Course details

Summary

Make music! Take your passion for music, upgrade with some core instrumental skills, throw in some gigs, learn how to network with key players in the industry – and you could soon be on your way to fame and fortune.

This contemporary music course equips you with everything you need to achieve your production and performance goals. The qualification starts with the basics, giving graduates a strong grounding in theory and performance.

You’ll learn vocal and instrumental skills, performance and production techniques using the latest music technology and software.

The fun part is putting it all together at the gigs – you’ll get to perform on campus and in the community.

With these skills under your belt, most continue on to the Level 6 Diploma where you’ll produce your own unique album using software like Pro Tools and Garage Band. You’ll go on to make a music video, create a website and electronic press kit to promote your work.

Topics you'll cover

Theory and Harmony for the Contemporary Musician I and II

Extend your musical skills and knowledge of harmony, music notation, aural perception, and basic competence in keyboard harmony.

Music Technology I and II

You'll develop a working knowledge of public address (PA) set-up and audio equipment and apply practical and theoretical skills in live-sound mixing. You’ll explore the history of music technology, including the properties and behaviour of sound. You'll also acquire operational skills in current computer music software, gaining a knowledge of industry audio formats.

Culture and Practice in Aotearoa

Cultural influences of Aotearoa and how these are expressed through music. Explore your own cultural identity, values, belief systems and world views. You’ll develop an understanding of Te Ao Maori and apply this learning to your music.

Instrumental Study

Develop practical knowledge and technical skills in guitar, keyboard, vocals and drums through group tuition and practice. You'll gain an enhanced musical understanding of repertoire development, improvisation and sight reading.

Whakaaroaro – Communication for the Creative Arts

Critical thinking, research, writing and verbal presentation. Learn to communicate in a creative arts business setting.

Performance Studies 1

Apply technical skill, accuracy, musicianship, ensemble awareness and presentation through solo and group performance in your chosen instrument(s).

Career Opportunities

• musician
• performer
• live sound technician or engineer
• employment in related creative arts industries

Study Pathways

• Te Kamakama - Diploma in Music Production and Performance (Level 6)

Entry criteria

• You need to be at least 17 years of age
• Be able to demonstrate by audition the musical ability to succeed in the programme
• Have a minimum of 60 credits at Level 2 or above in NCEA, including Literacy, or have evidence of Level 2 literacy skills
• Have a background in music theory or pass an entry test in music theory set by teaching staff

Mature students will have:

• evidence of literacy skills at a minimum of NCEA Level 2
• the ability to demonstrate by audition the musical ability to succeed in the programme

English Language requirements:

IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0; TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) score of 46 or higher (with a writing score of 20); TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) score of 550 (with an essay score of 5.0 TWE); FCE, FCE for schools, with a score of 162, no less than 154 in each skill; NZCEL of Level 4 with the Academic endorsement; PToE (Academic) score of 42.