Bachelor of Music
Prepare to thrive as a professional musician.
Our Bachelor of Music covers all the skills and knowledge you need to be a multi-faceted professional musician. It’s built around collaboration - you’ll learn the foundational skills and apply them in group projects and classes that directly mirror the real world of the music industry.
More than half the programme content is practical in nature, a higher proportion than most music degrees in New Zealand. This includes regular structured rehearsals, in-class demonstrations and numerous performance opportunities including concerts and gigs with staff and other students. With such a focus on the practical, you’re a musician from day one at Ara.
The degree offers three pathways: Music Creation (composition), Music Performance and Music Production. This choice lets you specialise in the area you’re passionate about, while learning alongside and working with musicians from other pathways. Your third-year capstone project allows you to design your own major project (which can include a work placement if relevant) with dedicated specialist tutor support.
At Ara you’ll learn from a great team of tutors who are each also professional, working musicians. They perform, write and record across the country, from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to Salmonella Dub and everything in between.
Music audition dates:
- 30 September
- 1 October
- 2, 3 and 4 December
- Late applications accepted
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
- Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
- Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)
- OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
You are also required to:
- Attend an audition to evaluate musical skills (Music Performance pathway). The audition will include a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview
- Supply a portfolio of musical outputs (Music Creation / Music Production pathways) and attend an interview / theory / aural test
- Complete the Additional Requirements Form
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
All applicants are sbject to a selection process to ensure suitability for this degree
Applicants are auditioned, which includes a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview
The audition panel is comprised of the programme leader and specialist tutors from the degree programme. Applicants are ranked based on their audition score.
Depending on that ranking, applicants will be offered a place in the degree (or another programme) subject to any pending entry requirements being met (NCEA results etc)
An offer of place on the degree may be conditional on the completion of a short course (e.g. summer theory school) or other recommended tuition
To ensure a balanced programme, specific numbers of each instrument are accepted each year
Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking (within those instruments)
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
Music is a portfolio career and this degree sets you up perfectly to excel in the ‘gig economy’. As a graduate you’ll possess a comprehensive and varied set of skills, backed up by a working knowledge of the industry and how to establish your place within it.
Possible career outcomes include:
Professional musician
Performer, composer, songwriter, arranger, musical director, instrumentalist, music consultant, music contractor.
Professional performance
Performer, singer, songwriter, band or orchestra member, backing musician, soloist, cruise ship performer, studio session musician, theatre pit orchestral player, private or commissioned performer (e.g. wedding/corporate event, hotel and tourism).
Creative industries
Composer (multimedia, film soundtrack/scores, advertising jingles, documentary/TV series), performer/producer, broadcast composer (music library composition and production), theatre and installation sound designer, music producer, computer/website/gaming music composer, music software developer, performance art exponent, presenter.
Education
Music teacher, music tutor/lecturer, music therapist, musicologist, ethnomusicologist.
Events and music management
Event planner, venue management, promoter, artist manager.
Study pathways
As a graduate of this programme you can continue your studies with Ara’s Master of Creative Practice or a postgraduate qualification in music from any other institute. You could also move into teaching with a postgraduate diploma in education. Music therapy or sound engineering could be other options, with further study.
Bachelor of Music
Prepare to thrive as a professional musician.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH4087 |
| Next Starts | February 2025 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| Reference | CH4087-MAIN |
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
You are also required to:
- Attend an audition to evaluate musical skills (Music Performance pathway). The audition will include a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview
- Supply a portfolio of musical outputs (Music Creation / Music Production pathways) and attend an interview / theory / aural test
- Complete the Additional Requirements Form
Credit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
- Music Additional Requirements Audition Form PDF, 60 KB
Area of Interest
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