Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Ara Institute of Canterbury
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Bachelor of Music

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Duration

3 years

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Christchurch - City Campus

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Summary

Music careers can take many forms, from performing and composing to producing, teaching and managing creative projects. Here, you’ll build your practice through practical music-making, collaboration and focused development in performance, music creation or production.

Alongside your specialist pathway, you’ll explore theory, musicianship, sound, cultural contexts and music industry practice. You’ll work towards practical musical outcomes, including a self-driven creative project that can involve performance, recording, composition or other professional outputs.

Key features
  • Three specialist pathways:

    Choose a focused pathway in music performance, creation or production.

  • Performance-ready spaces:

    Perform every day in dedicated music facilities including studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces.

  • Professional musician tutors:

    Learn through one-on-one coaching with tutors who are working professional musicians.

  • Audio course collaboration:

    Collaborate with MAINZ DJ and audio engineering students on shared music projects.

What you'll learn
  • Music performance, creation or production
  • Music theory and musicianship
  • Sound and recording practices
  • Ensemble and collaborative music-making
  • Jazz, contemporary, percussion or classical/band studies
  • Multimedia music and sonic design
  • Contextual and cultural studies
  • Kaupapa Māori, Te Ao Māori and mātauranga Māori principles
  • Music industry and business practice
  • Capstone project development
  • Elective options across music and creative fields

Music audition dates:

  • September 28-30
  • Novemer 30 - December 2
  • Late Applications Accepted

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

Additional Requirements

You are also required to:

  • Attend an audition to evaluate musical skills (Music Performance pathway). The audition will include a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview
  • Supply a portfolio of musical outputs (Music Creation / Music Production pathways) and attend an interview / theory / aural test
Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Selection Requirements

All applicants are sbject to a selection process to ensure suitability for this degree

Applicants are auditioned, which includes a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview

The audition panel is comprised of the programme leader and specialist tutors from the degree programme. Applicants are ranked based on their audition score.

Depending on that ranking, applicants will be offered a place in the degree (or another programme) subject to any pending entry requirements being met (NCEA results etc)

An offer of place on the degree may be conditional on the completion of a short course (e.g. summer theory school) or other recommended tuition

To ensure a balanced programme, specific numbers of each instrument are accepted each year

Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking (within those instruments)

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