Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Music

The overall aim of the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Music programme is to equip graduates, who may have majored in a different discipline, with the skills and knowledge that fulfil the expectations of the contemporary music industry, its practitioners and clients.

Graduate Certificate students will broaden their knowledge and focus on a targeted area of contemporary music which will enhance their professional skills or allow them to staircase to further study.

Students must choose a minimum of 120 credits from the following schedule of level 6 and 7 papers. At least 75 of the 120 credits must be at level 7. The remaining credits may be chosen from level 6 or 7, with a maximum of 45 credits at level 6.

Level 6 Electives

BCM200 Music Industry Studies

This paper aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and operations of the New Zealand and international popular music industry, and to examine some contemporary issues facing the industry.  It also deals with agreements and contracts relevant to the music industry, and includes analysis of representative types of agreements and contracts. It will prepare performers and composers entering the music industry to be able to manage their business activities and market their work.  The paper will teach the basic principles of small business management and self employment pertinent to practitioners in the music industry, and outline the processes for development of a business and marketing plan.

BCM230 Contemporary Music Theory 2

This paper aims to develop to a higher level the theory concepts presented in BCM130, Contemporary Music Theory I.  It will continue the development of students' abilities to apply these concepts through the writing of a music analysis essay. Aural skills, introduced in BCM130, will also be developed further.

BCM240 Contemporary Style Analysis

This paper aims to provide student with insight into major contemporary music styles (e.g. blues, rock, funk, jazz/fusion, grunge, techno, contemporary classical) by analysing harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, timbral and formal elements pertaining to particular styles.  Students will be taught to identify the characteristic features of disparate styles, and given the required theoretical and practical techniques to analyse these styles accurately.

BCM250 Practical Studies 3

This paper aims to provide the opportunity for students to begin developing their own direction as contemporary musicians within their chosen subject of specialisation.  There will be consolidation of the knowledge and techniques introduced in Practical Studies 1 and 2 in performance, technical extension, theory applications and musicianship skills applicable to the area of specialisation.  Students will also be introduced to presentational requirements through concerts, recording and workshops. At this level the focus is on performance of specific genre in contemporary music.

BCM251 Practical Studies 4

The aim of this paper is to provide the opportunity for students to continue developing their own direction as contemporary musicians within their chosen subject of specialisation. There is a continuation of teaching in practical techniques, technical extension, theory applications, musicianship skills, musical professionalism, and performance applicable to the area of specialisation. At this level the focus is on performance of specific genre in contemporary music.

BCM254 Singer Songwriter Studies 1

This paper aims to provide the opportunity for students to take responsibility in regard to integrating knowledge and skills developed in the previous BCM140 Songwriting paper and/or previous relevant songwriting skills through the creation and performance examples of six new songs composed for various settings as contemporary singer songwriters.

BCM255 Singer Songwriter Studies 2

This paper will integrate and extend skills developed in the previous semester through the creation and performance examples of six new songs specifically designed for working scenarios. It will also foster inter-disciplinary collaborations through working on projects with other creative areas, such as drama and/or digital media.

BCM270 Music Education Studies 1

This paper aims to introduce students to teaching music. It will examine the skills and techniques related to different ages and contexts of teaching practice. Students will have the opportunity to observe and reflect upon music teaching in a variety of contexts, as well as plan and execute a lesson designed for a particular context. It will also provide students with the opportunity to develop a business plan for a small business that is related to music teaching

BCM271 Music Education Studies 2

This paper aims to introduce students to music education in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It will examine the history of music education in New Zealand and current perspectives. It will also explore other aspects relating to music education, such as multicultural music education, music therapy, and the informal learning practices of popular musicians.

Level 7 Electives

BCM320 Music in Contemporary Culture

This paper aims to provide students with critical thinking skills and research techniques. The paper is built around four special topics, each will explore different issues that are part of current popular musicology. The emphasis will be on popular music's role in society and developing appropriate research methodology and analytical skills.

BCM330 Contemporary Music Theory 3

This paper aims to develop to a higher level the theory concepts presented in BCM230, Contemporary Music Theory II, and in a variety of musical contexts related to contemporary music. It will continue the development of students' abilities to apply these concepts through the writing of a music analysis essay. Aural skills will be developed to an advanced level. Assessment will involve both written and practical components.

BCM350 Practical Studies 5

The aim of this paper is to provide the opportunity for students to take responsibility for a personal presentation based around their specialization towards a high-standard music performance showcasing diversity.

BCM351 Practical Studies 6

The aim of this paper is to provide the opportunity for students to participate in a group tour to selected venues in the South Island of New Zealand.

BCM354 Singer Songwriter Studies 3

This paper aims to provide the opportunity for students to take responsibility in regard to integrating knowledge and skills developed in the previous year through the creation of a thirty minute album of new songs.

BCM355 Singer Songwriter Studies 4

This paper aims to provide students with the opportunity to participate in a tour to selected venues in the South Island performing and showcasing new songs developed throughout the year.

BAP355 Specialist Audio

This paper aims to provide students with the opportunity to specialise in a field of audio that may not be directly related to audio production.

BCM360 Project

This paper aims to provide students with the ability to research a topic correctly, collecting, assessing, and reporting the results in an appropriate academic manner.

BCM370 Music Education Studies 3

This paper aims to critically examine philosophical, historical, and social issues relating to music and music education. The paper will examine specific pedagogies in music education, such as Orff, Suzuki, Dolmetsch, Bartok and Kodály. A further element of this paper will be reflection on the student’s own experiences of music education and evaluation and examination of a current music education practitioner.

BCM371 Music Education Studies 4

This paper will develop advanced teaching skills for the teaching of music in specific contexts. It will develop the skills and techniques related to different ages and contexts of teaching practice. Students will have the opportunity to plan and execute a series of lessons designed for particular contexts and to reflect upon their teaching practice. 

Academic Qualification

Entry is open to degree graduates.  However, those who are able to demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or educational experience of an appropriate kind may be granted admission.

In addition, all applicants must gain approval from the programme manager regarding paper selection, and any applicable pre requisite requirements. Where the requisite knowledge or skill does not exist to allow direct entry into a Level 6 or 7 paper, some Level 5 study may be required in addition to the credit requirements.

Additional Criteria

In addition, the following requirements may apply to applicants:

Applicants intending to specialise in practical performance are required to attend a live audition, or to provide a high quality CD or DVD. The audition performance should be of 10 to15 minutes duration, and display the performers ability in three contrasting pieces and or styles on one or more chosen instruments of specialisation and or voice, in addition an aural and theoretical test will be undertaken.

Applicants are required to provide two confidential references from people who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation.

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence of having successfully completed English instruction to a level deemed appropriate by the head of faculty. Evidence may include official transcripts and/or recognised English test results, such as IELTS and TOEFL.

The Head of Faculty will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the degree programme. If there are more applicants than places available, students will be selected primarily on level of achievement in music performance, musicianship and theory, and or technical knowledge and skills.

All enrolments in the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Music are at the discretion of the programme manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty and teaching staff, as required.

In order to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Music, the student will have been credited with papers and electives from the schedule of papers (60 credits).

The student completing the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Music will normally be expected to complete the half-year programme (full-time equivalent) within three years.

Notwithstanding above, the Head of Faculty, with the approval and recommendation of the Board of Studies, may allow a student a longer period to complete the programme.