Music
Study Music with leading performers, composers and musicologists; and perform in the acclaimed Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber, part of the University of Waikato's purpose-built performing arts academy.
In 2023, most 100 and 200-level BMus papers are also offered in Tauranga.
If music is your passion, then Waikato has a programme of study to suit. We teach Western Classical Music – from Baroque to contemporary, through performance, composition and musical scholarship. If you're inclined to the modern, we offer papers in sonic art and new technologies.
Our staff are highly qualified professionals, active nationally and internationally as composers, performers and musicologists. Music is their passion too, and our common aim is to help you develop the technique and understanding you'll need to reach your full musical potential.
Waikato's Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts will be your stage throughout your studies. Situated on the Hamilton campus, the academy is an award-winning performing arts venue.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Music in these qualifications
Study Music as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Music
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Advertiser
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Digital Media Producer
- Film Music Composer or Producer
- Performer
- Recording Artist
Papers
Available Music papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTSC112 | Music, Sound and Human Communication | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| Every day we communicate using complex linguistic and musical systems. This paper will explore the role of sound and music in human communication and the cognitive, social, and cultural processes, which underlie such communication. The paper takes a broad, interdisciplinary look at all aspects of sound and musical communication, fr... | |||
| MAORI102 | He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23G (Online) |
| An introduction to the Maori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Maori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary society. | |||
| MAORI157 | Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Haka | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Maori world. | |||
| MUSIC101 | Secondary Performance Studies 1 | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| Students develop musical interpretation and technical skills in their chosen instrument/voice and broaden their repertoire knowledge and performance opportunities at Friday performance hour sessions. | |||
| MUSIC112 | 1000 years of Music | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An introduction to music, its history, ideas and techniques. | |||
| MUSIC115 | Composition 1 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on classical and popular idioms; song writing; melody writing; thematic development; harmonic understanding; two-part counterpoint. Computer technology will be used as a composition and publishing tool. | |||
| MUSIC116 | Harmony and Counterpoint and Musicianship | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| A study of harmony and counterpoint in the Western tradition using historical and contemporary models, with practical application through sightsinging, dictation and keyboard skills. | |||
| MUSIC118 | Performance Techniques 1 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces the fundamental techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument - piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar or voice, orchestral winds and brass. | |||
| MUSIC120 | Performance 1 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper continues to develop the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform proficiently in a public arena on your chosen instrument. | |||
| MUSIC121 | Classical Collaborations | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations, sonata duo, piano duet, piano trio, string quartet, vocal ensemble, as well as orchestral and choral practice, and, for keyboard players, continuo and accompanying skills. | |||
| MUSIC122 | Musical Collaborations | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| This paper is about collaborating with sound. Join the jazz big band, or form a musical ensemble (band, barbershop quartet, jazz trio, brass ensemble, anything at all), receive coaching and prepare for two public performances. | |||
| MUSIC140 | Audio Tech: Communication and Creativity | 15.0 | 23A (Online) |
| This paper is an introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations); the creation of original musical works based on computer technology; basic recording and editing techniques; fundamental music studio knowledge; historical, aesthetic and theoretical elements. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSIC201 | Secondary Performance Studies 2 | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| This course teaches fundamental technical and musical training to facilitate greater proficiency and understanding of your chosen musical instrument. | |||
| MUSIC213 | History and Analysis of Music: 1600-1800: Monteverdi to Mozart | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| A critical and analytical survey of Western music during the late Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. | |||
| MUSIC215 | Composition 2 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| The development of individual creative musical skills based on studies of historical and contemporary techniques in Western classical music. | |||
| MUSIC218 | Performance Techniques 2 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces advanced performance techniques that enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument. | |||
| MUSIC220 | Performance 2 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops the fundamental techniques which enable you to perform professionally in a public arena on your chosen instrument. | |||
| MUSIC221 | Classical Collaborations 2 | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| Development of chamber music skills that were introduced in MUSIC121. | |||
| MUSIC222 | Orchestration | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| A study of writing for orchestral instruments, scoring for standard ensembles, arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and vocal works. Use of computer technology to generate orchestral mock-ups and make serviceable recordings is also taught. | |||
| MUSIC227 | Performance Ensemble: Choir/Orchestra/Jazz Big Band Ensemble | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| This course comprises three streams: University Chamber Orchestra, University Chamber Choir, and the University Big Band. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral/jazz techniques and discipline, and relevant vocal, orchestral, and jazz big band repertoire. | |||
| MUSIC240 | Creative Music Technology 2: Music and Visuals | 15.0 | 23B (Online) |
| An introduction to music for screen idioms and its compositions through digital sound generation. | |||
| MUSIC250 | Language for Singers | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| Exploring the study of diction and language for singers, including IPA, English diction, Italian, French, and German. | |||
| THSTS212 | Developing Text and Action | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops performance and writing for performance skills. Using techniques based on contemporary/postdramatic methods in theatre and performance, students will engage with the creation and performance of new theatrical work, leading to performance assessment. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPSS390 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| MUSIC301 | Secondary Performance Studies Class | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| This paper further develops musical interpretation and technical skills with the chosen instrument through weekly classes, and broadens repertoire, knowledge and performance ability through Friday Performance Hour sessions. | |||
| MUSIC315 | Composition 3 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper aims to expand the creative musical skills, technical expertise and artistic outlook of students based on the exploration of a variety of twentieth century and twenty first century compositional ideas, techniques and technologies. | |||
| MUSIC318 | Performance Techniques 3 | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| The development of advanced performance techniques. | |||
| MUSIC320 | Performance 3 | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper teaches more advanced techniques which enable students to perform more proficiently in a public arena on the chosen instrument. | |||
| MUSIC321 | Classical Collaborations 3 | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides advanced practical experience and development in a variety of chamber music formations and may also include orchestral and choral practice, and, for keyboard players, continuo and accompanying skills. | |||
| MUSIC323 | Performance, Creative or Research Project | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| The supervised development of individual creative, performance or research project. | |||
| MUSIC327 | Performance Ensemble 2 | 15.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| This course comprises two streams: University Chamber Orchestra and University Chamber Choir. The course will cover discipline-specific ensemble skills, vocal/orchestral techniques and discipline, and relevant vocal and orchestral repertoire. Entry to the Orchestra by application. | |||
| MUSIC340 | Music Technology 3: Creative Project | 15.0 | 23A (Online) |
| This paper includes a critical study of music and technology, and the development of students' production and composition techniques. The aim is to extend creative musical skills, technical expertise, and artistic understanding. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPSS590 | Directed Study | 30.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff. | |||
| MUSIC501 | The Aesthetics of Music | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC504 | Professional Performance Practice | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC514 | Composition Portfolio | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC522 | Composition Studies | 90.0 | 23D (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC524 | Advanced Performance | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC525 | Advanced Opera Studies | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| Advanced Opera Studies is an extensive and unique vocational training programme for exceptional singers who have shown promise and dedication to a career in opera, providing immersive, holistic training, audition and performance opportunities and access to international tutors. | |||
| MUSIC528 | Performance Studies | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| MUSIC593 | Performance Composition Portfolio | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research, or original composition or a recital. | |||
| MUSIC594 | Music Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSIC800 | Music MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSIC900 | Music PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC901 | Music Creative Practice PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
| MUSIC994 | DMA Thesis and Performance | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
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
Practical experience
Expand to read practical experience
You will receive lessons and be able to perform, and have your works performed, in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, through events such as the annual opera production, our contemporary music ensemble – Okta, the Lilburn Trust Student Composition Awards, weekly lunchtime recitals and performance hours.
Our Music programme has excellent facilities available for you to rehearse and compose, the electroacoustic music studios are of an international standard. A long-standing feature of the Music programme is our commitment to integrate the latest technological developments throughout the programme as appropriate.
Subject links
Subject Requirements
Music is available in streams for the BMus and as a major for the BA.
Music is available in streams for the BMus and as a major for the BA. Music may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies 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; at least one of MUSIC115, MUSIC117, MUSIC119, MUSIC140; and at least one of MUSIC213, MUSIC215, MUSIC222, MUSIC240 and MUSIC314.
To complete Music as part of a double major, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Music, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level including MUSIC112; at least one of MUSIC115, MUSIC117, MUSIC119, MUSIC140; and at least one of MUSIC213, MUSIC215, MUSIC222, MUSIC240 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 streams for the BMus.
To complete a BMus (Academic), students must complete 90 papers from Music, and 135 points from elective papers.
To complete a BMus (Performance), students must complete MUSIC118, MUSIC120, MUSIC121; and MUSIC218, MUSIC220, MUSIC221, MUSIC227; and MUSIC318, MUSIC320, MUSIC321, MUSIC327 and 60 points from elective papers.
To complete a BMus (Composition), students must complete MUSIC140; and MUSIC219, MUSIC222, and MUSIC323; and 30 points from either MUSIC240 and MUSIC340 or MUSIC215 and MUSIC315 and 30 points from Music list and 105 points from elective papers.
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information. If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone:
Details of streams for the Performance programme are set out in the Bachelor of Music.
If you wish to undertake performance papers as part of your Music major or if you would like a specialist Music qualification you will enrol in the Bachelor of Music.
Within the BMus, a Soloist specialisation is available. Details of the specialisation can be found in the Bachelor of Music.
All students enrolled for the BMus or the BA majoring in Music are required to participate in group performances, either by singing in the University Chamber Choir or playing in the University Orchestra. Participation in the Choir or Orchestra may be counted towards MUSIC227 Music Ensemble 1 or MUSIC327 Performance Ensemble 2.
Notes:
- 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 level (Royal Schools, Trinity College). 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.
- Assessment: 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. Students wishing to enter the Performance stream at any level will be required to audition.
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
School of Arts
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4380
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]