Year One
BCM100 World Music Perspectives
Historical, cross cultural and indigenous perspectives on twentieth century world music. Provides an introduction to ethnomusicology and ethnomusicological approaches to the study of music. It will look at issues of reproduction, representation, hybridity, globalisation and localisation, authenticity, tradition and change and the role of the mass media. Students will also be introduced to the fundamental methodologies and practice of academic enquiry, critical thinking and introductory research techniques, which will be developed further in paper BCM320 (year three).
BCM110 Introduction to Music Technology
Provides students with the skills required to operate standard music technology equipment and systems, including sound reinforcement recording systems and music computer applications. There will be an emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with applied practical skills.
BCM120 Popular Music Since 1940
An overview of the major developments within popular music, from the roots of rock ‘n roll through to the global developments for the 1990s. The paper explores inter-relationships between technology, the music industry and musical styles, and examines some of the main approaches towards the study of popular culture. In addition it examines the role of popular music within contemporary society, particularly within the New Zealand context as it relates to both Māori performing traditions and assimilation of a range of international influences and styles.
BCM130 Contemporary Music Theory I
Develops students’ grounding in the basic concepts of music theory in contemporary music theory, and demonstrates the application of these concepts in relation to different musical styles. The paper has a strong focus on the development of aural skills required in the contemporary music world: melodic and rhythmic dictation; chord sequences; and general perception.
GEN100 Introduction to Academic Skills
An introduction to academic writing and presentation requirements for degree level study. It will provide students with the necessary skills to support their learning in other papers in the areas of writing, communicating, and presenting. The use of relevant technology in academic study for both delivery of information and as a source of information is also an element of this paper.
BCM150 Practical Studies 1
Establishes the basic practical techniques, technical routines, theory applications and musicianship skills pertaining to the students chosen area of specialisation.
BCM151 Practical Studies 2
Provides 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 in performance, technical extension, theory applications and musicianship skills applicable to the instrumental major.
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 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
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 Songwriting paper and/or previous relevant songwriting 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 songwriting 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 Songwriting
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 songwriting career development.
BCM355 Songwriter Studies 4
This paper is a synthesis of technical skills, live production, event management, and songwriting 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.