Year One
BCM501 Music Theory and Aural 1
Develops students’ understanding in the main concepts of music theory and aural. In music theory the focus will be on common rhythmic values and groupings, scale types, intervals, modes, and chords. Students will develop a musical vocabulary to discuss notated music. The development of aural skills in melodic, rhythmic, interval and chord recognition will be enriched by basic keyboard skills in chord and scale construction.
BCM502 Music Technology 1
Provides students with the skills required to operate standard music technology equipment, including sound reinforcement systems, recording software and hardware, and other music computer applications. There will be an emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with applied practical skills. This paper is intended to equip students with a wide base of practical and applied theoretical knowledge of audio and music technology as they relate to the music industry.
BCM503 Contemporary Composition Studies 1
Provides students with an overview of musical composition and arranging methods by examining a variety of creative processes and concepts. Students will present their arrangements and compositions using industry standard recording, production and notation software. The creative processes will be documented and examined.
BCM504 Practical Studies 1
Develops skills in performing and reading notation in a contemporary music context in relation to an instrumental major (including voice). Students will receive weekly individual lessons on their instrument and perform in ensembles daily. Students will also perform at regular concerts in front of a live audience.
BCM505 Practical Studies 2
Provides the opportunity for students to develop skills in particular genres as contemporary musicians within their chosen instrumental major (including voice). There will be consolidation of the knowledge and techniques introduced in Practical Studies 1 in performance, technical extension, theory applications and musicianship. Students will learn to write musical scores for their instrumental major and work on developing musical professionalism through group work and performances. Students will receive weekly individual lessons on their instrument and perform in ensembles daily. Students will also perform at regular concerts in front of a live audience.
CON501 Contextual Studies 1
Develops knowledge and skills in academic writing and presenting in the context of music and audio creative arts. The students will develop these skills by examining historical, technological, and socio-cultural influences in the development of popular music.
MAI501 Music and Audio Industry Studies
Students will be introduced to the music, audio and related industries internationally and in New Zealand. This paper will examine different roles and how they function within the industries (locally, nationally, and internationally). Students will gain an awareness of the supporting societies and organisations within these industries in New Zealand. Students will learn the basic principles of small business management and self-employment skills pertinent to practitioners in the music and audio industry, along with relevant marketing and promotional skills.
Year Two
BCM200 Music Industry Studies
Provides students with a basic understanding of the structure and operations of the New Zealand and international popular music industry, and examines 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. This 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 II
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 student’s 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
An insight into major contemporary music styles (e.g. blues, rock, funk, traditional Māori, contemporary Māori, various sub-genre of country, 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.
GEN200 Research and Statistics
Prepares students for professional practice by presenting research as a uniting strategy for practice, theory and scholarship. Students will be introduced to several approaches to research, both qualitative and quantitative. Students will also be assisted to develop skills as a beginning researcher. Students will study different types of scientific and interpretative inquiry and personal experience will be used to identify areas in requiring research, and for the utilisation of research findings.
Plus 60 credits selected from:
BCM250 Practical Studies 3
Provides the opportunity for students to begin developing their own direction as contemporary musicians within their chosen major. 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 instrumental major. At this level the focus is on performance of specific genre in contemporary music.
BCM251 Practical Studies 4
Provides the opportunity for students to continue developing their own direction as contemporary musicians within their chosen major. There will be consolidation of the knowledge and techniques introduced in Practical Studies 1-3 in: performance, technical extension, theory applications and musicianship skills applicable to the instrumental major. At this level the focus is on performance of specific genre in contemporary music.
BCM254 Songwriter Studies 1
This paper aims to provide the opportunity for integrating knowledge and skills developed in the BCM140 Song writing paper and/or previous relevant song writing experience. It will develop skills through the creation and performance of new songs composed in different styles using specialised software to write and record this music for dissemination as contemporary songwriters. Students are introduced to studio work and the skills required to record and produce their own songs.
BCM255 Songwriter Studies 2
This paper provides an overview of further song writing skills, writing styles, and production values. This knowledge will be applied to both evaluation of a specific artist and the planning and execution of musical works.
BCM270 Music Education Studies 1
Introduces 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
Introduces 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.
Electives (applicable to Music Education students) - choose one of the following:
BAP125 Electronics
As well as electrical and electromagnetic theory, audio electronics includes the ability to maintain equipment, implement reasonable repairs, and rudimentary circuit construction.
BCM140 Song writing
Provides students with an overview of the craft of song writing by examining a variety of creative processes and compositional concepts. There will be emphasis on formal compositional techniques as well as on structured and intuitive approaches to contemporary song writing. These formal elements will be used in the composition of songs in a variety of styles.
BCM170 DJ Mixing and Turntablism
DJ Mixing and Turntablism are explored, both theoretically and practically, providing an understanding of the processes and techniques. Understanding dance music and the way in which it is performed and reproduced will benefit students if they plan to produce music in the genre.
Elective 1
Any paper level 5 and above to be approved by the Programme Manager
Elective 2
Any paper level 5 and above to be approved by the Programme Manager.
Year Three
BCM320 Music in Contemporary Culture
Learn critical thinking skills and research techniques. The paper is built around five special topics; each will explore different issues that are part of contemporary culture. The emphasis will be on popular music’s role in society and developing appropriate research methodology and analytical skills.
BCM330 Contemporary Music Theory III
This paper aims to develop to a higher level the theory concepts presented in BCM230, Contemporary Music Theory II. 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.
BCM360 Project
Provides students with the ability to research a topic correctly; collecting, assessing, and reporting the results in an appropriate academic manner.
Plus 60 credits selected from:
BCM350 Practical Studies 5
Students to participate in a group tour to selected venues in the South Island of New Zealand.
BCM351 Practical Studies 6
This paper provides the opportunity for students to take responsibility for a high-standard musical concert showcasing performance diversity. The students will design, assemble, transcribe all instruments, direct rehearsals, manage, perform and evaluate a 30-minute concert based around a particular theme.
BCM354 Songwriter Studies 3
This paper sees the student developing their own artistic image through the production of an EP of original works. It also provides the student with an overview of event management skills that can be applied to their own song writing career development.
BCM355 Songwriter Studies 4
This paper is a synthesis of technical skills, live production, event management, and song writing skills. It culminates in a professional, industry standard live performance of original works.
BCM370 Music Education Studies 3
This paper critically examines philosophical, historical, and social issues relating to music and music education. It will examine specific pedagogies in music education, such as Orff, Suzuki, 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
Develops 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.
School Leavers
University Entrance - NCEA Level 3, three subjects at Level 3, made up of:
- 14 credits each, in three NZQA University Entrance approved subjects, and
- Literacy; 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of;five credits in reading and five credits in writing, and
- Numeracy; 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of specified achievement standards through a range of subjects, or a package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627; all three required), or
- Completion of an external or overseas qualification, which is considered to be the equivalent of any of the above qualifications, as approved by the Head of Faculty
Mature Applicants
Mature entry applicants will be the age of 20 by March 1 of the first year of enrolment in the programme, and have provided evidence of relevant prior learning and experience.
Special Admission
An applicant who does not meet academic criteria, may be provisionally admitted to enrol in one or more Year One papers, provided he or she meets the requirements above. Upon successful completion of the papers, the student may apply for special admission or admission by mature entry.
Notwithstanding the above admissions categories, in exceptional circumstances, an applicant below the age of 20 who can show evidence of ability to succeed in the programme may be considered for admission, provided the applicant has successfully completed an approved course or programme which is deemed to prepare graduates for the required academic standard for entry e.g. Certificate in Contemporary Music.
Additional Criteria
In addition, the following requirements apply to applicants in all admissions categories:
All applicants are required to attend a live audition, or to provide a high quality CD or provide links to an audition performance on a shared platform such as Youtube or Dropbox. Once an application is received, applicants will be sent details regarding audition material
Applicants are required to provide two confidential references from people who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation
English Language Requirements
Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following
NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or
an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or
Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or
Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or
Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment
Certificate or Diploma at Level 6 / Diploma or Degree at Level 7 / Graduate Certificate or Diploma at Level 7
- IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE)
- TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
- Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill.
- OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
- NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
- Language Cert - C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than Pass in each skill
- Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than distinction in any band