Bachelor of Music
Sharpen your musical talent with the guidance of our internationally acclaimed musicians and lecturers when you study a Bachelor of Music at Waikato. With countless opportunities for public performance and access to a world-class performing arts venue, you’ll be learning among the best.

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) is a specialist degree that will suit you if you have musical skill and ambition or just a sheer love of music. Choose an Academic or Performance based programme and learn different styles and techniques that build your skill-base in the areas of music that interest you.
Combining theory with practical tuition, you’ll have access to our specialist teaching facilities, including the acclaimed Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.
The three BMus streams are:
Academic Programme
- Composition
- Digital Music
- Māori Musical Instruments in Traditional and Contemporary Contexts
- Māori Song and Dance in Traditional and Contemporary Contexts
- Western Music History
Performance Programme
- Chamber Music
- Performance
- Performance Techniques
- Western Music History
Composition Programme
- Composition
- Harmony and lyric development
- Performance Techniques
- Digital Music
- Western Music History
Tuition is available in voice, piano, cello, violin, classical guitar, and a range of orchestral instruments.
Key information
Years: | 3.0 |
---|---|
Points: | 360 |
Study Locations: | Hamilton |
Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
Fees (Domestic): |
$7,280 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
Fees (International): | $31,515 per year |
Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
Area of Study: | |
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Bachelor of Music (BMus) Overview
Year 1
One from List A
(see BMus papers below)
100 Level
Elective
100 Level
Elective
100 Level
Elective
Year 2
Any 200 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 200 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 200 Level
MUSIC paper
One from List B
200 Level
Elective
200 Level
Elective
200 Level
Elective
Year 3
Any 300 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 300 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 300 Level
MUSIC paper
One from List C
300 Level
Elective
300 Level
Elective
300 Level
Elective
- Stream
- Compulsory
- Elective
BMus Papers
Open this section to read more
List A
- ARTSC101 Indigenous Social Science Research
- ARTSC103 Rights and Reason
- ARTSC105 Language in Context
- ENSLA103 Undergraduate Research Writing for ESL Students
List B
Any Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies paper, or
- ANTHY101 Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTHY102 New Zealand and the Pacific
- ANTHY201 Ethnicity and Identity
- ANTHY202 The Polynesians: Tāngata o Te Moana
- DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design
- EDUCA200 Te Hononga Tāngata
- ENGLI200 Global Fictions
- FRNCH225 The French-speaking World from Astérix to Zombies
- FRNCH231 French Language Intermediate 1
- GEOGY219 Māori Lands and Communities
- HISTY225 Indigenous Histories: Narratives, Ethics and Decoloniality
- INTLC101 International Languages and Cultures
- INTLC221 Understanding East Asia
- INTLC222 European and Latin American Cultures: Tradition and Modernity
- LEGAL211 International Law: Global and Comparative
- LINGS203 Language, Society and Culture
List C
- ARTSW300 Arts and Cultural Festivals
- ARTSW301 Professional Practice in the Arts
- ARTSW302 Work-Related Arts Research Project
*Please consult our Student Advisors for the correct work-integrated learning paper.
Music papers not linked above
100 Level
- MUSIC101 Secondary Performance Studies 1**
- MUSIC121 Chamber Music 1**
- MUSIC140 Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity
- MUSIC150 New Zealand Music
200 Level
- MUSIC201 Secondary Performance Studies 2**
- MUSIC215 Composition 2
- MUSIC219 Harmony and Counterpoint 2
- MUSIC221 Chamber Music 2**
- MUSIC222 Orchestration
- MUSIC226 Music Theatre
- MUSIC227 Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra
- MUSIC240 Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals
- MUSIC250 Lyric Diction and Language Studies
300 Level
- MUSIC301 Secondary Performance Studies Class**
- MUSIC315 Composition 3
- MUSIC321 Chamber Music 3**
- MUSIC323 Advanced Composition Studies
- MUSIC327 Performance Ensemble 2
- MUSIC340 Creative Music Technology 3: Creative Project
- MUSIC390 Directed Study
** Entry to these papers is by audition.
Degree planner — BMus Academic Stream
Year 1
One from
List A
100 Level
Elective
100 Level
Elective
100 Level
Elective
Year 2
One from
List B
Any 200 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 200 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 200 Level
MUSIC paper
200 Level
Elective
200 Level
Elective
200 Level
Elective
Year 3
One from
List C
Any 300 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 300 Level
MUSIC paper
Any 300 Level
MUSIC paper
300 Level
Elective
300 Level
Elective
300 Level
Elective
- Stream
- Compulsory
- Elective
BMus Papers
Open this section to read more
List A
- ARTSC101 Indigenous Social Science Research
- ARTSC103 Rights and Reason
- ARTSC105 Language in Context
- ENSLA103 Undergraduate Research Writing for ESL Students
List B
Any Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies paper, or
- ANTHY101 Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTHY102 New Zealand and the Pacific
- ANTHY201 Ethnicity and Identity
- ANTHY202 The Polynesians: Tāngata o Te Moana
- DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design
- EDUCA200 Te Hononga Tāngata
- ENGLI200 Global Fictions
- FRNCH225 The French-speaking World from Astérix to Zombies
- FRNCH231 French Language Intermediate 1
- GEOGY219 Māori Lands and Communities
- HISTY225 Indigenous Histories: Narratives, Ethics and Decoloniality
- INTLC101 International Languages and Cultures
- INTLC221 Understanding East Asia
- INTLC222 European and Latin American Cultures: Tradition and Modernity
- LEGAL211 International Law: Global and Comparative
- LINGS203 Language, Society and Culture
List C
- ARTSW300 Arts and Cultural Festivals
- ARTSW301 Professional Practice in the Arts
- ARTSW302 Work-Related Arts Research Project
*Please consult our Student Advisors for the correct work-integrated learning paper.
Music papers not linked above
100 Level
- MUSIC101 Secondary Performance Studies 1**
- MUSIC121 Chamber Music 1**
- MUSIC140 Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity
- MUSIC150 New Zealand Music
200 Level
- MUSIC201 Secondary Performance Studies 2**
- MUSIC215 Composition 2
- MUSIC219 Harmony and Counterpoint 2
- MUSIC221 Chamber Music 2**
- MUSIC222 Orchestration
- MUSIC226 Music Theatre
- MUSIC227 Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra
- MUSIC240 Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals
- MUSIC250 Lyric Diction and Language Studies
300 Level
- MUSIC301 Secondary Performance Studies Class**
- MUSIC315 Composition 3
- MUSIC321 Chamber Music 3**
- MUSIC323 Advanced Composition Studies
- MUSIC327 Performance Ensemble 2
- MUSIC340 Creative Music Technology 3: Creative Project
- MUSIC390 Directed Study
** Entry to these papers is by audition.
Degree planner — BMus Composition Stream
Year 2
One from List B
Any MUSIC2
Paper
Elective
Elective
Year 3
One from List C
MUSIC315 or MUSIC340*
Any MUSIC3
Paper
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Stream
- Compulsory
- Elective
*Please note, to complete the BMus Composition Stream, you must take either MUSIC240 and MUSIC340 or MUSIC215 and MUSIC315.
This information is provisional and subject to change.BMus Papers
Open this section to read more
List A
- ARTSC101 Indigenous Social Science Research
- ARTSC103 Rights and Reason
- ARTSC105 Language in Context
- ENSLA103 Undergraduate Research Writing for ESL Students
List B
Any Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies paper, or
- ANTHY101 Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTHY102 New Zealand and the Pacific
- ANTHY201 Ethnicity and Identity
- ANTHY202 The Polynesians: Tāngata o Te Moana
- DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design
- EDUCA200 Te Hononga Tāngata
- ENGLI200 Global Fictions
- FRNCH225 The French-speaking World from Astérix to Zombies
- FRNCH231 French Language Intermediate 1
- GEOGY219 Māori Lands and Communities
- HISTY225 Indigenous Histories: Narratives, Ethics and Decoloniality
- INTLC101 International Languages and Cultures
- INTLC221 Understanding East Asia
- INTLC222 European and Latin American Cultures: Tradition and Modernity
- LEGAL211 International Law: Global and Comparative
- LINGS203 Language, Society and Culture
List C
- ARTSW300 Arts and Cultural Festivals
- ARTSW301 Professional Practice in the Arts
- ARTSW302 Work-Related Arts Research Project
*Please consult our Student Advisors for the correct work-integrated learning paper.
Music papers not linked above
100 Level
- MUSIC101 Secondary Performance Studies 1**
- MUSIC121 Chamber Music 1**
- MUSIC140 Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity
- MUSIC150 New Zealand Music
200 Level
- MUSIC201 Secondary Performance Studies 2**
- MUSIC215 Composition 2
- MUSIC219 Harmony and Counterpoint 2
- MUSIC221 Chamber Music 2**
- MUSIC222 Orchestration
- MUSIC226 Music Theatre
- MUSIC227 Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra
- MUSIC240 Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals
- MUSIC250 Lyric Diction and Language Studies
300 Level
- MUSIC301 Secondary Performance Studies Class**
- MUSIC315 Composition 3
- MUSIC321 Chamber Music 3**
- MUSIC323 Advanced Composition Studies
- MUSIC327 Performance Ensemble 2
- MUSIC340 Creative Music Technology 3: Creative Project
- MUSIC390 Directed Study
** Entry to these papers is by audition.
Degree planner — BMus Performance Stream
Year 3
One from List C
Elective
Elective
- Stream
- Compulsory
- Elective
BMus Papers
Open this section to read more
List A
- ARTSC101 Indigenous Social Science Research
- ARTSC103 Rights and Reason
- ARTSC105 Language in Context
- ENSLA103 Undergraduate Research Writing for ESL Students
List B
Any Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies paper, or
- ANTHY101 Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTHY102 New Zealand and the Pacific
- ANTHY201 Ethnicity and Identity
- ANTHY202 The Polynesians: Tāngata o Te Moana
- DSIGN252 Cultural Perspectives for Design
- EDUCA200 Te Hononga Tāngata
- ENGLI200 Global Fictions
- FRNCH225 The French-speaking World from Astérix to Zombies
- FRNCH231 French Language Intermediate 1
- GEOGY219 Māori Lands and Communities
- HISTY225 Indigenous Histories: Narratives, Ethics and Decoloniality
- INTLC101 International Languages and Cultures
- INTLC221 Understanding East Asia
- INTLC222 European and Latin American Cultures: Tradition and Modernity
- LEGAL211 International Law: Global and Comparative
- LINGS203 Language, Society and Culture
List C
- ARTSW300 Arts and Cultural Festivals
- ARTSW301 Professional Practice in the Arts
- ARTSW302 Work-Related Arts Research Project
*Please consult our Student Advisors for the correct work-integrated learning paper.
Music papers not linked above
100 Level
- MUSIC101 Secondary Performance Studies 1**
- MUSIC121 Chamber Music 1**
- MUSIC140 Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity
- MUSIC150 New Zealand Music
200 Level
- MUSIC201 Secondary Performance Studies 2**
- MUSIC215 Composition 2
- MUSIC219 Harmony and Counterpoint 2
- MUSIC221 Chamber Music 2**
- MUSIC222 Orchestration
- MUSIC226 Music Theatre
- MUSIC227 Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra
- MUSIC240 Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals
- MUSIC250 Lyric Diction and Language Studies
300 Level
- MUSIC301 Secondary Performance Studies Class**
- MUSIC315 Composition 3
- MUSIC321 Chamber Music 3**
- MUSIC323 Advanced Composition Studies
- MUSIC327 Performance Ensemble 2
- MUSIC340 Creative Music Technology 3: Creative Project
- MUSIC390 Directed Study
** Entry to these papers is by audition.
Choose a major
Career opportunities
- Advertising Executive
- Arts Administration
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Film Music Producer
- Journalist
- Music Blogger
- Music Retailer
- Performer
- Recording Artist
- Teacher
Entry requirements
If you have (or expect to gain) New Zealand University Entrance you are eligible to apply for this degree.
If you have (or expect to gain) New Zealand University Entrance you are eligible to apply for this degree. You must also meet one of the following requirements:
- NCEA - 14 credits in Music at Level 3
- NCEA - 20 credits in Music at Level 2
- A Grade 3 Theory pass or better in the New Zealand Music Education Board or Australian Music Education Board examinations, or
- A grade 5 theory pass or better in the Trinity College, or Royal College of Music examinations, or
- A qualification considered equivalent
All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For the Performance programme, a selection process applies and you will be required to successfully complete an audition. These are usually held in September and October and applications are required prior to the audition date. Find out further information about Music at Waikato.
Some first-year papers may have specific prerequisites, so please check the catalogue of papers carefully. If you do not meet the prerequisites, please contact [email protected] as there may be other pathways that you can take to study in this field.
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Requirements The Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus(Hons)) involves two semesters of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
Requirements
The Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus(Hons)) involves two semesters of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. The BMus(Hons) comprises 120 points at 500 level, of which 30 points must be in research, normally a 30 point dissertation or an approved equivalent, specialising in either composition or performance. The BMus(Hons) is awarded with classes of honours.
Entry
In general, to be admitted to the BMus(Hons) you must have a B grade average in the 300 level Music papers of your undergraduate degree. Performance candidates must also have passed an audition. Admission criteria may vary so please consult the Music Graduate Adviser for specific admission criteria.
Music is also available for the BA(Hons).
BMus(Hons) specialisations
- Composition
- Performance
- Flexibility
You may take up to 30 points from subjects listed outside the degree. You should discuss your intended programme of study with the Graduate Adviser in each of the Faculties or Schools concerned.
Graduate study options
- Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus(Hons)) - see Honours section
- Master of Music (MMus)
- Graduate Certificate (GradCert)
- Graduate Diploma (GradDip)
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Practical experience
The opportunities for you to practice through performance are endless.
The opportunities for you to practice through performance are endless. Have your compositions performed, or perform yourself, at any of our regular events including the annual Opera production, weekly lunchtime recitals, Friday performance hours and competitions such as the Lilburn Trust Student Competition Awards concert – to name a few.
We also have strong networks in the wider community, which gives you a wider range of performance opportunities.
Qualifications links
Student Achievements
Students from Waikato's Conservatorium of Music are renowned for standing out on the world stage.
Students from Waikato's Conservatorium of Music are renowned for standing out on the world stage. They have excelled nationally in New Zealand's major music competitions, such as the New Zealand National Concerto Competition, the National Woodwind Competition and the Lexus Aria Competition, as well as on the international stage, for example the Beijing International Cello Competition and the Johanssen International String Competition in Washington DC.
Soloist Specialisation
The soloist specialisation is for exceptionally talented music students who have the potential to become successful international soloists.
The soloist specialisation is for exceptionally talented music students who have the potential to become successful international soloists. Every specialisation student has their own programme of study and we provide intensive one-to-one teaching to raise technical and interpretative skills, with a strong focus on performance skills. You'll develop your on-stage personalities through multiple opportunities to perform before live audiences, and participate in national and international competitions.
Admission to the soloist specialisation is at the discretion of the Convenor of Music. It is restricted to exceptional students who have:
- been awarded a major prize at a recognised international or New Zealand competition;
- performed a concerto with a professional orchestra, or a solo or chamber music concert at a major concert venue;
- successfully completed the interview process.
The core undergraduate papers in the soloist specialisation are:
Auditions
2021 BMus entry auditions are now open by appointment.
2021 BMus entry auditions are now open by appointment.
The deadline for the first round audition applications is Friday, 31 July 2020. The first round of auditions is scheduled for Friday, 7 August 2020 from 2:30pm - 6:00pm.
Note, all auditions will take place at the University of Waikato.
It is recommended that students intending to apply for a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship schedule their audition in this first round.
University of Waikato Scholarships.
Second round of auditions will take place on Wednesday, 12 August 2020 from 9am - 11am.
More information on auditions can be found here.
Contacts
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Student Centre
Phone: 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or 07 838 4176
Email: [email protected]
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 8384610 Email: [email protected]
Enquire Now