Qualification Regulations
Part I
These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.
Part II
Admission
1. Admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Commercial Music requires that the candidate will meet the University admission requirements as specified.
2. Admission to the Music Practice major will be by selection on the basis of an audition.
Qualification requirements
3. Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Commercial Music shall follow a flexible programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling 360 credits, comprising:
(a) at least 300 credits selected from the Schedule to the degree;
(b) not more than 150 credits at 100 level;
(c) at least 105 credits at 300 level; and including
(d) the core courses as specified in Schedule A;
(e) any compulsory courses specified in the Schedule to the degree;
(f) attending studios, workshops, tutorials, and events as required.
Specialisations
4. Candidates must complete the requirements of at least one major as specified in Schedule B to the Qualification.
5. Single majors available for the Bachelor of Commercial Music are: Music Industry, Music Practice and Music Technology.
6. Candidates may complete a double major in Mātauranga Toi Māori and one other specialisation from Regulation 5 by the requirements of the specialisations as set out in Schedule B. Individual courses cannot be counted towards both majors. Such candidates may, however, count up to 105 credits towards both the Mātauranga Toi Māori major and the Core.
7. Candidates may complete a minor by passing at least 60 credits from the schedule for one of the Bachelor of Commercial Music majors, including:
(a) at least 45 credits above 100 level; and
(b) at least 15 credits at 300 level.
(c) any compulsory courses identified for the minor in Schedule B for the degree.
8. Minors available for the Bachelor of Commercial Music are: Music Industry, Music Practice, and Music Technology.
9. Notwithstanding Regulation 7, candidates may include a minor from any undergraduate degree within the university for which recognised minors are specified.
10. Where a minor is from another undergraduate degree the regulations of that qualification for the minor will apply.
11. No course may be credited to both a major and a minor.
Completion requirements
12. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates will apply.
13. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded an alternative qualification should they meet the relevant qualification requirements.
Unsatisfactory academic progress
14. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.
Transitional provisions
15. Subject to any Maximum Time to Completion and the Abandonment of Studies provisions specified in the Part I regulations for the degree, candidates enrolled in the Bachelor of Commercial prior to 1 January 2025 will be granted the following substitutions:
(a) 133152 for 133180
(b) 133356 for 133380
(c) 133256 for 133280
16. This transition expires 31 December 2028.
Schedule for the Bachelor of Commercial Music
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Schedule A: Core courses
Compulsory courses (Choose 75 credits from)
Course code: 133153 Music Project 1 30 credits
In this course students apply creative and practical skills to develop live experiences and works for the music industry. As well as develop technical expertise, students will explore social, cultural and economic trends associated within the production and dissemination of music in New Zealand and internationally. Multidisciplinary teams will apply creative narrative skills to develop, manage, produce and iterate musical content, technical production, and promotion.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133253 Music Project 2 30 credits
In this course students apply technical skills and new creative approaches for the development of strategic, sophisticated and unique experiences and works in the music industry. In addition to developing new technical skills, students will apply and critique social, cultural and economic roles and trends associated with the dissemination of unique musical experiences through their creative practice. Multidisciplinary teams will explore innovative creative narrative and communication skills to develop, manage, produce, and iterate musical content, technical production and promotion.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133350 Major Project Pre-Production 15 credits
In this course students generate and evaluate innovative concepts for a music major project and carry out detailed investigation into planning and resourcing requirements along with analysis of cultural, social and economic values of the proposed project. Students work individually and as a team in and across major specialisms to agree the scope and roles of the proposed project.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selection (Choose 15 credits from)
Toi Atea 298157 OR any 100-level Music (133 prefix) course (Choose at least 15 credits from)
Critical Studies: minimum 15 credits at each year level (Choose at least 45 credits from)
Course code: 133154 Music, People, Places 15 credits
An introduction to the people, places, and scholarship of the contemporary music industries. Through the analysis of various issues, trends, and cultural and social contexts, this course supports and encourages students to critically explore the challenges and opportunities of local and global music industries, building awareness of the contemporary commercial music landscape.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133257 Music and Ethics 15 credits
Students will analyse a range of philosophical and critical perspectives on the ethics, social roles, and cultural responsibilities of music and its associated communities. Through exploring theoretical positions to develop tools for the analysis of their own practices, students develop a robust critical understanding of the intersections of music, ethical conduct, and professional practice as these inform their own positionality within creative communities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133355 Music, Politics, Economies 15 credits
Students explore theoretical approaches to music's intersections with politics and economies to inform an advanced understanding of music as a cultural industry. Students employ strategies of critical reflection, collaboration, and praxis to analyse their situatedness within the social, legal, and industrial landscapes of the contemporary music industries, and engage with the symbiotic relationship between politics and the economy as it shapes their own experiences and professional outlooks.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150106 Nga Hanga Whakairo: Traditional Māori Visual Art 15 credits
An introduction to the scope of Māori art with a view to recognising traditional elementary forms and their significance. Social and cultural dimensions will be considered and Māori art forms from pre-contact times to the present will be examined within the context of a dynamic and changing society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150206 Ngā Momo Whakairo: Contemporary Māori Visual Art 15 credits
An interpretation of the design structures that constitute Māori art from a bicultural perspective together with an examination of the factors that determine stylistic change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197139 Design, Purpose, People and Place 15 credits
Positionality is a key concept in the creative arts. In this course you will interrogate the concept in relation to how we think about the world we live in, what we see as beautiful or objectionable, and what we believe about who we are. We pay particular attention to our place: in Pukeahu, in Aotearoa, and in the world.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197239 Design in the Pluriverse 15 credits
Examine how contemporary design evolved from its roots in identity, craft and technology through to its place in contemporary culture and society. From our local perspectives as Tangata Whenua and Tangata te Tiriti to the broader tensions of functioning in a globalised world with a plurality of identities and subject positions, we examine what it means to operate within the pluriverse, always in relation to one another.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197339 Transformation: Discourse in Design 15 credits
From the design of serving communities, to processes, to the necessity of embracing the health of our planet, this course encourages students to independently explore and appraise a range of ideas that critically examine how contemporary design is shaped by cultural, ethical, moral, commercial, ecological and technological complexity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 237131 Art, Culture and Contexts 15 credits
An introduction to critical thinking through key contemporary topics and debates related to the production and reception of art. Students will have the opportunity to investigate a range of contemporary art practices and texts, in order to recognise and gain insights of their own values and processes as creative practitioners. Examples will be drawn from both Aotearoa and international contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 237231 Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Art 15 credits
An exploration of diverse perspectives to develop critical responses relevant to contemporary art in Aotearoa. Students will examine cultural, theoretical, political, social, and ethical issues that are contributing to the shaping of contemporary art. The understandings gained will contextualise the student's own practice in relation to local and global shifts in cultural production that have taken place over the past two decades.
View full course detailsCourse code: 237331 Critical Understandings of Contemporary Art 15 credits
This course examines and appraises ideas that contribute to a critical understanding of contemporary art. Students will evaluate a range of content in relation to their own creative practice as well as the wider contemporary art world. The relation between artists and their processes and approaches will be explored through topics such as race, gender, intersectionality, decolonisation, popular culture, politics, social justice, and others.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289100 Screen Arts, Creativity and Critical Thinking 15 credits
In this course, tauira are introduced to a range of concepts and theories that provide insight into why artists make screen media, the value of media to those who engage with it, and the impact of media on societies and cultures. Tauira will critically investigate screen practices and texts, gaining a greater understanding of their own values, motivations and processes as creative practitioners.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289200 Screen Arts, Societies and Cultures 15 credits
In this course, tauira will engage with a range of critical and philosophical concepts and perspectives that provide insight into their developing creative practices and offer a wider understanding of the social and cultural significance of their work. Tauira develop tools for critically assessing and evaluating collaboration and communication within group environments and employ reflective and analytical approaches to their work informed by their growing critical understanding.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289300 Locating a Critical Screen Practice 15 credits
Tauira will engage with concepts and theories that allow them to critically understand their own works, practices, and positionalities as makers in Aotearoa New Zealand. By employing their growing understandings of media ethics, alongside theories of representation, power and ideology, tauira will embed their creative process with critical thinking and consider their roles and responsibilities as media makers and as the producers of screen media.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298330 Cosmological Narratives within Māori Creative Expression 15 credits
This advanced-level course delves into the intricate relationship between Māori cosmological narratives and their dynamic manifestation within contemporary Māori creative expression. Through an interdisciplinary exploration that encompasses art, design, music, theatre, and dance, students will analyse the evolving role of cosmological narratives, connecting traditional wisdom to modern artistic innovation.
View full course detailsProfessional Cultures: one course only from each year level (Choose 45 credits from)
Course code: 133180 Professional Cultures in Commercial Music 1 15 credits
An introduction to the music industry and environment, with specific emphasis on culture, ethics, learning, and positionality.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133280 Professional Cultures in Commercial Music 2 15 credits
A further orientation to the music industry and environment, with specific emphasis on working with and within communities, and practicing within the context of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133380 Professional Cultures in Commercial Music 3 15 credits
Develop skills and knowledge for a future career in commercial music. Students will be supported in developing professionalism within the context of the music industry.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197190 Professional Cultures in Design 1 15 credits
An introduction to the design studio environment, with specific emphasis on ethics, studio culture, learning, and positionality.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197290 Professional Cultures in Design 2 15 credits
A further orientation to the design studio environment, with specific emphasis on collaboration and working within the context of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
View full course detailsCourse code: 197390 Professional Cultures in Design 3 15 credits
Develop skills and knowledge for a future career in design. Students will be supported in developing professionalism within the context of designer-client relationships.
View full course detailsCourse code: 213170 Professional Cultures in Art 1 15 credits
An introduction to developing artistic practice, with specific emphasis on ethics, fine art cultures, learning, and positionality.
View full course detailsCourse code: 213270 Professional Cultures in Art 2 15 credits
A further orientation to developing artistic practice, with specific emphasis on working with and within communities, and practicing within the context of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
View full course detailsCourse code: 213370 Professional Cultures in Art 3 15 credits
Learn skills and knowledge to develop sustainable art practice within Aotearoa.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289150 Professional Cultures in Screen Arts 1 15 credits
An introduction to professional literacies and industry best practices for building a sustainable and healthy career in the field of Screen Arts. Tauira will also be supported in gaining communication and interpersonal skills and develop their personal growth and engagement in learning.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289250 Professional Cultures in Screen Arts 2 15 credits
This course further develops concepts related to industry best practice for building a sustainable and healthy career in the field of Screen Arts. Tauira will continue to be supported in developing their communication and interpersonal skills and strengthen personal and growth and engagement in learning at this level.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289350 Professional Cultures in Screen Arts 3 15 credits
Develop professional skills in preparation for a career in the creative industries. Tauira will be supported in developing professional communication and presentation skills and to continue to strengthen personal growth and engagement in learning at this level.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298160 Mātauranga Toi Māori 1: Māori Practices as a Māori Creative Practitioner 15 credits
This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of customary practices and values within Te Ao Māori and their relevance in contemporary Māori creative practice. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical engagement, students will gain insights into the cultural context shaping Māori creative expression and its significance in fostering personal and communal growth.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298260 Mātauranga Toi Māori 2: Māori Creative Practices and Cultural Continuity 15 credits
Building upon the foundational concepts introduced in Māori Practices as a Māori Creative Practitioner, this course delves deeper into the intricate relationship between Māori creative practices and cultural continuity within Te Ao Māori. Through an advanced exploration of theoretical frameworks, hands-on creative projects, and community engagement, students will further refine their understanding of the nuanced role of Tikanga Māori in shaping contemporary Māori creative practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298360 Mātauranga Toi Māori 3: Creative Innovation and Community Leadership 15 credits
This course propels students into the realm of Māori Arts Innovation and Community Leadership. By synthesizing foundational knowledge with advanced theoretical frameworks, innovative artistic projects, and community leadership principles, students will refine their skills as Māori Arts Practitioners and actively contribute to the evolution of Māori arts practices within a contemporary context.
View full course detailsSchedule B: Specialisations
Majors (Choose 120 credits from)
Mātauranga Toi Māori (135 credits)
Course code: 150106 Nga Hanga Whakairo: Traditional Māori Visual Art 15 credits
An introduction to the scope of Māori art with a view to recognising traditional elementary forms and their significance. Social and cultural dimensions will be considered and Māori art forms from pre-contact times to the present will be examined within the context of a dynamic and changing society.
View full course detailsCourse code: 150206 Ngā Momo Whakairo: Contemporary Māori Visual Art 15 credits
An interpretation of the design structures that constitute Māori art from a bicultural perspective together with an examination of the factors that determine stylistic change.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298157 Toi Ᾱtea 1 15 credits
An introduction to the development of personal forms of expression though an engagement with the values, concepts, traditions, art/design forms and structures of the whare whakairo.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298160 Mātauranga Toi Māori 1: Māori Practices as a Māori Creative Practitioner 15 credits
This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of customary practices and values within Te Ao Māori and their relevance in contemporary Māori creative practice. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical engagement, students will gain insights into the cultural context shaping Māori creative expression and its significance in fostering personal and communal growth.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298260 Mātauranga Toi Māori 2: Māori Creative Practices and Cultural Continuity 15 credits
Building upon the foundational concepts introduced in Māori Practices as a Māori Creative Practitioner, this course delves deeper into the intricate relationship between Māori creative practices and cultural continuity within Te Ao Māori. Through an advanced exploration of theoretical frameworks, hands-on creative projects, and community engagement, students will further refine their understanding of the nuanced role of Tikanga Māori in shaping contemporary Māori creative practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298263 Toi Atea 2 15 credits
The development of individual work that grows out of the investigation of a select range of Māori concepts, art forms, imagery, values and approaches that reflect a Māori world view.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298330 Cosmological Narratives within Māori Creative Expression 15 credits
This advanced-level course delves into the intricate relationship between Māori cosmological narratives and their dynamic manifestation within contemporary Māori creative expression. Through an interdisciplinary exploration that encompasses art, design, music, theatre, and dance, students will analyse the evolving role of cosmological narratives, connecting traditional wisdom to modern artistic innovation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298360 Mātauranga Toi Māori 3: Creative Innovation and Community Leadership 15 credits
This course propels students into the realm of Māori Arts Innovation and Community Leadership. By synthesizing foundational knowledge with advanced theoretical frameworks, innovative artistic projects, and community leadership principles, students will refine their skills as Māori Arts Practitioners and actively contribute to the evolution of Māori arts practices within a contemporary context.
View full course detailsCourse code: 298367 Toi Atea 3 15 credits
Developing visual responses to the exploration of issues (social, political, environmental, global) significant to Māori people and their communities.
View full course detailsMusic Industry (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133167 Music Entrepreneurship 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to the various aspects of the music industry from a New Zealand perspective. Students gain a basic understanding of how to develop and manage music industry projects in a range of settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133168 Music Artist Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of artist development from the perspective of management, record labels and music publishers, including their role in discovering, aligning and project-managing artists. Students will also examine these concepts in relation to content and asset creation, digital music distribution, considering issues of quality and product development practices and strategy in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133260 Music Audience Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of audience development from the perspective of promotion companies, record labels and music management. Students will examine the music industry in relation to its audience by exploring the marketing and promoting of artists, music brands and other music related content. The course will also examine these concepts as applied to traditional media, digital music marketing and analytics, considering issues of quality and amplification strategies in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133267 Music Entrepreneurship 2 15 credits
Students explore how to commercialise products and services in the music industries. Students will be taken through the processes involved in bringing these products and services to market, such as identifying a target audience, promotions, pricing and release strategies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133360 Music Business Development 15 credits
In this course students will explore a number of key concepts and debates concerning music copyright, publishing, metadata, business structure, cashflow and finance. Students will gain an applied understanding of music rights, ownership, exploitation and monetisation. The course explores a range of contemporary challenges currently facing the music industry in New Zealand and internationally, and examines new and emerging music industry models.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133365 Music Entrepreneurship 3 15 credits
In this course students engage with the music industries via supervised real-world projects.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133368 Music Industry Major Project 30 credits
In this course students realise an ambitious major project by means of self-directed study under academic supervision and professional mentorship appropriate to their music industry major specialism. Students are required to work individually and in teams in and across majors displaying high levels of organisation demonstrating the culmination of creative, technical, critical and professional skills gained throughout the degree.
View full course detailsMusic Practice (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133175 Music Practice 1 15 credits
In this course students engage in the development of their musical practice. Through a variety of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students will be supported to achieve technical and artistic skills. Musical materials will be appropriate to a range of popular music practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133176 Music Production and Composition 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to production and composition techniques used in the creation of popular music. Students apply songwriting and production techniques as they gain practical knowledge of using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and creative methodologies for commercial and experimental outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133275 Music Practice 2 15 credits
In this course students engage in intermediate level study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups students are supported to gain a professional level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be appropriate to various musical disciplines representing a wide range of popular genres.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133276 Music Production and Composition 2 15 credits
In this course students further develop production and composition techniques to support linear and non-linear musical outcomes. Students compose, arrange and record original sound and music works using a range of tools, technologies, systems, architectures and technical frameworks used for various media platforms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133375 Music Practice 3 15 credits
In this course students engage in advanced study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students are supported in achieving an advanced level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be delivered and appropriate to the students musical discipline and chosen genre(s).
View full course detailsCourse code: 133376 Music Production and Composition 3 15 credits
In this course students develop musical understandings beyond conventional popular music forms. Students gain theoretical and critical concepts and techniques key to process and experimentation notating musical ideas through a diverse range of graphic and natural scores. Students extend their musical awareness by actively listening and responding in small improvisation groups supported by seminar discussions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133378 Music Practice Major Project 30 credits
In this course students work to produce and realise an ambitious major project by means of self-directed study under academic supervision and professional mentorship appropriate to their music practice major specialism. Students are required to work individually and in teams in and across majors displaying high levels of organisation, demonstrating and applying the culmination of technical, creative, critical and professional skills gained throughout the degree.
View full course detailsMusic Technology (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133185 Music and Sound Engineering 1 15 credits
In this course students gain a theoretical understanding of the key concepts, techniques and principles of sound. Technical and practical knowledge of sound are applied in studio and live environments to recording and mixing. Practical applications include analogue and digital signal processing, microphone workings and placement, monitoring, and planning and operating live music systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133186 Musical Interface and Interaction 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to design and representation techniques for musical interaction. Students develop an understanding of how performers and consumers interact with a range of music hardware and software, and apply this knowledge to design and develop new musical instruments, controllers, web and mobile music interfaces and experiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133281 Musical Interface and Interaction 2 15 credits
In this course students gain practical experiences working with physical computing and DSP to develop a range of new music technologies. Students are also supported in practical workshops to interface with a range of input and output devices with microcontrollers, to develop creative ideas and designs into working prototypes. Students combine software development with hardware and electronics and rapid prototyping tools.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133288 Music and Sound Engineering 2 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principals of sound and recording technologies and develop their technical and practical knowledge in studio techniques. Students develop recording skills in digital multi-track recording, complex microphone techniques, as well as skills in pre-production and post-production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133388 Music Technology Major Project 30 credits
In this course students realise an ambitious major project by means of self-directed study under academic supervision and professional mentorship appropriate to their music technology major specialism. Students are required to work individually and in teams in and across majors displaying high levels of organisation demonstrating the culmination of creative, technical, critical and professional skills gained throughout the degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133381 Musical Interface and Interaction 3 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical and technical knowledge of working with electronics and software programming to develop advanced new music technologies. Students are supported in practical development workshops to transform their creative ideas into prototype products.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133389 Advanced Sound and Music Technologies 15 credits
In this course students develop skills in advanced sound and music technologies that relate to both studio and live performance settings. Students explore the creative potentials of advanced industry standard hardware and software by applying practical and theoretical skills in a range of relevant musical contexts. Both commercial and experimental applications are explored via inter-disciplinary group projects.
View full course detailsMinors (Choose 60 credits from)
Music Industry (60 credits)
Compulsory course
Course code: 133267 Music Entrepreneurship 2 15 credits
Students explore how to commercialise products and services in the music industries. Students will be taken through the processes involved in bringing these products and services to market, such as identifying a target audience, promotions, pricing and release strategies.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selections
Course code: 133167 Music Entrepreneurship 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to the various aspects of the music industry from a New Zealand perspective. Students gain a basic understanding of how to develop and manage music industry projects in a range of settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133168 Music Artist Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of artist development from the perspective of management, record labels and music publishers, including their role in discovering, aligning and project-managing artists. Students will also examine these concepts in relation to content and asset creation, digital music distribution, considering issues of quality and product development practices and strategy in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133260 Music Audience Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of audience development from the perspective of promotion companies, record labels and music management. Students will examine the music industry in relation to its audience by exploring the marketing and promoting of artists, music brands and other music related content. The course will also examine these concepts as applied to traditional media, digital music marketing and analytics, considering issues of quality and amplification strategies in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133360 Music Business Development 15 credits
In this course students will explore a number of key concepts and debates concerning music copyright, publishing, metadata, business structure, cashflow and finance. Students will gain an applied understanding of music rights, ownership, exploitation and monetisation. The course explores a range of contemporary challenges currently facing the music industry in New Zealand and internationally, and examines new and emerging music industry models.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133365 Music Entrepreneurship 3 15 credits
In this course students engage with the music industries via supervised real-world projects.
View full course detailsMusic Practice (60 credits)
Compulsory course
Course code: 133276 Music Production and Composition 2 15 credits
In this course students further develop production and composition techniques to support linear and non-linear musical outcomes. Students compose, arrange and record original sound and music works using a range of tools, technologies, systems, architectures and technical frameworks used for various media platforms.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selections
Course code: 133175 Music Practice 1 15 credits
In this course students engage in the development of their musical practice. Through a variety of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students will be supported to achieve technical and artistic skills. Musical materials will be appropriate to a range of popular music practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133176 Music Production and Composition 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to production and composition techniques used in the creation of popular music. Students apply songwriting and production techniques as they gain practical knowledge of using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and creative methodologies for commercial and experimental outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133275 Music Practice 2 15 credits
In this course students engage in intermediate level study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups students are supported to gain a professional level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be appropriate to various musical disciplines representing a wide range of popular genres.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133277 Electronic Music 15 credits
In this course students develop a knowledge and understanding of the techniques used in the production and performance of electronic music, including synthesis, and the use of relevant software and analogue and digital hardware. Students are supported in the development of commercial and experimental outcomes via practical, creative and technical approaches.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133375 Music Practice 3 15 credits
In this course students engage in advanced study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students are supported in achieving an advanced level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be delivered and appropriate to the students musical discipline and chosen genre(s).
View full course detailsCourse code: 133376 Music Production and Composition 3 15 credits
In this course students develop musical understandings beyond conventional popular music forms. Students gain theoretical and critical concepts and techniques key to process and experimentation notating musical ideas through a diverse range of graphic and natural scores. Students extend their musical awareness by actively listening and responding in small improvisation groups supported by seminar discussions.
View full course detailsMusic Technology (60 credits)
Compulsory course selections
Course code: 133185 Music and Sound Engineering 1 15 credits
In this course students gain a theoretical understanding of the key concepts, techniques and principles of sound. Technical and practical knowledge of sound are applied in studio and live environments to recording and mixing. Practical applications include analogue and digital signal processing, microphone workings and placement, monitoring, and planning and operating live music systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133186 Musical Interface and Interaction 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to design and representation techniques for musical interaction. Students develop an understanding of how performers and consumers interact with a range of music hardware and software, and apply this knowledge to design and develop new musical instruments, controllers, web and mobile music interfaces and experiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133281 Musical Interface and Interaction 2 15 credits
In this course students gain practical experiences working with physical computing and DSP to develop a range of new music technologies. Students are also supported in practical workshops to interface with a range of input and output devices with microcontrollers, to develop creative ideas and designs into working prototypes. Students combine software development with hardware and electronics and rapid prototyping tools.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133288 Music and Sound Engineering 2 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principals of sound and recording technologies and develop their technical and practical knowledge in studio techniques. Students develop recording skills in digital multi-track recording, complex microphone techniques, as well as skills in pre-production and post-production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133381 Musical Interface and Interaction 3 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical and technical knowledge of working with electronics and software programming to develop advanced new music technologies. Students are supported in practical development workshops to transform their creative ideas into prototype products.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133389 Advanced Sound and Music Technologies 15 credits
In this course students develop skills in advanced sound and music technologies that relate to both studio and live performance settings. Students explore the creative potentials of advanced industry standard hardware and software by applying practical and theoretical skills in a range of relevant musical contexts. Both commercial and experimental applications are explored via inter-disciplinary group projects.
View full course detailsSchedule C: Elective courses
Any other courses offered by the University and may include (Choose no more than 60 credits from)
Course code: 133178 Introduction to Ableton Live 15 credits
Students will learn techniques for music production on the Albeton Live digital audio workstation and relevant music technologies. Students will gain basic technical and theoretical skills in music production via Ableton Live, as well as practical understanding of how Ableton Live is used in a range of musical applications and contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133179 Vocal Performance and Production 15 credits
Learn the fundamentals of vocal techniques and production skills relevant to a broad range of styles. Students explore the basic anatomy of the voice, vocal health, and live skills alongside studio techniques and etiquette. The course does not require an audition or existing vocal training, and comprises lectures as well as practical group-based vocal and production workshops.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133190 Creative Arts Special Topic 1A 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of creative arts. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133191 Contemporary Music Project 1A 15 credits
Students will be introduced to producing a creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133192 Contemporary Music Project 1B 15 credits
Students will be introduced to producing a creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133277 Electronic Music 15 credits
In this course students develop a knowledge and understanding of the techniques used in the production and performance of electronic music, including synthesis, and the use of relevant software and analogue and digital hardware. Students are supported in the development of commercial and experimental outcomes via practical, creative and technical approaches.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133287 Applied Lighting and Visuals for Music 15 credits
In this course students develop advanced skills in lighting and audio-visual technologies for a broad range of creative musical applications. Students apply a theoretical understanding of the relationship between sound and image via the creative lighting and interactive visual technologies. Students are supported in the development of commercial and experimental audiovisual outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133290 Creative Arts Special Topic 2A 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of creative arts. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133291 Creative Arts Special Topic 2B 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of creative arts. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133292 Contemporary Music Project 2B 15 credits
Students will produce an applied creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133390 Creative Arts Special Topic 3A 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of creative arts. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133391 Creative Arts Special Topic 3B 15 credits
Students will produce an advanced creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches.
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