Music Subject regulations
Whether you have musical skill and ambition or just a sheer love of music, this subject allows you to sharpen your musical talent and appreciation with the guidance of our internationally acclaimed musicians and lecturers. By combining theory with practical tuition, you will learn different styles and techniques that build your skill-base in the areas of music and have countless opportunities for public performance and access to a world-class performing arts venue.
Music is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA). Music may also be taken as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Music as a single major for the BA, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Music, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include MUSIC112, MUSIC213 and MUSIC314.
To complete Music as part of a double major for the BA or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Music, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include MUSIC112, MUSIC213 and MUSIC314.
To complete a minor in Music, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Music major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.
Music is available in three different streams for the Bachelor of Music (BMus).
Candidates must complete the requirements of the specified programme in Music including MUSIC112, MUSIC115, MUSIC116, MUSIC213, and MUSIC314.
To complete a BMus (Academic), students must complete the required papers and a further 105 points from Music, and 135 points from elective papers.
To complete a BMus (Composition), students must complete MUSIC140 and a further 15 points at 100-level, MUSIC215, MUSIC219, MUSIC222, MUSIC240, MUSIC315, MUSIC323 and MUSIC340, and 105 points from elective papers.
To complete a BMus (Performance), students must complete MUSIC118, MUSIC120, MUSIC121 or MUSIC122, MUSIC218, MUSIC220, MUSIC221, MUSIC227, MUSIC318, MUSIC320, MUSIC321, MUSIC327 and 75 points from elective papers.
Please note: The MUSIC118, 120, 218, 220, 318 and 320 papers are for students in the BMus (Performance) stream only.
The MUSIC101, 201 and 301 papers are for those students wanting to include some music performance, but not to the level or commitment expected in the other papers. Students are still required to audition for these papers, which have limited places. Some of the MUSIC101, 201 and 301 papers may be taught by advanced graduate students.
All BMus students enrolled in first year Music papers should have skills in reading and writing music to Grade 3 level (NZMEB, AMEB) or Grade 5 (Royal Schools, Trinity College). Students wishing to enter the Performance stream at any level will be required to audition. Candidates must gain at least 60 points at 100 level in any subject(s) before enrolling in Music papers above 100 level, and at least 90 points at 100 and 200 level before enrolling in Music papers above 200 level.
Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences for programme advice.
Failure to achieve a pass in any Performance, Performance Techniques or Chamber Music papers will result in the need to re-audition for entry to Performance or Chamber Music streams.
Other qualifications
Prescriptions for:
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GradCert(Mus) and GradDip(Mus) A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Music at an advanced level in their first degree. Each programme of study in Music must include MUSIC112 or equivalent.
For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.
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PGCert(Mus), PGDip(Mus), BA(Hons), BMus(Hons), MA and MMus A Postgraduate Diploma in Music is available in either Composition or Performance. Students must complete either MUSIC504 or MUSIC505.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the BMus(Hons), a student should normally hold a BMus degree and have at least a B average in their 300 level Music papers in the area of intended graduate specialisation or all their undergraduate Music papers.
To complete a BA(Hons) or BMus(Hons) in Music, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally MUSIC591) and at least 30 points from papers listed for Music.
Candidates for the MMus must have at least second class honours (second division) in their BMus(Hons) degrees. The MMus is taken in Composition, Opera or Performance. Students are required to take MUSIC514 or MUSIC524 or MUSIC525.
Candidates for the MA in Music must have completed either:
a) a BA with a major in Music (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
b) a BA(Hons) in Music (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division), or a PGDip in Music (or equivalent) with at least a B average, and
c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Acceptance into the MA is subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor and overall approval from the Programme Convenor.
Completion requirements for the MA in Music vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including ALPSS500 and at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.
Students admitted under b) above must complete 120 points from approved 500-level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.
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MPhil The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
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PhD and DMA The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
The [Doctor of Musical Arts](https://www.waikato.ac.nz/about/calendar/regulations/higher/dma/ is a research degree in which the research component is divided equally between research-based performance and a supporting thesis. The thesis will be conceptually related to the student's performance.
Music papers
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MAORI102
He Hīnātore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World
An introduction to the Māori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Māori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga) & 27G (Online) |
|
MAORI157
Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Haka
An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Māori world. |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC101
Secondary Performance Studies 1
Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice. |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC112
1000 years of Music
An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques. |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC115
Composition 1
The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and contemporary idioms; melody writing; thematic development; harmonic... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC116
Materials of Music
A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through sight... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC118
Performance Techniques 1
This paper introduces the building blocks for advanced techniques on your chosen instrument or voice. |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC120
Performance 1
This paper continues to develop technical foundation and musical understanding, with a focus on repertoire and performance. |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC121
Classical Collaborations
This paper focuses on the art and skills of musical collaboration. It aims to develop the skills required for a successful musical collaboration in... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC122
Musical Collaborations
This course comprises two streams: Orchestra or Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral techniques and... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC140
Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity
This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MUSIC201
Secondary Performance Studies 2
Students continue to develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice. |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC213
History and Analysis of Music: 1600-1800: Monteverdi to Mozart
A critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC215
Composition 2
The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical and... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC218
Performance Techniques 2
This paper continues to build on the technical foundational skills of your chosen instrument. |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC220
Performance 2
This paper further deepens technical and musical understanding of repertoire, with a focus on performance. |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC221
Classical Collaborations 2
Development of chamber music and vocal ensemble skills that were introduced in MUSIC121. |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC222
Orchestration
A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC227
Performance Ensemble: Choir and Orchestra
This course comprises two streams: University Chamber Orchestra and University Chamber Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC240
Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals
An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation. |
15 | 27B (Online) |
|
MUSIC250
Language for Singers
Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German. |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MUSIC301
Secondary Performance Studies Class
This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument, and broadens repertoire, knowledge and... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC315
Composition 3
This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC318
Performance Techniques 3
The consolidation of foundational techniques and exploring of advanced performance techniques. |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC320
Performance 3
Students will gain understanding of a breadth of musical styles. They will learn how to communicate their musical ideas in performance, in order to... |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC321
Classical Collaborations 3
Further development of chamber music and vocal ensemble skills, with a focus on strengthening stylistic awareness and creating communicative... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC323
Performance, Creative or Research Project
The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project. |
15 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC327
Performance Ensemble 2
This course comprises two streams: Orchestra and Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral techniques and... |
15 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC340
Music Technology 3: Creative Project
This paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to... |
15 | 27A (Online) |
|
MUSIC390
Directed Study
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of Music staff. |
15 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
THSTS303
Reimagining Musical Theatre
This paper integrates practice and theory, critically investigating the popular genre of Musical Theatre and engaging in postdramatic practices to... |
15 | 27A (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
ALPSS500
Academic and Professional Research and Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills... |
30 | 27A (Online) & 27B (Online) |
|
MUSIC501
The Aesthetics of Music
This paper is about the exploration of big questions about music: what is music? what is beauty in music? is music a language? how do we evaluate... |
30 | 27A (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC504
Professional Performance Practice
This course aims to offer a valuable bridging year of study between undergraduate and graduate study, to ensure sufficient preparation for Masters... |
120 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC514
Composition Portfolio
This paper is an advanced study of music composition. Students will have completed undergraduate study to an honours level and be at a point where... |
120 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC521
Advanced Classical Collaborations
This advanced paper focuses on the development of comprehensive chamber music and ensemble skills, and the improvement of musicianship in relation to... |
30 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC522
Composition Studies
Advanced composition studies involving the creation of approximately 45 minutes of original music, presentation as a portfolio of musical scores... |
90 | 27D (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC523
Advanced Performance, Creative or Research Project
This advanced paper aims to develop and refine the individual compositional, performance and research skills students have developed in studies at... |
30 | 27B (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC524
Advanced Performance
This course aims to develop and refine the performance skills gained during undergraduate and Honours study, deepen interpretative insights and... |
120 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC525
Advanced Opera Studies
Advanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a... |
120 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC528
Performance Studies
This course aims to develop and refine at Honours level, the performance skills gained during undergraduate study, deepen interpretative insights and... |
90 | 27X (Hamilton) |
|
MUSIC540
Advanced Music Technology
This advanced paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques, with a... |
30 | 27A (Online) |
|
MUSIC590
Directed Study
Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. |
30 | 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
|
MUSIC592
Dissertation
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. |
60 | 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
|
MUSIC593
Performance or Composition Portfolio
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital. |
90 | 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
|
MUSIC594
Music Thesis
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. |
120 | 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC800 Music MPhil Thesis | 120 | 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC900 Music PhD Thesis | 120 | 27I (Hamilton) & 27I (Online) & 27J (Hamilton) & 27J (Online) & 27K (Hamilton) & 27K (Online) & 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
| MUSIC901 Music Creative Practice PhD Thesis | 120 | 27I (Hamilton) & 27I (Online) & 27J (Hamilton) & 27J (Online) & 27K (Hamilton) & 27K (Online) & 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
| MUSIC994 DMA Thesis and Performance | 120 | 27I (Hamilton) & 27I (Online) & 27J (Hamilton) & 27J (Online) & 27K (Hamilton) & 27K (Online) & 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Online) |
-
MAORI102 He Hīnātore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World
An introduction to the Māori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Māori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary...
Points 15An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Māori world.
Points 15Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice.
Points 15An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques.
Points 15The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and contemporary idioms; melody writing; thematic development; harmonic...
Points 15A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through sight...
Points 15This paper introduces the building blocks for advanced techniques on your chosen instrument or voice.
Points 15This paper continues to develop technical foundation and musical understanding, with a focus on repertoire and performance.
Points 15This paper focuses on the art and skills of musical collaboration. It aims to develop the skills required for a successful musical collaboration in...
Points 15This course comprises two streams: Orchestra or Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral techniques and...
Points 15This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic...
Points 15 -
MUSIC201 Secondary Performance Studies 2
Students continue to develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice.
Points 15A critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods.
Points 15The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical and...
Points 15This paper continues to build on the technical foundational skills of your chosen instrument.
Points 15This paper further deepens technical and musical understanding of repertoire, with a focus on performance.
Points 15Development of chamber music and vocal ensemble skills that were introduced in MUSIC121.
Points 15A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use...
Points 15This course comprises two streams: University Chamber Orchestra and University Chamber Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble...
Points 15An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation.
Points 15Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German.
Points 15 -
MUSIC301 Secondary Performance Studies Class
This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument, and broadens repertoire, knowledge and...
Points 15This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of...
Points 15The consolidation of foundational techniques and exploring of advanced performance techniques.
Points 15Students will gain understanding of a breadth of musical styles. They will learn how to communicate their musical ideas in performance, in order to...
Points 15Further development of chamber music and vocal ensemble skills, with a focus on strengthening stylistic awareness and creating communicative...
Points 15The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project.
Points 15This course comprises two streams: Orchestra and Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral techniques and...
Points 15This paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to...
Points 15Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of Music staff.
Points 15This paper integrates practice and theory, critically investigating the popular genre of Musical Theatre and engaging in postdramatic practices to...
Points 15 -
ALPSS500 Academic and Professional Research and Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills...
Points 30This paper is about the exploration of big questions about music: what is music? what is beauty in music? is music a language? how do we evaluate...
Points 30This course aims to offer a valuable bridging year of study between undergraduate and graduate study, to ensure sufficient preparation for Masters...
Points 120This paper is an advanced study of music composition. Students will have completed undergraduate study to an honours level and be at a point where...
Points 120This advanced paper focuses on the development of comprehensive chamber music and ensemble skills, and the improvement of musicianship in relation to...
Points 30Advanced composition studies involving the creation of approximately 45 minutes of original music, presentation as a portfolio of musical scores...
Points 90This advanced paper aims to develop and refine the individual compositional, performance and research skills students have developed in studies at...
Points 30This course aims to develop and refine the performance skills gained during undergraduate and Honours study, deepen interpretative insights and...
Points 120Advanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a...
Points 120This course aims to develop and refine at Honours level, the performance skills gained during undergraduate study, deepen interpretative insights and...
Points 90This advanced paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques, with a...
Points 30Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
Points 30A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
Points 60An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital.
Points 90An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
Points 120 -
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MUSIC900 Music PhD ThesisPoints 120
2027 Subject regulation information current as at 25 Aug 2026 01:00am