALPSS390	Directed Study	15.0	23X (Hamilton)
  This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
  MUSIC301	Secondary Performance Studies Class	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument through weekly classes, and broadens repertoire, knowledge and performance ability through Friday Performance Hour sessions.
  MUSIC315	Composition 3	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of twentieth century and twenty first century compositional ideas, techniques and technologies.
  MUSIC318	Performance Techniques 3	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  The development of advanced performance techniques.
  MUSIC320	Performance 3	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper teaches more advanced techniques which enable students to perform more proficiently in a public arena on the chosen instrument.
  MUSIC321	Classical Collaborations 3	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  This paper provides advanced practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations and may also include orchestral and choral practice, and, for keyboard players, continuo and accompanying skills.
  MUSIC323	Performance, Creative or Research Project	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project.
  MUSIC327	Performance Ensemble 2	15.0	23D (Hamilton)
  This course comprises two streams: University Chamber Orchestra and University Chamber Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral techniques and discipline, and relevant vocal and orchestral repertoire. Entry to the Orchestra by application.
  MUSIC340	Music Technology 3: Creative Project	15.0	23A (Online)
  This paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to extend creative musical skills, technical expertise, and artistic understanding.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  ALPSS590	Directed Study	30.0	23X (Hamilton)
  This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
  MUSIC501	The Aesthetics of Music	30.0	23D (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC504	Professional Performance Practice	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC514	Composition Portfolio	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC522	Composition Studies	90.0	23D (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC524	Advanced Performance	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC525	Advanced Opera Studies	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  Advanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a career in opera, providing immersive, holistic training, audition and performance opportunities and access to international tutors.
  MUSIC528	Performance Studies	90.0	23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC592	Dissertation	60.0	23X (Hamilton)
  A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
  MUSIC593	Performance Composition Portfolio	90.0	23X (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital.
  MUSIC594	Music Thesis	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

• 800 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  MUSIC800	Music MPhil Thesis	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  MUSIC900	Music PhD Thesis	120.0	23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC901	Music Creative Practice PhD Thesis	120.0	23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MUSIC994	DMA Thesis and Performance	120.0	23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.